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Optimizing Irrigation Systems for Water Efficiency and Groundwater Sustainability in the Coastal Nile Delta

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  • Abd-Elaty, Ismail
  • Ramadan, Elsayed M.
  • Elbagory, Ibrahim A.
  • Nosair, Ahmed M.
  • Kuriqi, Alban
  • Garrote, Luis
  • Ahmed, Ashraf A.

Abstract

This study investigates the replacement of traditional surface irrigation methods with modern irrigation systems (MIS) including horizontal sprinkler, central pivot, surface drip, and subsurface drip aimed at improving water efficiency in the Nile Delta, Egypt. The primary objectives were to determine the optimal agricultural area for implementing MIS and to assess the effects of these systems on groundwater quantity and quality in the region. To achieve this, the LINDO software was employed to optimize land allocation for each irrigation method. At the same time, the SEAWAT code was utilized to simulate saltwater intrusion (SWI) in the Nile Delta aquifer. The transition from traditional surface irrigation to MIS resulted in significant water savings, reaching 2.15 × 10^9 m³. However, groundwater modeling indicated a decrease in groundwater levels, leading to an 8 % increase in aquifer salinity due to reduced infiltration of recharge water. These findings underscore the urgent need to revise outdated irrigation practices and enhance water management strategies in the Nile Delta to mitigate salinity issues in coastal aquifers. This research's outcomes are crucial for decision-makers and stakeholders in selecting appropriate irrigation methods, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, to ensure sustainable water use and agricultural productivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Abd-Elaty, Ismail & Ramadan, Elsayed M. & Elbagory, Ibrahim A. & Nosair, Ahmed M. & Kuriqi, Alban & Garrote, Luis & Ahmed, Ashraf A., 2024. "Optimizing Irrigation Systems for Water Efficiency and Groundwater Sustainability in the Coastal Nile Delta," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 304(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:304:y:2024:i:c:s0378377424003998
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2024.109064
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ismail Abd-Elaty & Ismail Fathy & Alban Kuriqi & Am Pris John & Salvatore Straface & Elsayed M. Ramadan, 2023. "Impact of Modern Irrigation Methods on Groundwater Storage and Land Subsidence in High-water Stress Regions," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 37(4), pages 1827-1840, March.
    2. N, Kishor & Khanna, Manoj & Rajanna, G.A. & Singh, Man & Singh, Anupama & Singh, Shrawan & Banerjee, Tirthankar & Patanjali, Neeraj & Rajput, Jitendra & Kiruthiga, B., 2024. "Soil water distribution and water productivity in red cabbage crop using superabsorbent polymeric hydrogels under different drip irrigation regimes," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 295(C).
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