Assessing irrigation network performance based on different climate change and water supply scenarios: a case study in Northern Iran

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to investigate the performance of irrigation networks under climate change, through a case study of a sprinkler irrigation network in Bilesavar, Northern Iran. In this study, the performance of the irrigation network was evaluated using WaterGems in terms of the equity and the adequacy of pressure, and minimum and maximum velocity at the outlets based on different scenarios. The results showed that ETo may be around 6% higher than the baseline (1971-2000) by 2010-39, and 12% higher by 2050-79, consequently, irrigation requirements may be higher in the future. Owing to climate change, it was seen that the irrigation network may experience challenges in terms of pressure and discharge supply. With increasing demand on the network, equity and adequacy indices of pressure distribution were seen to decline. In order to adjust to these changes, adaption strategies such as changes in the area of cultivation showed the greatest impact in reducing the volume and demand of water in the network. In general, the results showed that the various potential climate change scenarios may have a significant impact on irrigation network performance.