Spatial evaluation of yield and rainwater productivity index in rainfed wheat using AquaCrop-GIS model (case study: Kurdistan province)

Wheat, as one of the most important crops in Iran and all around the world, has taken a significant share of the area under cultivation and production. The lack of water resources in the dry climate of Iran makes it necessary to use the available water resources to the optimal level. The analysis of optimal water consumption in agricultural production is done by using the water efficiency index. In this study, rainwater productivity in rainfed wheat cultivation in Kurdistan province was estimated using the AquaCrop-GIS model. Performance information was collected from the Agricultural Products Insurance Fund in the six-year period from 2014-2015 to 2019-2020. Also, information from synoptic meteorological stations and the global soil data bank were used for the required basic information. The model results show a 90% agreement index in the simulation process. Also, according to the average water productivity index calculated by the model, a zoning map of the areas prone to rainfed wheat cultivation was presented. Kamyaran district, having an average water productivity index of 0.68 kg/m3, was identified as the most suitable part of the province for dry wheat cultivation. According to the special conditions of Kurdistan province, it is suggested that the development of the cultivated area should be done according to the priority of more susceptible areas and based on the rainwater productivity index in the province.