Importance of Using Modern Irrigation Methods in Increase of Employment and Development of Rural Areas

Introduction and Background: Recent droughts have more than ever raised the use of modern irrigation methods and cultivating land having restrictions. This is especially important in rural areas. Aims: This research was conducted for studying the effect of new irrigation methods to increase the area under cultivation with saline and alkaline soils limitation for pistachio land utilization type in part of the south of Tehran province. Field studies were conducted such as drilling of 10 soil profiles, 10 augers and 86 soil sampling. various thematic maps such as soil map, land classification and suitability were prepared for two irrigation method as surface (traditional) and localized (modern) using auxiliaries’ data such as satellite imagery, geological and topographic maps and weather information and laboratory analysis result from soil sampling. The soils of region were classified at typic torrifluvents sub-group and differentiated at three series and six phases. Land classification study was conducted for bubbler and furrow irrigation method. Land suitability evaluation was handled according to selected irrigation method using parametric corrected land index method for pistachio land utilization type. The results showed the use of bubbler irrigation rather than one may lead to the promotion land classification classes (II S to I) or reduce limitations on a class (II STW to II W). The use of mentioned irrigation method enhances land suitability classes due to insensitivity to soil and land limitations such as topography and salinity (increased from N to S2n) or will reduce the number and severity of limitations. However, the change of irrigation method from traditional to modern needs high costs and demand greater levels of initial management, but in the long term, while increasing irrigation efficiency compensate the preliminary costs and reduce land modifying operations.