Simulation of real-time variations of saline drainage water: comparing system dynamics with DRAINMOD-S

Accurate simulations of wastewater quality and quantity, particularly in saline and semi-arid areas, are important in agricultural water management. In this study, a system dynamics (SD) approach was proposed to simulate drainage water and groundwater salinities, water table fluctuation, and drainage discharge at field scale. The results of the SD approach were compared with results from DRAINMOD-S, a computer simulation model. For model validation, earlier experimental data from two field units were used. The field units each contained three rows of piezometers. During irrigation, daily water table fluctuation, drainage discharge, irrigation and drainage water salinity, and the salinity in each piezometer, were measured. The SD approach simulated these parameters more accurately than DRAINMOD-S for both units.