Purpose: to develop a digital decision support model for identifying and analyzing water distribution conflicts in an irrigation network and preparing informed decisions on water supply scheduling.
Materials and methods. To develop the model, the open-source QGIS program was used to prepare a correct cartographic base and Excel to execute the calculation block.
Results. During the development of the model, an information base of the model including several interconnected blocks was formed: the QGIS cartographic base, field passport, network passport, regulatory water consumption base, and calculation block. Based on these blocks, the water demand for each field was calculated as a volume of water, which was then converted into water flow. Next, the loads were aggregated by network elements: the needs of individual fields were summed up by the canals, outlets, or hydraulic structures through which water is supplied. The total estimated load was determined for each network element. After that, the total load was compared with the capacity of the corresponding network element. If the load factor exceeded one, such a section was identified as conflict-ridden or problematic, resulting in a capacity deficit. Identifying such sections is a key function of the decision support model. A key element of the developed model was the spatial logic of analyzing field locations along the canal. To achieve this, additional indicators were included in the model: field distance from the canal's beginning, ranking by distance, and grouping into “head – middle – tail” zones.
Conclusions. The developed model can be used by the operating organization as a tool for preliminary water distribution assessment, reducing conflicts, and improving the efficient use of limited water resources, ultimately contributing to the optimization of the operating organization's operations.
irrigation systems, hydraulic structures, decision support, model, water distribution management, QGIS
Myachin M. A., Voyevodina L. A. A digital model for water supply scheduling in an irrigation network. Ways of Increasing the Efficiency of Irrigated Agriculture. 2026;99(2):154–165. (In Russ.).
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