Abstract
The main objective of this study was to compare different irrigation systems based on a parametric evaluation system in an area of 3070 ha on the Dasht Bozorg Plain, Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran. Soil properties in the study area such as texture, depth, electrical conductivity, drainage, calcium carbonate content and slope were derived from a semi-detailed soil study carried out on the Dasht Bozorg Plain on a scale of 1:20 000. Once the soil properties were analysed and evaluated, suitability maps were generated for surface, sprinkle and drip irrigation systems using remote sensing (RS) techniques and GIS (Geographic Information System). The results showed that for 1567.6 ha (51.1%) in the study area sprinkle irrigation was highly recommended, whereas for 1876.6 ha (61.3%) in the study area drip irrigation would be extremely efficient and suitable. However, there were no highly suitable lands for surface irrigation, but for all irrigation systems no unsuitable land exists in the study area. The results showed that by applying sprinkle irrigation instead of drip and surface irrigation, the arability of 1611.6 ha (52.5%) on the Dasht Bozorg Plain will improve. In addition, by applying drip irrigation instead of sprinkle or surface irrigation, the land suitability of 802.4 ha (26.2%) on this plain will improve. A comparison of the different types of irrigation systems revealed that sprinkle and drip irrigation were more effective and efficient than surface irrigation for improving land productivity. It is noteworthy, however, that the main limiting factor in using sprinkle and/or drip irrigation in this area is the soil calcium carbonate content and the main limiting factors in using surface irrigation are soil calcium carbonate content together with drainage.
Published Version
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