Multi-dimensional critical regulation control modes and water optimal allocation for irrigation system in the middle reaches of Heihe River basin, China

In this study, the multi-dimensional critical regulation control (MCRC) modes and water allocation for irrigation system were studied in the middle reaches of Heihe River basin, China, to coordinate the water contradiction of agricultural irrigation and ecological irrigation. Based on the key indexes of five dimensions, including water resources, ecological environment, society, economy and water-saving measures, 320 schemes of three regulation control levels were generated and analyzed, then the optimal modes were obtained by introducing entropy theory and synergetic theory, thus the corresponding thresholds were obtained meanwhile. Based on the parameters of the most optimal irrigation system regulation control modes, an inexact multi-stage stochastic programming (IMSP) model for water resources optimal allocation of the 12 major irrigation districts in the middle reaches of Heihe River basin was developed and the corresponding results were obtained. This paper gives the optimal MRCR modes and water resources allocation plans from a different perspective by considering the ecological environment protection and agricultural water-saving. The results can help decision makers to develop a more sustainable water resources planning program in study areas and similar areas.