Effects of different operation scenarios on sedimentation in irrigation canals of the Gezira Scheme, Sudan

Sediment and water management are key issues in irrigation schemes that suffer from accumulation of sediment along canals. This accumulation creates problems with adequate water supply and may lead to water shortage. The aim of this study was to analyse improvement options for operation and maintenance in order to achieve better sediment and water management in irrigation canals. A model has been developed to simulate cohesive sediment transport in irrigation canals. The model is a useful tool to predict cohesive sediment deposition under different operation and maintenance scenarios. It has been calibrated and validated by using field data of the Gezira Scheme in Sudan and has been applied for different options of operation. The best operation scenario was found when the scheme was operated based on the crop water requirement during the period of high sediment concentration. When the inflow was reduced by 51% during this period in 2011, the reduction in deposition was 48%. Such types of adaptation will significantly reduce deposition and improve sediment and water management in irrigation canals. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.