AquaCrop model to optimize water supply for a sustainable processing tomato cultivation in the Mediterranean area: A multi-objective approach

CONTEXT: Efficient irrigation management must consider multiple aspects of cropping systems, such as pro ductivity, water use efficiency, and economic viability. Crop simulation models like AquaCrop are essential tools for analyzing crop responses under different irrigation scenarios. Organizing the model’s outputs into stan dardized parameters allows for a multi-objective evaluation, which can be consolidated into a single index for optimizing irrigation strategies. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to formalize the response of processing tomato cropping systems in Southern Italy to various irrigation regimes and develop a framework to identify optimal irrigation volumes for production, water use efficiency, and economic returns.