Systems Analysis in Irrigation and Drainage

Because of the food production squeeze, a water cost squeeze, and a serious political squeeze, irrigation and drainage must be brought to a point of maximum efficiency. This can be accomplished through the development and application of sound systems analysis models, provided this is accomplished by persons with sound practical and theoretical knowledge of these systems and their objectives. There is potential for a new technology based on systems analysis for precision control of soil moisture related factors of production, for the optimization of the use of unregulated stochastic streamflows, for the optimization of risk and return from water use under uncertainty, for optimal salinity, and draught strategies. There are important analytical limitations and considerable additional fundamental research is required, but the step must be taken.