Prove of concept of a global evaluation of the value of information for the management of deficit irrigation systems

Abstract

<p>Due to climate change, extreme weather conditions such as droughts may have an increasing impact on the water demand and the productivity of irrigated agriculture. For the purpose of adaptation to changing climate conditions, the value of information about irrigation control strategies, future climate development and soil conditions for the operation of deficit irrigation systems is evaluated. To treat climate and soil variability within one simulation optimization framework for irrigation scheduling we formulated a probabilistic framework that is based on Monte Carlo simulations. The framework can support decisions when full, deficit and supplemental irrigation strategies are applied. For the a global analysis the Deficit Irrigation Toolbox (DIT) is now adapted for a global analysis using ERA5 reanalysis data and large ensemble CESM scenarios for the global climate . It allows the analysis of the impact of information of (i) different scheduling methods (ii) different crop models, (iii) climate variability using recent and future climate scenarios. The results show a prove of concept which facilitates the development of an easy-to-use support tool for decisions about the value of management, climate and soil data and/or a cost benefit analysis of farm irrigation on a local scale.</p>