Efficient water use can be achieved by appropriate water management. This leads to higher yield, reduced production costs and ultimately, maximum investment returns. Furthermore, the use of efficient water management and application techniques are essential for sustainable agricultural development and a rational use of the natural resources. The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the reduction of the net revenue due to deficient or excessive water application. Determining the effects of uniformity of water distribution on the irrigation depth that maximizes returns and providing the necessary information to optimize the operation of sprinkler irrigation systems were also part of the objectives. The results show that minimization of revenue losses depends on the uniformity of water distribution of the irrigation system, the commodity price and the irrigation costs. Hence, irrigation systems with uneven water distribution are not appropriate for maximization of economic returns. The best operation of irrigation systems, determined from optimization strategies to maximize net profits, consisted of improved water application efficiency, high water storage efficiency and the area being adequately irrigated. When maximization of net revenue is the objective function, the uniformity of water distribution, the cost of the applied water and the commodity price are the decisive factors for the optimization of irrigation systems.
efficient water use; optimization; sprinkler irrigation systems
