Identifying Optimal Sites for a Rainwater-Harvesting Agricultural Scheme in Iran Using the Best-Worst Method and Fuzzy Logic in a GIS-Based Decision Support System

Abstract

<jats:p>Rainwater-harvesting (RWH) agriculture has been accepted as an effective approach to easing the overexploitation of groundwater and the associated socioeconomic impacts in arid and semiarid areas. However, the stability and reliability of the traditional methods for selecting optimal sites for RWH agriculture need to be further enhanced. Based on a case study in Tehran Province, Iran, this study proposed a new decision support system (DSS) that incorporates the Best-Worst Method (BWM) and Fuzzy logic into a geographic information system (GIS) environment. The probabilistic analysis of the rainfall pattern using Monte Carlo simulation was conducted and adopted in the DSS. The results have been demonstrated using suitability maps based on three types of RWH systems, i.e., pans and ponds, percolation tanks, and check dams. Compared with traditional methods, the sensitivity analysis has verified that the proposed DSS is more stable and reliable than the traditional methods. Based on the results, a phase-wise strategy that shifts the current unsustainable agriculture to a new paradigm based on RWH agriculture has been discussed. Therefore, this DSS has enhanced the information value and thus can be accepted as a useful tool to ease the dilemma resulting from unsustainable agriculture in arid and semiarid areas.</jats:p>

Lógica Fuzzy na Agricultura: Breve Histórico

“…Modelagem fuzzy para identificar áreas sensíveis a erosão do solo pelo vento usando dados de informações geográficas, sensoriamento remoto nas porções áridas e semiáridas na Sérvia. (Aghaloo & Chiu, 2020) Identifying optimal sites for a rainwater-harvesting agricultural scheme in iran using the best-worst method and fuzzy logic in a GISbased decision support system É proposto um sistema de suporte a decisão geográfica utilizando BWM e logica fuzzy para tornar sustentável a agricultura dependente da água da chuva no ambiente árido e semiárido no Iran. (Coulon-Leroy et al, 2013) Imperfect knowledge and data-based approach to model a complex agronomic feature -Application to vine vigor…”

Identification of Water-Reuse Potentials to Strengthen Rural Areas in Water-Scarce Regions—The Case Study of Wuwei

“…Furthermore, location analysis for the proposed new WWTPs and water-reuse plants can be identified by using the best-worst method in a GIS-based Decision Support System (DSS). This method was used, for instance, to identify optimal sites for a rainwater-harvesting agriculture scheme in Iran to ease the overexploitation of groundwater [39].…”

Development of a Graded Biodiversity Assessment (GBA) Index for the Assessment of the Biodiversity of Managed Natural Forests

“…The outcomes demonstrated that the data produced using the BWM were reliable and consistent [25]. (e) Choosing the best sites for rainwater-harvesting agriculture in arid and semiarid regions, using GIS data and rainfall patterns [26]. (f) Evaluating the Grey mangrove reforestation process reported for the first time in the Persian Gulf.…”