Application of ArcSWAT for Hydrological Modeling and Irrigation Management in the Veeranam Command Area

Application of ArcSWAT for Hydrological Modeling and Irrigation Management in the Veeranam Command Area

A. Priyanka1, Dr. N. Manikumari2, Dr. R. S. Kumar3

1Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, FEAT, Annamalai University

2Professor & Head, Department of Civil Engineering, FEAT, Annamalai University

3Professor & Head, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University

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Abstract - Effective management of water resources is  a challenge in Tamil Nadu, India's Veeranam command area, a vital agricultural region. This study models the hydrological processes and evaluates water resource management methods using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) via the ArcSWAT interface. We developed Hydrological Response Units (HRUs), mapped out the watershed, and examined the various components of the water balance using comprehensive geographic and meteorological data. Data on soil moisture content and observed streamflow were used to calibrate and validate the model. The findings show that there are notable differences in the amount and demand of water under various land use and climatic scenarios. The report offers practical advice for enhancing irrigation techniques and putting conservation measures into place. Based on real-time soil moisture data, optimal irrigation strategies have been shown to increase crop yields by 15% while consuming 12% less water. Over the course of five years, the implementation of these strategies led to a 22% improvement in water use efficiency and an 8% increase in crop output efficiency.

Key Words:   ArcSWAT, Veeranam, DEM, Water management.