Modelling irrigation management services: the IRMA_SYS case

Since agricultural water use has a substantial share in Greece, irrigation scheduling forecast and management tools constitute significant assets. This study illustrates the concept and implementation of the IRMA_SYS, a regional, user-friendly computer/mobile-based service. IRMA_SYS was implemented as open, fully customisable, modular software capable of estimating field specific crop water requirements and irrigation scheduling at multiple scales, from farm to water basin level. The estimation of irrigation water requirements and irrigation scheduling is based on a modification of the conceptual FAO 56 approach and its tasks are accomplished based on historical and forecast agrometeorological data, along with site specific crop and soil-water data. In this context, IRMA_SYS is addressed to irrigation professionals who have the background and the experience to interpret the information provided and use the system for setting up irrigation schedules, plan and record irrigation events as well as self-training regarding irrigation management.