Simulation of supplemental irrigation strategies for wheat in near east to cope with water scarcity

The development of supplemental irrigation strategies that reduce water demand with acceptable impacts on yields is part of preparedness measures to cope with drought and water scarcity. The irrigation scheduling simulation model ISAREG, after appropriate validation, is used to simulate various irrigation schedules for wheat under average, high and very high climatic demand conditions to cope with limited water supplies. Surface and set sprinkler irrigation are considered. The study was performed with field data collected at the Tel Hadya research station of ICARDA, Aleppo, Syria. The alternative irrigation schedules are evaluated through the achieved reduction in demand for irrigation water and the consequent yield decrease. Results show that water saving strategies for supplemental irrigation of wheat are generally feasible.