Amixed-integer optimization model is developed which provides scheduling guidelines for surface irrigation systems over one to two week forecast periods. The primary objective of the model is to minimize labor costs under limitations in available water, while assuming fields are irrigated before crop damaging stress occurs. The model is linked with the USDA-ARS Irrigation Scheduling Program for predicting evapotranspiration and soil moisture depletions. The solution algorithm utilizes a branch and bound technique which involves sequences of linear programming solutions. The utility of the program is demonstrated for an irrigated farm with nine fields over a seven-day forecast period.
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Pleban et al. (1983) studied this question.