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Abstract.

. In arid regions, optimization of irrigation scheduling for crops is crucial to solve the problem of irrigation water shortage. In this study, a simulation-based optimization model was developed by coupling a soil water balance simulation model in farmland and an optimization model for irrigation scheduling. The Yingke Irrigation District in the middle reaches of Heihe River basin in northwest China was chosen as the study area. The water balance simulation model was first calibrated and validated based on field experiment results of maize in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Then, considering distribution of soil types in the study area, the model was used to solve the optimal irrigation schedules for the scenarios of status quo and typical climate years. Results showed that the current irrigation schedules in the study area was inefficient to increase field application efficiency because there were much drainage water transferred from irrigation. Analysis of the scenario simulations indicated that the irrigated water could be best utilized and the shortage of irrigated water resources should be relieved after irrigation schedules optimization by the simulation-optimization model in the farmland of this region.