Simulation–optimization modeling for conjunctive water use management

•Various simulation–optimization techniques were analyzed for irrigation management.•Combined application of simulation–optimization models is necessary.•The combined approach can account for the complex water allocation problems.•Combined applications were widely used for the solution of multiobjective problems.•The use of artificial neural networks is limited in conjunctive water management.

Good quality surface water and groundwater resources are limited furthermore they are shrinking because of the urbanization, contamination, and climate change impacts. In this backdrop, the proper allocation and management of these resources is a critical challenge for satisfying the rising water demands of agricultural sector. Because irrigated agriculture is the largest user of all the developed water resources and consumes over 70% of the abstracted freshwater globally. The computer-based models are useful tools for achieving the optimal allocation of limited water resources for the conjunctive use planning and management in irrigated agriculture. Various simulation and optimization modeling approaches have been used to solve the water allocation problems. Optimization models have been shown to be of great importance when used with simulation models and the combined use of these two approaches gives the best results. The reviews on the combined applications of simulation and optimization modeling for the conjunctive use planning and management of surface water and groundwater resources for sustainable irrigated agriculture are done and presented in this paper. Conclusions are provided based on this review which could be useful for all the stakeholders.