Keywords
salinity, waterlogging, suitability, groundwater, aquifers, mia
Start Date
1-7-2010 12:00 AM
Abstract
This study identifies hydrological zones in terms of their hydrologic suitability for sustainable irrigated agricultural development and management in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) of Australia. Spatial data, including soils, groundwater level and salinity, recharge to watertable, as well as aquifer hydraulic properties were analysed within a GIS framework. Critical threshold values used in zoning process were defined based on experts’ knowledge and literature review taking into account significant issues in irrigation management, e.g. root-zone depth, water quality for crops to maintain a sustainable yield, and target recharge for rice industry. Spatial datasets were processed, integrated and analysed in ArcGIS. An integrative spatial modelling approach was applied for delineating hydrological zones. The results can be used to manage landuse and irrigation practices to reduce accessions to the watertable thus minimising the risk of waterlogging and salinisation due to rising water table levels. Landuse data were incorporated to reveal irrigation occurred in each zone. Recharge potential maps under various landuses were also combined with the zones to determine areas that are well-suited for irrigation without incurring a high risk of waterlogging and salinisation. The analysis provides hydrological indicators to assess current hydrologic suitability, landuse, and potential opportunities for improvement and expansion of irrigated areas in the MIA.
GIS-based Spatial Hydrological Zoning for Sustainable Water Management of Irrigation Areas
This study identifies hydrological zones in terms of their hydrologic suitability for sustainable irrigated agricultural development and management in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) of Australia. Spatial data, including soils, groundwater level and salinity, recharge to watertable, as well as aquifer hydraulic properties were analysed within a GIS framework. Critical threshold values used in zoning process were defined based on experts’ knowledge and literature review taking into account significant issues in irrigation management, e.g. root-zone depth, water quality for crops to maintain a sustainable yield, and target recharge for rice industry. Spatial datasets were processed, integrated and analysed in ArcGIS. An integrative spatial modelling approach was applied for delineating hydrological zones. The results can be used to manage landuse and irrigation practices to reduce accessions to the watertable thus minimising the risk of waterlogging and salinisation due to rising water table levels. Landuse data were incorporated to reveal irrigation occurred in each zone. Recharge potential maps under various landuses were also combined with the zones to determine areas that are well-suited for irrigation without incurring a high risk of waterlogging and salinisation. The analysis provides hydrological indicators to assess current hydrologic suitability, landuse, and potential opportunities for improvement and expansion of irrigated areas in the MIA.
