This study utilizes a system dynamics approach (SD) to assess the effects of water productivity improvement strategies on the Qazvin plain, Iran, and the uncertainty of the individual and interactive effects. The key indicators included in the important strategies are cropping pattern scenarios (CPS), deficit irrigation (DI), and modern irrigation systems development (MISD). Plain-scale results show that CPS 7, CPS 4, and CPS 8 had the highest physical water productivity (WP_p) at 2.11, 1.99, and 1.95 kg/m3, respectively, representing a 21, 14, and 12 percent increase over CPS 1. Compared with CPS 1, CPS 4, CPS 6, and CPS 8 showed the highest values of WP_e (5678, 5568, and 5503 Rials/m³, respectively). At the field scale, under DI, WP_p increased for all crops (except corn, which was the most sensitive), but WP_e is only increased for tomato, canola, pea, and barley and reduced for corn, potato, beans, lentils, and sugar beet. The WP_e was affected by the DI, the irrigation system type, and the CPS. CPS 7 and CPS 6 had the highest and lowest water requirements, respectively, with 11,699 and 8207 m3/ha. Volume decline in aquifers is significantly affected by both CPS and DI. The CPS6, CPS8, and CPS2 were better than other scenarios. By modifying the cropping pattern, it is possible to prevent aquifer decline, thus improving the aquifer status (CPS5). MISD increased both field and plain WP_p for all crops. The MISD improved groundwater resources and reduced demand by increasing efficiency to improve aquifer condition.

Background: Due to the complexity and interdependence of water resources, the evaluation of the efficiency of water resources management is difficult. So, it is necessary to use effective modeling methods to study and recognize the feedback loops available in water resources systems. Regarding the importance of domestic water for the ...

The NENA region faces serious challenges in achieving sustainable development due to water scarcity problems, especially in the agricultural sector. Identifying the most effective irrigation method for agricultural fields can have a positive impact on water consumption and management in this region. The purpose of this study is to develop an analytical hierarchy process for determining the best irrigation system for date palm trees in the NENA region. Iran was selected as the case study, and the Expert Choice software was used. Using document studies, library and field data, and the opinions of 42 experts, the most important criteria and sub-criteria were identified. Based on the results of the evaluations, there were 39.1%, 8.9%, 21.0%, 19.9%, and 11.0% effects of technical, economic, social, operation and maintenance, and environmental criteria on selecting the suitable irrigation system, respectively. For palm fields in Khuzestan, a furrow irrigation system with low-pressure water distribution pipes was determined to be the most appropriate irrigation system. The bubbler irrigation system is the most suitable irrigation system for Bushehr. In Kerman, Sistan, and Baluchestan, bubbler and sprayer irrigation systems were introduced as the most effective irrigation systems. Using the model presented in this study, useful, comprehensive, and practical results can be obtained for evaluating and ranking irrigation systems in the NENA region and similar water-scarce arid regions. It is also suggested that a database for palm irrigation be developed in the NENA region in order to achieve the goals of sustainable development.