An operational model for utilizing water resources of varying qualities in an agricultural enterprise

The work considers the problem of determining an optimal operational plan in order to maximize the profits of an agricultural enterprise. A decision model is formulated considering a set of potential crops for planting on an available area of land, two sources of water supply of different qualities and limited capacities, and a production function for each crop using water quantity and quality as the input factors. A unique feature of the model concerns the nature of the production function, which measures the profit margin of a crop not only in terms of its yield, but also the quality of the products. The model was developed to assist local decision-makers in the Negev Desert (Israel) for the purpose of soliciting a preferred policy for water sources development. The developed model may be applicable for other regions with similar water shortage problems.