Abstract
This paper describes the formulation of a model for optimized crop and water planning decisions in an irrigation system in Thailand. It facilitates consultation in which representatives of stakeholders, officials, farmers, and researchers can contribute to the decision making. Linear programming and the analytical hierarchy process are the principal modeling tools to optimize the collective system objectives: productivity, equity, and security. The results of the model are compared with observed events of one dry season. The optimized policy generated by the model suggested a diversified cropping pattern, which would decrease the water requirement by 16.4% and enhance net benefit per cubic meter of water used by 39.9%. The erratic water availability from the reservoir and the operational procedures inside the system are reviewed, analyzing historical data in terms of reliability, resiliency, and vulnerability. These include lack of proper assessment of available water, effective farmer organization, and prompt data processing and communication. Furthermore, for the effective implementation of an optimized irrigation policy, a water release pattern of the storage reservoir has been suggested.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 302-310 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering |
Volume | 127 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2001 Sep |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Water Science and Technology
- Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous)