An Investigation of Irrigation Methods Based on the Parametric Evaluation Approach in Arayez Plain - IRAN

The main objective of this research is to compare different irrigation methods based upon a parametric evaluation system in an area of 54 000 ha in the Arayez plain – Iran. The results demonstrated that by applying sprinkle irrigation instead of surface and drip irrigation methods, the arability of 35 855.73 ha (66.40%) in the Arayez Plain will improve. In addition by applying drip Irrigation instead of surface and sprinkle irrigation methods, the land suitability of 16 644.27 ha (30.82%) of this Plain will improve. The comparison of the different types of irrigation techniques revealed that the sprinkle and drip irrigations methods were more effective and efficient than the surface irrigation methods for improving land productivity. It is of note however that the main limiting factor in using different irrigation methods in this area are soil texture, salinity & alkalinity, drainage, calcium carbonate content and slope.