Comparison of Different Irrigation Methods Based On the Parametric Evaluation Approach in Chikan and Mourzian Subbasin, Iran

Abstract

Increasing world population has led to the production of more foods and crops, while agricultural lands have decreased. Then, it is necessary to use the maximum potential of these lands, which produce maximum yield without any damage. To reach this objective, land suitability evaluation is the most important way that can reach this objective. The main objective of this research was to compare different irrigation methods based on a parametric evaluation system in an area of 100 ha in the Chikan and Morzian Subbasin of the Fars province, in the south of Iran. After preparing the land unit map, 10 points were selected for sampling. Soil properties were evaluated and analyzed. Suitability maps for drop and gravity irrigation were generated using GIS technique. The result revealed land suitability of 71.9 ha (71.9%) of the case study was classified as permanently not suitable (N2) and 28.1 ha (28.1%) currently not suitable (N1) for gravity irrigation. On the other hand, land suitability of 47.3 ha (47.3%) of the case study was classified as permanently not suitability (N2), 28.5 ha (28.5%) currently not suitable (N1), and 24.3 ha (24.3%) marginally suitable (S3) for drop irrigation. The limiting factors for drop irrigation were slope and for gravity irrigation were slope and drainage.