Locating the priority of implementing various types of pressurized irrigation systems using GIS software and AHP model, Case study: Dez plain

Efficient use of water, in addition to increasing production efficiency, can lead to a return on investment with an emphasis on conserving water resources and the environment. One of the ways to use water optimally in agriculture can be the application of technology of pressurized irrigation systems. In this study, using AHP hierarchical analysis process in GIS software environment, the priority of implementing different pressurized irrigation systems (classical fixed, Wheel Move, linear and localized mechanization)  in Dez plain was investigated. This plain is the widest plain and one of the most important agricultural hubs of Khuzestan province. For this purpose, effective criteria in the implementation of each irrigation method, including two main criteria of socio-economic and field physics, each of which has several sub-criteria were considered. Then, the criteria and sub-criteria were scored from 1 to 9 according to the hierarchical scoring table, and after calculating the geometric mean of the final weight of the criteria and sub-criteria for each option, the final scores were entered into the GIS and graphic maps were obtained to prioritize the implementation of each irrigation method. The final maps were obtained to several levels of classification and the final score of each irrigation system by weighting the average percentage of area and the priority of each type of pressurized irrigation methods to be implemented in Dez plain was determined. The results showed that 80.46 and 18.54% of the total area of the plain are suitable for sprinkler and local irrigation, respectively, and the fixed classic irrigation system with the highest score was selected as a higher priority for this research.