Drip Irrigation Nonlinear Optimization Model

Abstract

This paper develops a nonlinear optimization model for the design and management of drip irrigation systems. Decision variables are: pipe diameter, pipe length, number of emitters in each lateral, number of laterals in a manifold, total number of subunits, number of subunits operating simultaneously, irrigation time per set, and emitter discharge. The model is solved using the GAMS‐MINOS package. To illustrate the capability of the model, an orchard field of pears is selected. The price effect on the results of the model shows that the cost of the system and its operation are relatively small compared with the benefit obtained. The model shows that the results do not yield the minimum cost of the system when the marginal benefit is greater than the marginal cost.