Environmental problems of salinization and poor drainage in irrigated areas: Management through the mathematical models

Abstract

The development of irrigated agriculture is vital to nourish the burgeoning world population but without apposite drainage stipulations, this development can result in environmental problems of salinization and waterlogging in irrigated agro-systems. These problems of irrigated areas were generally assessed by conventional methods which demand a lot of data. The progress in computer technology has offered the ability to precisely simulate hydrologic and agricultural processes more readily than expensive and time-consuming field trials. This paper provides an overview of the applications of various computer-based mathematical models in managing the poor drainage-induced salinization and waterlogging problems of agricultural areas. The analysis of past literature revealed that a universally appropriate and all-purpose model is not available yet because each model has its advantages, disadvantages and limitations, and data requirements. The paper, first, presents an introduction of the salinization and drainage problems of agricultural areas along with the implication of the study which is followed by the background of the problems. Then the application of DRAINMOD and other computer-based models for solving the problems are detailed. It also deals with the integrated use of diverse models for managing the salinization problems. The relevant case studies pertaining to the applications of various mathematical models across the world are described and conclusions of the study are summed up.