Document Type : Research Article
Author
On-Farm Water Management Department, Soil and Water Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
Abstract
Introduction
Water scarcity, as one of the main challenges in the agricultural sector, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, has doubled the necessity of optimizing water use in the production of strategic crops such as sugar beet. Determining an optimal irrigation pattern that can simultaneously meet performance, technical, and economic objectives requires a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach. Traditional evaluation methods, which often focus on one or a limited number of indicators, are unable to provide a complete picture of the trade-offs between different criteria. In this regard, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods, with their capability to simultaneously and compromisingly evaluate quantitative and qualitative indicators, are considered effective tools for prioritizing management options. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of management allowable depletion (MAD) on functional, technical, and economic indicators in a sugar beet irrigation system. Given water resource limitations and the need to optimize agricultural water use, determining the appropriate MAD level can significantly enhance crop productivity and profitability. The study employed the VIKOR (VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) multi-criteria decision-making method to select the best irrigation treatment. This investigation was conducted within the context of increasing global water scarcity and the critical need for sustainable agricultural practices. Efficient irrigation management is paramount for ensuring food security and the economic viability of farming operations. By systematically analyzing the trade-offs between water conservation, crop yield, and economic returns under varying soil moisture regimes, this study provides a comprehensive framework for informed decision-making. The application of the VIKOR method is particularly suited to this problem, as it facilitates the identification of a balanced compromise solution that reconciles potentially conflicting objectives inherent in agricultural water management, thereby offering a robust scientific basis for optimizing sugar beet irrigation strategies in water-limited environments.
Materials and Methods
Integrated Methodology Section (Final Version): This experiment employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to systematically evaluate the impact of irrigation treatments. The study was conducted at the experimental field of the Soil and Water Research Institute in Karaj, Iran. Three distinct levels of management allowable depletion (MAD), specifically 40%, 60%, and 80%, were applied as the main treatments, each replicated four times to ensure statistical reliability and account for field variability. A comprehensive dataset was collected, encompassing key agronomic and economic indicators: crop evapotranspiration (ETc), root yield, water productivity (WP), energy productivity, and relevant economic metrics. For the statistical analysis of the data derived from the randomized complete block design, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized. This analysis was conducted to examine the statistical significance of observed differences among the various irrigation treatments for each measured trait. In cases where the treatment effect was significant, Duncan's multiple range test at the 5% probability level was used to separate the means. To assess the reliability of the results and investigate the sensitivity of the final ranking to potential variations in criterion weights or data fluctuations, a sensitivity analysis based on Monte Carlo simulation was also performed. In this analysis, by introducing controlled random variations to the input parameters of the VIKOR model, the stability and robustness of the final ranking of the options were evaluated. The VIKOR multi-criteria decision-making method was subsequently applied to this integrated dataset. This method was chosen for its proven efficacy in handling complex decisions involving conflicting and non-commensurable criteria, allowing for the identification of a compromise ranking that best satisfies all evaluation parameters under the given experimental conditions. The integration of results from the analysis of variance, mean comparison tests, and Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis with the output of the VIKOR method provided a robust and multidimensional analytical framework for deriving valid and applicable conclusions.
Results and Discussion
The results demonstrated that the MAD=60% (T2) treatment optimally balanced root yield, WP, energy productivity, and benefit-cost ratio, emerging as the superior option. In the first year, this treatment achieved a VIKOR index (Q=0.2971), a root yield of 36.35 t/ha, and a WP of 5.07 kg/m³. In the second year, it recorded a VIKOR index (Q=0.1463), a root yield of 45.4 t/ha, and a WP of 5.8 kg/m³, confirming its superiority. To ensure the reliability of the results, a Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis was performed. This analysis confirmed the stability of the MAD=60% treatment, with probabilities of 85.94% (first year) and 100% (second year). These findings indicate that MAD=60% performs consistently under varying conditions.
Conclusion
The study concludes that MAD=60% is the optimal irrigation strategy for sugar beet cultivation under normal water resource conditions, excelling in functional, technical, and economic performance. These findings can guide farmers and policymakers in improving water management and crop efficiency.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the staff of the Soil and Water Research Institute, Karaj, Iran, for their assistance in fieldwork and data collection.
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