PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF IRRIGATION OF BIOSALINE CROPS WITH SALINE WATER VIEWED FROM A LAND AND WATER USE PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe potential for using saline water for the irrigation of salt‐tolerant or biosaline crops, as a way to reduce the dependence of agriculture on limited freshwater resources, is analysed in this paper. In theory, saline water irrigation is possible provided high leaching ratios are applied; in practice this is only possible and sustainable where soils have a high infiltration capacity and drainability, provided the infrastructure (i) can handle the high volumes of leaching water; (ii) is salt resistant, (iii) is virtually seepage free (to prevent salinization of surrounding areas) and (iv) the highly saline drainage water can be safely disposed of. Specialized management is required to monitor salinity and prevent and correct errors and damage; this results in costly infrastructure and operation and maintenance.Most biosaline crops are low‐value crops. Therefore saline water irrigation for dry foot crops will often not be commercially feasible. In the case of wet foot crops the conditions for soils, infrastructure and management are less strict and less costly. Irrigation with saline water of wet foot crops could therefore be feasible in certain areas. The most promising biosaline inundated crops are biomass and fibre crops as a raw material for pulp, energy or particle boards. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.