Optimal reservoir operation for irrigation of multiple crops

Abstract

A model for the optimal operating policy of a reservoir for irrigation under a multiple crops scenario using Stochastic Dynamic Programming (SDP) is developed. Intraseasonal periods smaller than the crop growth stage durations form the decision intervals of the model to facilitate irrigation decisions in real situations. Reservoir storage, inflow to the reservoir and the soil moisture in the irrigated area are treated as state variables. An optimal allocation process is incorporated in the model to determine the allocations to individual crops when a competition for water exists among them. The model also serves as an irrigation scheduling model in that at any given intraseason period it specifies whether irrigation is needed and if it is, the amount of irrigation to be applied to each crop. The impact on crop yield due to water deficit and the effect of soil moisture dynamics on crop water requirements are taken into account. A linear root growth of the crop is assumed until the end of the vegetative stage, beyond which the root depth is assumed to be constant. The applicability of the model is demonstrated through a case study of an existing reservoir in India.