Irrigation planning: Integrated approach

An integrated optimization model is developed for planning irrigation systems. In this work, surface reservoir capacity, ground-water and spring withdrawal, delivery system capacities (including canals, pumping stations, and tunnels), hectares of land to be developed for irrigation, and cropping pattern are considered as interacting parts of the system. Moreover, the effect of the costs due to drainage, land leveling, and irrigation network construction are also considered. The model is capable of integrating other decision variables. The system is optimized by means of a chance-constraint optimization model. The model uses mixed integer linear programming to maximize the net benefit associated with the development. To linearize a collection of interrelated nonlinear cost functions, a new generalized technique is developed. Regarding the linearization of nonlinear cost functions, the technique reduces the size of the models and excludes any possible infeasibility that may occur in the models. Results generated by the application of the model, along with the sensitivity analysis, provide a tool to select the optimum design considering the varieties of criteria involved.