Agent-based simulation software platform for optimizing the distribution of water resources in the irrigation of agricultural crops based on geographic and environmental information

This paper presents the development of an agent-based simulation software platform for optimizing the distribution of water resources in the irrigation of agricultural crops based on geographic and environmental information. The results obtained include: 1) estimation of the water prescription per crop field inside an irrigation district, and 2) the distribution of hidric resource according to the daily water amount available. These results are presented both quantitatively and visually qualitative with the generation of digital maps and software user interface. The potential benefit of Cropland and Water distribution Simulator - CLAWS is that farmers could reduce costs related to irrigation scheduling without affecting the environment and their crops, also avoiding applications of excessive or insufficient irrigation rates.