Irrigation Efficiency Using a Systems Dynamics Model: A Case Study of a Pepper Crop in La Merced - Peru

This paper presents a system dynamics simulation model for an irrigation system applied to bell pepper crops, integrating various components of a cropping system, including water usage and plant growth. The study focuses on Latin American regions with limited irrigation facilities, highlighting the importance of simulation techniques to analyze different levels of analysis for irrigation components, including water wastage. The increasing global population, food security, and water management concerns require innovative approaches to overcome difficulties and paradigms in crop irrigation. The simulation model proposed in this study provides insights into the irrigation system’s behavior and explores various scenarios to optimize crop yield while minimizing water wastage. Results obtained through simulation demonstrate the dynamics between irrigation time and water discarded in a crop, considering the complex behavior of living systems. The paper’s contribution highlights the value of simulation models as a powerful tool for analyzing and improving crop irrigation systems, ultimately contributing to sustainable agriculture and water management practices.