Cropping pattern optimization for rainfed and irrigated lands in the Ghaenat and Zirkuh regions of Iran: A trade‐off between profit and water footprints

Abstract A multi‐objective approach investigated optimal cropping strategies in Ghaenat and Zirkuh regions, balancing profit with water footprint minimization (blue, green, virtual). The findings suggest that there is substantial utilization of water resources in the specified regions for the cultivation of crops such as cotton, which may be considered exploitative. In the case of all the crops examined, it was observed that the blue water footprint was consistently greater than the other components of the water footprint. There was an increase in the cultivated areas of jujube, watermelon, barley, and saffron in Ghaenat, as well as sugar beet, watermelon, pistachio, and saffron in Zirkuh, when comparing the multi‐objective model of irrigated crops to the existing irrigated pattern. The areas dedicated to melon cultivation in Ghaenat and Zirkuh rainfed lands experienced a considerable increase, surpassing two and 11 times, respectively, when compared to the conventional cultivation pattern. The study emphasizes the importance of green water footprint reduction for rainfed area optimization, recommending the multi‐objective model for its potential benefits in water conservation. Therefore, transitioning to the multi‐objective model is essential.