Optimization of Greenhouse Vegetable Cropping Pattern in Yazd Province Using Bi-Objective Linear Programming for Water Management and Income Enhancement

Document Type : Research

Authors

1 private co.

2 yazd

3 Ardakan Pistachio Research Station

10.22092/rhsj.2026.372678.1145

Abstract

Given the severe water scarcity in arid regions, optimizing greenhouse cropping patterns for simultaneous water management and income improvement is of great importance. The objective of this study was to determine an optimal cropping pattern for greenhouse vegetable production in Yazd City, Iran (31.8974° N, 54.3569° E), using a bi-objective linear programming approach. The study was conducted in a 2,000 m² greenhouse during the period from June 22 to September 22, 2025. Five greenhouse crops, including tomato, bell pepper, eggplant, cucumber, and zucchini, were evaluated under four different scenarios. A mathematical model was developed with two objective functions: minimizing water consumption and maximizing income, subject to constraints on greenhouse area, labor availability, budget, and allowable cultivation area for each crop. The model was solved using LINGO software. The results showed that Scenario 1 resulted in a water consumption of 1,176,500 L and an income of 827 million Iranian Rials, while Scenario 2 increased water consumption to 1,244,500 L and income to 847 million Iranian Rials. Scenario 3 achieved the lowest water consumption (1,103,240 L) but generated the lowest income (729.36 million Iranian Rials). Scenario 4 resulted in a water consumption of 1,263,000 L and an income of 839.4 million Iranian Rials. Considering the need to balance economic returns and water-resource management, Scenario 4 was identified as the preferred cropping pattern. This scenario allocated 900 m² to tomato, 500 m² to bell pepper, 250 m² to eggplant, 300 m² to cucumber, and 50 m² to zucchini. Compared with the baseline scenario, this pattern increased income by 1.5% while increasing water consumption by 7.35%.

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Research in Horticultural Sciences
Volume 4, Issue 2
September 2025
Pages 101-109

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