Developing a Decision Support System for Economic Analysis of Irrigation Applications in Temperate Zones

Climate variability and farmers’ desire to improve the crop yield have resulted in an increase irrigated agriculture mid-Atlantic region. However, huge initial capital cost associated with installation operation of irrigation systems is generally prohibitive, most farmers finding difficulty justifying expenditure, uncertainty overall return on their investment. The objective this study was develop a decision tool for temperate regions evaluate cost-benefit installations. developed economic model involved development component that balances expected return, based anticipated increases due supplemental irrigation, versus water, maintenance, costs system. Model included input relevant data required local calibration. Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) output files were used as basis into model. An irrigation-scheduling incorporated prescribe volumes each agricultural field defined within area interest. identifies prioritizes those fields which will result greatest terms increased production revenue. conducted Pocomoke river basin Coastal Plain Maryland’s eastern shore. Results showed system selection mainly influenced by water costs, lesser extent physical characteristics terrain properties.