Author(s): M.g.bongiovanni; J.fernandez-Pato; E.playan; N.zapata

Linked Author(s): Javier Fernández-pato

Keywords: Pumping energy; Cropping patterns; Nexus; Irrigation adequacy; Water use

Abstract: Irrigation districts supplied by centralized pumping exhibit an interdependence between irrigation demand, energy use, and operating costs. This study analyzes water-energy-crop interactions in the Monte Saso de Biota irrigation district (Aragón, Spain) over 2021-2024 using telemetry records, billing data, and irrigation adequacy assessment. Seasonal concentration of irrigation demand promoted summer operation with lower specific energy requirements and costs, whereas intermittent operation outside the irrigation season led to sharp increases in both indicators. At the interannual scale, electricity consumption and specific energy use were sensitive to pumping operational regimes despite moderate variability in pumped volumes (4.34-5.19 hm³). The 2022 season combined the lowest pumped volume with the highest electricity consumption, reaching maximum specific energy use and cost values (0.343 kWh m⁻³ and 0.101 € m⁻³) under exceptionally high electricity prices, while lower values occurred in 2024 (0.261 kWh m⁻³ and 0.024 € m⁻³). Centralized management shifted approximately 60-65% of electricity consumption toward off-peak tariff periods, and mean irrigation adequacy was moderate (ARIS = 0.70), with higher values in summer crops and generalized reductions in 2022. Overall, results demonstrate that tariff structures and pumping operational regimes jointly constrain energy efficiency and irrigation adequacy in centrally managed pressurized irrigation systems.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/iahr.proc.hic2026.62

Year: 2026