Development Quantitative Index, and Model to Determine the Available and Achievable Flexibility in Irrigation Networks

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Water Engineering and Management, Faculty of Agriculture, the University of Tarbiat Modares, Tehran, Iran.

10.22059/jwim.2025.387052.1193

Abstract

Improving water productivity in irrigation networks requires increasing the authority of irrigation management and flexibility in water delivery. Increasing flexibility requires determining the existing flexibility. According to the capacity of the canals and water distribution management facilities, it is possible to determine the achievable flexibility and the amount of its increase. In this research, considering four water delivery factors, including flow rate, irrigation frequency, irrigation duration, and advance notice (pre-request time), and their weighting factors a quantitative flexibility index determination method is presented. The flexibility that can be achieved is determined by changing the range of water delivery factors and respecting the irrigation canal capacity. This research was conducted for 9 networks in different regions of Iran. The average flexibility in the surveyed networks was estimated at 19%, which is very low and should be improved. To determine the achievable flexibility, a model was prepared and implemented for the Eastern Aghili canal as an example. The design capacity of this canal is far from the current operating capacity, so there is significant scope for increasing its flexibility. The current flexibility of this canal is estimated at 45% and its maximum attainable flexibility at 86%. Flow delivery factors in accordance with the maximum flexibility are the maximum utilization capacity of 41.4 cubic meters per second, the irrigation frequency of 1 day, the minimum irrigation duration of 5 hours, and the minimum pre-request time of 1 day. By using the presented method and the provided model, it is possible to choose any suitable combination of delivery factors that improves flexibility according to the management policies, water delivery methods, existing facilities, and farmers' viewpoints.

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Main Subjects

References

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Water and Irrigation Management
Volume 15, Issue 1
May 2025
Pages 37-53

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