Hydraulic and Economic Analysis of Integrated Sprinkler and Drip Irrigation Systems in Irrigation Network of Tropical System of Ilam Province

The semi-portable sprinkler irrigation system is a base irrigation system in the irrigation network of tropical region in Ilam province. The climatic condition of tropical regions of Ilam, especially Mehran plain, is such that the average wind speed in May to September is more than 16 km/h and the use of sprinkler irrigation due to high temperature, low relative humidity and high wind speed faces to a severe limitations. For this purpose, it is necessary to develop a system that is able to cover land in summer planting which is not suitable for sprinkler irrigation. The objective of this research was to study the hydraulic and economic feasibility of switching sprinkler irrigation systems into drip tape irrigation (integrated) in summer planting. For this purpose, different scenarios for developing of infrastructures required for converting sprinkler irrigation to drip tape irrigation system were designed and then these scenarios were analyzed in terms of hydraulic (Water-GEMS software) and economic factors. The results showed that the cost of provision and implementation of infrastructure for converting sprinkler irrigation to drip tape irrigation system is ranged between 15.1 to 15.8 million Rials (5.7 % total costs of the Sub-network) and the annual operating cost is 19 million Rials. Development of integrated irrigation systems at 12350 hectares of arable lands, will save water consumption by 8.85 MCM and increase net revenues from 145709 to 165731 million Rials.