A Decision Support System-Fertigation Simulator (DSS-FS) for design and optimization of sprinkler and drip irrigation systems

Irrigation combined with fertigation has produced unquestionable results for the last few decades. It is a rather complicated process as many factors must be controlled in order to produce good and environmentally safe fertigation practices. The efficiency and uniformity of irrigation, as well as the balance of the nutritive solution used to irrigate are highly ruled by the complex and diverse information (weather, soil, water, and crop data). The article presents the rationale and structure of a decision support system (DSS) and of a Fertigation module (FS - Fertigation Simulator). The DSS-FS system is intended to support design and optimization of irrigation and fertigation systems while increasing their environmental sustainability. The data set to be processed is stored in the DSS database and can be continuously updated according to new development results. Afterwards, the user might handle the input data through a basic and user-friendly interface while allowing the DSS-FS to retrieve default scenarios and thereby reducing the systems user's need for advanced knowledge. An advanced mode of DSS-FS, which adds an increased level of precision in exchange for human support, includes soil sample analysis and other relevant information.