Application of the Entropy Based COPRAS Model in Determining the Most Appropriate Irrigation Systems for Agricultural Enterprises Producing Maize

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the most effective irrigation systems for agricultural enterprises producing maize due to decreasing water resources. The study was conducted on 95 agricultural enterprises producing corn in Çumra District of Konya Province. In the study, the importance levels of 10 criteria determined in the decision process were analyzed by Entropy method. The results revealed that the most important criteria are Energy Cost, Labor Requirement and Price, respectively.

Irrigation system alternatives were evaluated using the COPRAS method, one of the Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods. In the study, linear irrigation systems were identified as the most suitable irrigation system for the study area. The rapid increase in input costs has led agricultural enterprises to implement cost saving measures. The potential of modern irrigation systems to reduce energy costs has made this criterion a priority factor in irrigation system selection. In this context, the importance of irrigation systems that provide energy efficiency and labor saving plays a critical role for the sustainability of agricultural production.