Mapping spatial disparity of canal water distribution under irrigated cropping environment using satellite imageries

In this study, a great variation in crop yield, which affects the socio-economic and physical environment of the area, is observed along the irrigation channels in Pakistan. This is mainly due to inequitable distribution of canal water causing spatial variations along the system. Assessing the performance of irrigation system can help to find any disparity which should be rectified to achieve the desired objectives of irrigation. Due to lack of real-time data, performance of an irrigation system cannot be readily determined particularly in developing countries. Remote sensing and geographic information system are the best tools to overcome this difficulty. Normalized difference vegetation index indirectly indicates the presence of water in plants. Biomass production and evapotranspiration are crucial indicators for describing the spatial variation of irrigation water. In this study, infrared bands of the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer sensor were used to determine surface temperatures and various components of the energy balance equation. The spatial disparity in evapotranspiration was found from head to tail of the system. Classification of evapotranspiration into different groups revealed that the area under higher evapotranspiration range is more at the head of the system than its tail, which indicates that more canal water is supplied at the head of the system. These results clearly testify the disparity of canal water distribution along the system leading to reduced income and environmental degradation of the downstream water users.