In the heart of Iran’s arid and semi-arid regions, a groundbreaking study led by Mahmood Akbari from the Department of Water Science and Engineering at Arak University is set to revolutionize modern irrigation systems. Published in the journal ‘Applied Water Science’ (translated from Persian as ‘مجله علوم آب کاربردی’), this research introduces a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) and Geographic Information System (GIS) framework that promises to enhance water productivity and sustainability in agriculture.
The study addresses a critical need in regions where water and soil resources are scarce. By improving irrigation efficiency, it paves the way for Precision Agriculture and Sustainable Development. Akbari and his team have developed a comprehensive method to identify suitable areas for modern irrigation systems and recommend the most appropriate system type. “Our goal was to create a robust framework that considers all the main influencing factors, from water resources and soil conditions to climate, social, economic, and cropping patterns,” Akbari explained.
The researchers selected 16 sub-criteria under six main criteria to assess the feasibility of five irrigation system options: Fixed Classic with movable sprinklers, Wheel Move and Gun sprinklers (SpCWG), Center Pivot and Linear irrigation machines (SpCL), Surface Trickle Irrigation (TrGT), Gated Pipes (SuGP), and Subsurface Trickle Irrigation (TrSS). Using the Delphi method and the CVR index, they defined and validated these criteria. The AHP-TOPSIS hybrid model was then applied to determine the weight of the sub-criteria, and classification and information layers were prepared for each sub-criterion.
The results were illuminating. For the SpCWG system, water resources and climate had the highest weights, with water electrical conductivity, chlorine, and long-term maximum wind speed strongly influencing the system. For the SuGP, SpCL, TrSS, and TrGT systems, the soil criterion had the highest weights, followed by water resources. “The soil texture and land slope were the most important sub-criteria in the soil criterion, while water electrical conductivity and chlorine were most significant in the water resources criterion,” Akbari noted.
The study’s case in Arak County, central Iran, demonstrated the effectiveness of the hybrid method. The TrGT system was identified as the most frequent first priority for lands irrigated by 600 wells (44%) and 78 aqueducts (46%). This research not only identifies suitable areas for modern irrigation systems but also recommends the appropriate system type, offering a comprehensive solution for enhancing water productivity and sustainability in agriculture.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. By providing a systematic approach to selecting and implementing modern irrigation systems, it can significantly improve water management on farms, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. This is particularly crucial in arid and semi-arid regions where water resources are limited. The study’s findings can guide policymakers, farmers, and agricultural businesses in making informed decisions about irrigation investments, ultimately contributing to the commercial viability and sustainability of the energy sector.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and water scarcity, innovative solutions like Akbari’s hybrid MCDM-GIS framework are more important than ever. This research not only shapes future developments in the field of irrigation but also offers a blueprint for achieving Precision Agriculture and Sustainable Development in water-scarce regions.