Selection of the appropriate pressurized irrigation system using multi criteria evaluation (Case study: Jamishan irrigation network)

Given the diversity of pressurized irrigation systems, the matter of choosing the appropriate system is one important issue. The appropriate system(s) in each region could be determined considering several factors such as topography, soil characteristics, climate (especially temperature and wind), crop type, quantity and quality of water resource, labor requirement, farmer's skills, economic conditions and social and cultural contexts in the region. The aim of this research was ranking of the pressurized irrigation systems in the area of 6000 ha located in the Dinawar, Sahneh district in order to select the proper pressurized irrigation system(s) in the region. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used for ranking of the systems. For this purpose, affecting factors on the choice of irrigation system classified to physical and socio-economic categories and for each category related indicators were defined. The score of each criterion for each system was determined in the scale of -3 to based on the analysis of available data and reports in the study area. The overall score for each system was determined by weighted summation of the score of indicators. Only applicable system for areas with slope over 20% is localized irrigation system. The semi-classic and solid set-portable sprinkler irrigation systems are determined as the most appropriate irrigation systems for the area with slope less than 20 percent.