To convert the irrigation rate from milliliters per hour (mL/hr) to liters per square meter per hour (L/m².h), we need to consider the area of the column.

First, let's calculate the cross-sectional area of the column. The diameter of 125 mm gives a radius of 62.5 mm (or 0.0625 m). Using the formula for the area of a circle (A = πr²), we find:

A = π(0.0625)^2 = 0.01227 m²

Next, we can convert the irrigation rate from mL/hr to L/m².h. Since 1 liter is equal to 1000 milliliters, the conversion factor is:

1 L = 1000 mL

Therefore, to convert 96 mL/hr to L/m².h, we can use the following calculation:

(96 mL/hr) x (1 L/1000 mL) x (1/0.01227 m²) = 7.82 L/m².h

So, the irrigation rate of 96 mL/hr is approximately equal to 7.82 L/m².h for a column with a diameter of 125 mm and a length of 2 m.