Decision support systems in irrigation management: Irrigation Facilities Spatial Information System

Agricultural production and food are strategically important for nutrition, which is the basic requirement of living. Adequate supply of food depends on the sustainability of agricultural activities. Despite the proportional increase in other sectors in water use on a global scale, agriculture is still the largest user. Since Turkiye is located in a semi-arid climate region, most of the year is dry. Apart from the rainy period, there is not enough water in our streams, especially in periods when irrigation water is needed. For this reason, the water stored in the months when there is a lot of precipitation is used in the months when it is needed for irrigation. The main purpose of irrigation management is to ensure that irrigation water demands within the irrigated area are shared fairly from the spring to the downstream areas in the desired time and amount, in accordance with the current water potential, the capacity of the irrigation system and the actual needs. Although the initial establishment and facility costs of automation and related decision support systems are high, the benefits and added value provided in the medium- and long-term result in the irrigation facilities being preferred more during the operation and maintenance process. Automation applications, especially in closed irrigation systems, can prevent external intervention and water can be supplied to the network according to the real needs. The web-based application, the Irrigation Facilities Spatial Information System (SUTEM), is designed to monitor, evaluate and report on the operation, maintenance and management activities of the facilities operated by the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works or whose operation, maintenance and management responsibilities are transferred. The requirements are met through a single application that saves time and labour, facilitates control and supervision, standardizes reports and enables transition to a centralized data security structure.

Automated summary

Agricultural production and food are crucial for nutrition, and their sustainability relies on adequate water supply. Despite global increase in water use in various sectors, agriculture remains the largest user, especially in semi-arid regions like Turkey. To overcome the water shortage during dry periods, stored precipitation water is utilized for irrigation. The goal of irrigation management is to ensure fair distribution of water based on current available resources, irrigation system capacity, and actual needs. Automation and decision support systems may have high initial costs but provide long-term benefits in irrigation facilities operation and maintenance. The web-based application, Irrigation Facilities Spatial Information System (SUTEM), is designed to monitor, evaluate, and report on the operation and management of facilities, saving time and labor, enabling control and supervision, standardizing reports, and enhancing data security.