Model-Supported Groundwater Table Control on the Vistula River Plain—Methodological Approach

At present, a sustainable and wise management of water resources requires more insight into drainage/irrigation practices in river valleys. Since efficient sub-irrigation, based on reliable hydrometeorological forecasts, has been extensively considered with respect to water saving, the proper modeling tools were subsequently developed. An original, conceptual model for the management of drainage/irrigation systems was presented, taking into account the water inflow and storage in the soil profile. The aim was to propose a relatively simple procedure with parameters that relate to easily obtainable variables, e.g., groundwater table depth in the form of uncomplicated equations. The results of this tool were compared with the groundwater heads simulated using the recognized, common Modflow model. The comparisons proved a close match of the modeled variables and point at possibilities to calibrate it on polder areas.