Development of an irrigation decision support system and investigation of its compatibility with the conditions of the Mahabad irrigation and drainage network

Introduction Irrigation decision support systems (IDSS) are among the approaches considered a tool in complex decision-making for water resource managers due to the enormous development of computer systems. Modernizing at different levels of water consumption can significantly increase water productivity indicators. Performing these conditions requires technological changes. The primary pillar of any IDSS system is its ability to adapt to environmental changes. This process allows the prediction model to compare predicted values with actual results and adjust automatically. IDSS systems for designing cropping patterns and optimal irrigation programs have the critical capabilities to control and manage optimal irrigation on large levels and water rights. These systems suggest the optimal cultivation pattern and dynamically provide the water consumption optimization schedule. According to previous studies, the most critical challenge of irrigation management is the limited amount of available water, which leads to the complexity of the optimal use of agricultural water in real conditions. One of the most important strategies to save Lake Urmia is to take necessary measures to reduce water consumption in the agricultural sector. One of the primary solutions to reduce water consumption in the agriculture sector is to decrease the loss of valuable and non-useful uses of agricultural water through the improvement of irrigation management. For this purpose, in the present study, the details of the adaptability of a developed IDSS system to improve irrigation management with the conditions of irrigation and drainage network, water and soil resources, climate, and vegetation in Mahabad Plain have been discussed.Materials and Methods To evaluate the IDSS, the downstream farms of the Mahabad irrigation and drainage network located southeast of Lake Urmia were selected. The Mahabad irrigation and drainage network consists of a diversion dam, two main canals, 11 2nd-grade canals, 69 main drains, and 10 water pumping stations. Four sites from the Mahabad irrigation and drainage network were chosen as selected sites. In each site, 20 farms were considered for monitoring the IDSS. The rest of the farms were under the control of the farmer, and only optimal irrigation programs were provided to the farmer by the IDSS. The general framework of the IDSS has been developed to achieve the goal of optimal management of water consumption in agriculture, taking into account the ti