Determination of Suitable Zone of Drip Irrigation using Analytical Hierarchy Process Method in South Khorasan Province

Limitation of available water resources and crisis of water scarcity has been discussed in water conferences since a long time ago. In Iran’s climatic conditions, the most important problem for increasing agricultural production is limitation of available water resources. Drip irrigation methods are one of the suitable solutions for efficient use of water resources under a condition that selection, design, implementation and operation of drip irrigation systems would perform precisely. In this study, potential and suitability of drip irrigation systems in South Khorasan province was analyzed according to climatic conditions, quality of groundwater resources, topographical status and soil profile areas. To do this, all the effective parameters in drip irrigation are zonated and classified using software Arc GIS 9.3 and then using computational average method in AHP they are turned into a map to find suitable places for drip irrigation in the province. According to the study, about 50 percent of the land in South Khorasan province has the ability to use the drip irrigation system. The remaining 50 percent can also be used for drip systems if improved, with the exception of 9 plains. However, the performed drip irrigation plans are rare in this province and there should be more efforts to inform farmers to develop such systems in this province.