Comparing Sprinkler and Surface Irrigation for Wheat Using Multi-Criteria Analysis: Water Saving vs. Economic Returns

Abstract

Abstract:Coping with water scarcity using supplemental irrigation of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the semi-arid northeast Syria is a great challenge for sustainable water use in agriculture. Graded borders and set sprinkler systems were compared using multi-criteria analysis. Alternative solutions for surface irrigation and for sprinkler systems were developed with the SADREG and the PROASPER design models, respectively. For each alternative, two deficit irrigation strategies were considered, which were characterized using indicators relative to irrigation water use, yields and water productivity, including farm economic returns. Alternatives were ranked considering two contrasting priorities: economic returns and water saving. A first step in ranking led to a selection of graded borders with and without precise land levelling and of solid set and semi-permanent sprinkler systems. Precise-levelled borders were better for water saving, while non-precise ones ranked higher for economic returns. Semi-permanent set systems have been shown to be better in economic terms and similar to solid set systems when water saving is prioritized. Semi-permanent sprinkler systems rank first when comparing all type of systems together regardless of the considered deficit irrigation strategy. Likely, border irrigation is appropriate when wheat is in rotation with cotton if the latter is surface irrigated. When peace becomes effective, appropriate economic incentives and training for farmers are required to implement innovative approaches.

Crop water requirements and crop coefficients for jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) using the SIMDualKc model and assessing irrigation strategies for the Syrian Akkar region

“…Several policy measures were implemented in those regions as well as in other agricultural areas in Syria to rationalize agricultural water use (Oweis et al, 2003;Varela-Ortega and Sagardoy, 2003;Sadiddin, 2013;Mourad and Alshihabi, 2016;Abou Zakhem et al, 2019), improve water and economic irrigation systems productivity/performance and farmers income (Fader et al, 2016;Darouich et al, 2012Darouich et al, , 2014Darouich et al, , 2017, modernize irrigation methods and management (Yigezu et al, 2013;Darouich et al, 2020), and improve fertigation techniques (Janat, 2007). As a result, and despite most endeavors have been destroyed by the on-going war, modern irrigation systems have been slowly replacing traditional surface irrigation systems due to water saving policies aimed at improving land and water productivity, as well as protecting local groundwater and downstream water bodies from diffuse pollution.…”

A review of strategies, methods and technologies to reduce non-beneficial consumptive water use on farms considering the FAO56 methods

“…It should be born in mind that costs and benefits play a major role when assessing respective water-saving issues, i.e. economic returns of irrigation tend to decrease when watersaving practices are adopted (Darouich et al 2014(Darouich et al , 2017.…”

Soil water balance models for determining crop water and irrigation requirements and irrigation scheduling focusing on the FAO56 method and the dual Kc approach

“…Performance scenarios may be the object of ranking, e.g. when DSS approaches adopt multi-criteria analysis as discussed by Darouich et al (2014Darouich et al ( , 2017, namely when the selection of irrigation schedules is tied to the performance of the irrigation method. However, the use of multicriteria analysis is rare in irrigation scheduling and, commonly, only simple comparisons of indicators are used (Paredes et al, 2014(Paredes et al, , 2017aPereira et al, 2015b).…”