Evaluating the Effectiveness of Pressurized Irrigation Systems in Iran

In recent years, some experts stated that the development of new irrigation systems has led to an increase in irrigated area resulting increase water consumption from reservoirs and reducing aquifer charging. Because they do not have a positive effect on the water balance of the basin, they are considered as inefficient activities. Critics states irrigation methods do not really save water. They believe that in estimating the efficiency of irrigation, runoff and deep percolation are not part of the losses and can be used in some way. The key point in evaluating the effectiveness of modern irrigation systems should be based on the expected capabilities. In other words, the scale of the systems must be specified. Naturally, the performance of the irrigation systems in the agricultural sector with the aim of preventing water losses (increasing irrigation efficiency and water productivity) on a farm scale. Studies show that with the implementation of modern irrigation systems during the last three decades, the irrigation efficiency in the country has increased from 29.7 in the 1990 decade to 43.8% in the 2010 decade. Its main message is to reduce water losses inside the farm and the effectiveness of these systems. Therefore, as expected from modern irrigation systems, reduction of runoff losses and deep percolation and water supply in the root zone of the plant has been successful. Due to the lack of control over water abstraction from reservoirs, its effects on the basin scale and groundwater aquifers may not be tangible. The solution to these cases is related to other responsible organizations.