Investigation of surface, sprinkler and drip irrigation methods based on the parametric evaluation approach in Jaizan Plain

The main objective of this research is to compare different irrigation methods based upon a parametric evaluation system in an area of 15,000 ha in the Jaizan Plain, Iran. Once the soil properties were analyzed and evaluated, suitability maps were generated for surface, sprinkler and drip irrigation methods using Geographic Information System (GIS). The obtained results showed that for 5275 ha (35.17%) of the study area surface irrigation method was highly recommended; whereas for 7500 ha (50%) of the study area a sprinkler irrigation method would provide to be extremely efficient and suitable; moreover, it was found that 7325 ha (48.83%) of the study area was highly suitable for drip irrigation methods. The results demonstrated that by applying sprinkler irrigation instead of surface and drip irrigation methods, the arability of 13875 ha (92.5%) in the Jaizan Plain will improve. The comparison of the different types of irrigation techniques revealed that the sprinkler and drip irrigations methods were more effective and efficient than the surface irrigation methods for improving land productivity. It is of note however that the main limiting factor in using surface irrigation methods in this area was drainage and the main limiting factor in using sprinkler irrigation methods in this area were gravel soil texture, drainage and calcium carbonate and the main limiting factors in using drip irrigation methods were the drainage and calcium carbonate.