Optimal reservoir release policy integrating irrigation scheduling

Abstract

Abstract In many irrigation systems, water plays a critical role for agricultural production as it is limited and variable. Important aspect of water management includes optimal allocation of water for irrigation to various crops grown under each canal of a reservoir considering the yield response to water deficit. In general, multi crops are grown under a canal system in the same season necessitating the allocation of water to each crop considering crop water requirement and yield response to deficits. In view of the deficits of water especially in dry seasons, importance of development of optimization models for allocation of water is recognised and being implemented from the last few decades. A Linear Programming model is formulated integrating fortnight reservoir releases with irrigation scheduling in a multi-crop environment considering root-zone soil moisture dynamics, yield response to water deficit and reservoir storage continuity minimizing reduction in crop yield. The Model formulated is demonstrated through a case-study of Gundlakamma Reservoir, India and results obtained are presented.