A multi-model approach for optimizing drainage water reuse sustainability in arid and semi-arid regions: a case study of El-Salam Canal project in Egypt

Abstract Sustainable drainage water reuse (DWR) in agriculture requires integrated assessment of water quality, soil dynamics, leaching requirements, and crop productivity. This study developed a novel multi-model framework integrating expert knowledge, multi-criteria decision analysis, hydraulic modeling (HEC-RAS), and soil–water-atmosphere-plant simulation (SWAP) to optimize operational strategies for Egypt's El-Salam Canal project. Three water supply reliability scenarios were evaluated: plan