Optimization of Water Allocation in Irrigation Networks Considering Water Quantity and Quality Constrains, Case Study: Zayandehroud Irrigation Networks

Salinity and water deficiency are the major constraints of crop production in arid and semi arid areas. Plants in these areas may simultaneously be affected by salt stress and drought based on the water quality and quantity. Considering the limitations of water resources in such areas, optimization of product depth of irrigation is very important. The main goal of this study is to provide a water resource allocation optimization method according to the qualitative and quantitative restrictions in order to manage water allocation in droughts. Also to enhance the modelling efficiency, water allocations in irrigation networks, crop productions and their growing stages and irrigation periods are considered in the optimization procedure. Finally, the developed model is able to estimate crop yields as well as the optimal amounts of water allocation from reservoir to plant growth stages due to salinity and water resources constraints. Evaluation of proposed model in Zayandehroud irrigation network showed that the modeling system used in this study is able to cover required calculations for allocation and distribution of water between sub-networks, crops, and agricultural irrigation planning according to the qualitative and quantitative restrictions in water resources.