Assessing of cropping pattern in the Sistan region with emphasis on optimal water distribution

The Study's objective is to determine the optimal irrigation water allocation for wheat, barley, weed, and sorghum crops in the Sistan region.

The current research, using nonlinear multi-objective programming (MOP), aimed to maximize net profit while minimizing irrigation water use, risk taking, fertilizer and pesticide consumption in the Sistan region through an optimal cropping pattern. The data for the study were gathered by reviewing agricultural statistical yearbooks,

The findings of this study indicate that the Sistan region's current cropping pattern is not optimal. Continued use of this pattern will result in problems such as water scarcity and environmental pollution as a result of excessive chemical input consumption. The area under cultivation of some crops decreased, while others increased, with the goal of maximizing gross profit while minimizing irrigation water, fertilizer, and chemical pesticide consumption, as well as risk, which is motivated by product revenue and input usage. It is proposed, based on the findings of this study, to increase the proportion of water in products that earn more money per cubic meter of water consumed.

According to the findings of this study, it is necessary to prioritize environmental goals, which include reducing the use of chemical inputs in crop pattern optimization. Along with selecting an appropriate model and making the best use of available water and land resources, using the model can be an effective step toward increasing profits and mitigating environmental impacts.