Predictive Models for Optimal Irrigation Scheduling and Water Management: A Review of AI and ML Approaches

Purpose: Maintaining agricultural output, protecting water supplies, and lessening environmental effects all depend on effective water management. Through a comprehensive review of the literature and an in-depth analysis of various AI and ML techniques, this paper aims to put light on the cutting-edge approaches used in irrigation scheduling predictive modeling. The goal of the research is to determine the advantages, disadvantages, and future directions of AI and ML-based irrigation management systems by means of a methodical analysis of various algorithms, data sources, and applications. Additionally, the study seeks to demonstrate how data-driven methods can enhance irrigation systems' sustainability, accuracy, and precision. Stakeholders in agriculture, water resource management, and environmental conservation can make well-informed decisions to maximize irrigation scheduling techniques by having a thorough understanding of the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of predictive models. The study also attempts to tackle issues like scalability, model interpretability, and lack of data when implementing AI and ML solutions for practical irrigation management. In final form, this review's conclusions advance our understanding of how to use AI and ML to improve agricultural systems' resilience and water use efficiency, supporting adaptive and sustainable water management strategies in the face of rising water scarcity concerns and climate change. Design/Methodology/Approach: In order to gather information for this review study, several research articles from reliable sources were analyzed and compared. Objective: To provide the current research gaps in prediction models for the best irrigation scheduling and water management, and suggest using AI and ML techniques to fill in these gaps. Results/ Findings: In response to the growing challenges of water scarcity and climate change, the paper's findings highlight the transformative potential of AI and ML techniques in optimizing irrigation scheduling, enhancing agricultural resilience, increasing water use efficiency, and supporting adaptive and sustainable water management strategies. Originality/Value: This paper's uniqueness and significance come from its thorough analysis of AI and ML approaches in predictive modeling for ideal water management and irrigation scheduling. It also provides insights into new methods and their possible effects on resource optimization and agricultural sustainability. Type of Paper: Literature Review.