System Dynamics Model for Integrated Environmental Assessment of Large Scale Surface Irrigation

Abstract

Problems of irrigation systems performance and agricultural environment in large scale surface irrigation is analysed with a dynamic simulation model. Present model is a simplified and validated version of an original model built for the analysis of relevant problems in Southeast Turkey. Model consists of components representing farmlands, land and water development, irrigation and salinization, soil nutrients and pest dynamics. In addition, population dynamics and urban development are integrated. Model components include hypothesis on irrigation authorities’ and farmers’ decisions on irrigation release, water consumption, land transformation, crop selection and fertilizer and pesticide application. Structure and behaviour analysis of the model helps understanding the effects of represented decisions on the irrigation system performance and agricultural environment in the long term at regional level. Model structure can further be explored and custom tailored for educational and managerial use in specific case studies.