Application of Analytic Network Process for Selecting the Best Surface Irrigation Method: A Case Study of Birjand Plain, Eastern Iran

Lack of water is one of the major challenges in Iran and it is important to attention to water management especially in agriculture, Due to it located in arid and semi-arid region. For this purpose, this research was conducted to determine the best surface irrigation method in Birjand plain by using of Analytic Network Process (ANP). Three irrigation methods (furrow, border and basin) as main criteria and EC, land dimension, soil texture, air temperature, land slope, weeds, agriculture machinery, available water and rainfall as sub-criteria were considered. Results showed that land slope, land dimension and soil texture had more weight rather than other factors. On the other hand, EC and air temperature showed less weight so that had a weight reduction about 30% compared to mention three factors. Final weights for furrow, border and basin irrigation were 0.6, 0.29 and 0.08, respectively. Therefore, furrow irrigation recommend as an appropriate method to irrigation in Birjand plain.