Revamping Water Use in Agriculture: Techniques and Emerging Innovations : This Article is Published in the Journal of Scientific Research and Reports

Water conservation in agriculture is critical for ensuring the sustainability of food production systems, particularly in the face of increasing water scarcity and climate change. Agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater resources globally, accounting for approximately 70% of total freshwater withdrawals. As the global population continues to grow, so does the demand for food, fiber, and biofuels, further straining water resources. Concurrently, the effects of climate change, such as altered precipitation patterns, increased frequency of droughts, and higher temperatures, exacerbate water scarcity issues, making efficient water management in agriculture more crucial than ever, include irrigation management, soil moisture conservation, crop selection and breeding, and technological advancements. Precision agriculture, for example, utilizes GPS technology, remote sensing, and data analytics to optimize irrigation practices and reduce water waste. Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff, while soil moisture sensors provide real time data to inform irrigation scheduling. The application of biochar, a form of charcoal derived from organic matter, has shown promise in enhancing soil water retention and nutrient availability. Furthermore, the development of drought resistant crop varieties through traditional breeding methods and genetic engineering offers potential solutions for maintaining crop productivity under water limited conditions.

Author(s) Details:

Naganjali
Agricultural College, Aswaraopet, PJTSAU, India.

Charitha
Dr. PDKV, Akola, Maharashtra, India.

Sk. Aslam
Agricultural College, Aswaraopet, India.

Saikishore
Agricultural College, Aswaraopet, India.

Sravanthi
Agricultural College, Aswaraopet, PJTSAU, India.

Siddappa
Agricultural College, Aswaraopet, PJTSAU, India.

Gopala Krishna Murthy
Agricultural College, Aswaraopet, PJTSAU, India.

Hemantha Kumar
Agricultural College, Aswaraopet, PJTSAU, India.

Neelima
Agricultural College, Aswaraopet, PJTSAU, India.

Pavani
Agricultural College, Aswaraopet, PJTSAU, India.

Also See : Geographical Indications of Vegetable Crops in India- Role in Farmer’s Empowerment and Agro-biodiversity Management

Recent Global Research Developments in Revamping Water Use in Agriculture

1. Sustainable Water Use in Agriculture: A Review of Worldwide Research [1]:

This study reviewed 25 years of international research on sustainable water use in agriculture.

A bibliometric analysis sampled 2084 articles.

Key points:

Exponential growth in the number of articles published per year.

Environmental Science and Agricultural and Biological Sciences are the main research categories.

Top journals: Agricultural Water Management, Water Resources Management, and Nongye Gongcheng Xuebao Agricultural Engineering.

Leading countries: China, the U.S., Australia, India, and Germany.

Most cited authors: Ridoutt, Hoekstra, and Zhang.

Frequent keywords: water-use, irrigation, water-management, water-supply, and sustainability.

Clusters focus on environmental, agronomic, and management aspects.

2. Sustainable Irrigation in Agriculture: An Analysis of Global Research [2]:

This study analyzed research dynamics between 1999 and 2018.

Explored main agents promoting sustainable irrigation and popular topics.

3. UN World Water Development Report 2022 [3]:

Highlights the role of groundwater in improving agricultural productivity and economic growth.

4. Climate-smart Water Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture [4]:

Discusses water-smart technologies to optimize agricultural water use and productivity.

References

1. Velasco-Muñoz JF, Aznar-Sánchez JA, Belmonte-Ureña LJ, Román-Sánchez IM. Sustainable Water Use in Agriculture: A Review of Worldwide Research. Sustainability. 2018; 10(4):1084. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10041084
2. Velasco-Muñoz JF, Aznar-Sánchez JA, Batlles-delaFuente A, Fidelibus MD. Sustainable Irrigation in Agriculture: An Analysis of Global Research. Water. 2019; 11(9):1758. https://doi.org/10.3390/w11091758
3. Agriculture
4. https://www.unesco.org/reports/wwdr/2022/en/agriculture
5. Frimpong, F., Asante, M. D., Peprah, C. O., Amankwaa-Yeboah, P., Danquah, E. O., Ribeiro, P. F., … & Botey, H. M. (2023). Water-smart farming: Review of strategies, technologies, and practices for sustainable agricultural water management in a changing climate in West Africa. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 7, 1110179.

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