Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1
PhD Student, Department of Plant Production Engineering and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Production Engineering and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
3
Professor, Department of Plant Production Engineering and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
4
Deputy Director of Basic Studies of Water Resources, Khuzestan Water and Power Authority (KWPA), Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract
This study aimed to optimize wheat planting dates in the Dez irrigation network, Iran, using the water footprint (WF) index to enhance yield and water use efficiency in an arid region. Conducted during the 2023–2024 cropping season, the research utilized data from 51 wheat farms, covering 93,599 hectares, and 30 years of climatic data from Dezful. Planting dates were categorized into early, mid, and late periods, and a multi-objective optimization model (NSGA-II) was applied to maximize yield and green WF while minimizing blue and gray WFs. Results identified November 28, 2023, as the optimal planting date, achieving a yield of 4451 kg/ha, WFblue of 690 m³/t, WFgreen of 544 m³/t, and WFgray of 675 m³/t. Early planting proved efficient for water use but increased gray WF, highlighting the need for sustainable practices to mitigate environmental impacts.
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