Evaluation of Irrigation Systems by Using Benchmarking Techniques

Water scarcity, which is typical of arid and semiarid regions such as Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), makes necessary the efficient use of water and energy resources. For this aim, there are several decision support system tools, including the benchmarking technique. The aim of this work is to compare two of the most extended irrigation systems (sprinkler and drip irrigation systems) in Castilla-La Mancha (Spain) by using performance indicators related to management of irrigated areas. The benchmarking technique was applied during three irrigation seasons (2006–2008) in six water users associations (WUAs) in Castilla-La Mancha Region (Spain). The indicators utilized in the benchmarking techniques were classified into two groups: descriptive and performance indicators. The information required to calculate the indicators was obtained from managers and farmers of each WUA, complemented with data obtained by using specialized equipment. To determine the grouping and differences between WUAs with different irrigation systems, a cluster analysis was applied. The results obtained showed a notable difference between WUAs with drip irrigation systems and WUAs with sprinkler irrigation systems. Regarding crop water management, in drip irrigation systems, the amount of irrigation water applied in most of the plots is slightly higher than crop water requirements, which were computed considering a regulated deficit irrigation management. This can be explained by the fact that farmers of areas with drip irrigation systems did not apply deficit irrigation management.