Determination of Land Suitability for Drip Irrigation System Implementation Using AHP Method

Indiscriminate consumption of water in the agricultural sector has led to a decrease in renewable water resources in Iran. Simultaneous development and management of new irrigation systems is one of the important strategies to reduce agricultural water consumption. In the present study, land suitability classification map for drip irrigation was prepared using AHP method in the Zanjan plain. For this purpose, selection criteria for the installation of the drip irrigation systems including water quality factors, soil characteristics, topography, economic, social and cultural indicators were considered using the AHP process. Based on land suitability classification map, about 45% of the studied area were classified as suitable and highly suitable, 25% as moderately suitable and 30% as not suitable class for drip irrigation systems. Investigation of the implemented projects showed that 79% of the projects were performed in land with suitable or highly suitable classes and 21% in moderately suitable or not suitable land. The results of this study indicated that using AHP method could be useful in selecting the proper irrigation method by considering the effective criteria.