The effect of water pricing policy on groundwater level in the Neyshabur basin

Groundwater pricing is one of the most important agricultural water demand management policies that in addition to the optimal use of agricultural water, it can be an incentive to save and protect water resources. In this study, in order to investigate the equilibrium and stability of groundwater table in the basin of Neyshabur, the Math Positive Compound Model (PMP) and the System Dynamics (SD) method were designed in four sub-basins. And the effect of water price changes (increase of 20 and 40%) on Cropping Pattern, profit, irrigation water using of farmers and substitution of groundwater balance were investigated. The required data were collected by completing 200 questionnaires and Regional Water Organization of Khorasan Razavi. The results showed that increasing the price of irrigation water has a significant effect on changing the Cropping pattern, reducing profit, reducing irrigation water using and, consequently, improving the level of groundwater level.