Linear Programming Application for Irrigation Network Management–Implementation in the Irrigation Network Region of Pinios (Central Greece)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find the optimal economical organization of agricultural production, by minimizing the use of available water resources. This purpose can be achieved by combining operational research and hydrology for the development of the appropriate methodology. For the study, the area of the Local Organization for Land Reclamation (LOLR) of Pinios was chosen, as this is a representative part of the plain of Thessaly and the findings could contribute to the total gross value of production in the region (central Greece). The method of linear programming was used for the optimization of agricultural production. The first results obtained within the predefined constraints led us to crop restructuring, while economic profit was increased by 41.7% and water saving reached 4.2%. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.