optimization of water use and cropping patterns using field scale deficit irrigation: a case study in doroodzan irrigation network, fars province

in recognition of the value and limitations of available water resources in agriculture and the occurrence of periodic drought in iran, water conservation and optimal usage of available water is essential. the main objective of this study was to optimize field water management and cropping patterns using deficit irrigation. the effect of reducing water consumption on different growth stages using different irrigation strategies for major crops (wheat, barley, corn, sugar beet, rice) in doroodzan, fars province was studied. then, using these strategies, an objective function was defined and then optimized based on maximum net benefit using linear programming. the results of the study show that the optimal cropping pattern for the first season was mainly wheat and in the second season was corn. this study highlights the effect of water restriction in different growth stages on area cropping patterns for wheat and corn in the first and second seasons. the results show that the best time to perform deficit irrigation is in late vegetation, yield formation, and ripening stages for wheat and establishment and ripening stages for corn.