Abstract
In this study, simulation and optimization models were assembled for the optimization of irrigation systems and their operation. The simulation model CROPWAT was used for estimation of the crop water requirement, time and depth. The evolutionary algorithm (GANetXL) was used for the optimal planning of cropping pattern, maximization of net benefits and minimization of irrigation water requirements for the study area of Holeta catchment, Ethiopia. The study area encompasses three command areas, i.e. farm A, farm B and Tsedey State Farm, and five different type of crops, i.e. potato, tomato, apple, peach and winter wheat. The simulation results of the CROPWAT model illustrated that crop water requirement for apple was highest (993 mm), followed by peach (908 mm), tomato (470 mm), potato (443 mm) and wheat (294 mm). The study reveals that fruit crops have more crop water requirements than cereals. The results of the GANetXL show that when the cropped area and water allocated was varied between extreme values, 23% of water can be saved. The total benefit from the study area can be enhanced by USD 34 ha − ¹ and can be helpful in improving the economic conditions of the farmers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.