Sustainable Agriculture: The Role of Soil Physics and Irrigation Technology in Water Conservation

Economic theory tells us that increases in the relative prices of natural resources should cause farmers to switch to techniques that use fewer farming resources. The adoption of resource-conserving technology is one possible response that can lead toward a more environmentally sustainable outcome. Do farmers respond to changes in natural resource prices and quality by adopting available resource-conserving technology? This article investigates a case study of decisions made by Tunisian farmers as to whether or not they should invest in water-conserving drip-irrigation technology as a function of natural resource prices and quality along with farm and farmer characteristics. In contrast to many studies of technology adoption this work uses both the standard revealed preference analysis of who adopts and a direct elicitation of the reasons for adoption or nonadoption by farmers. By reviving an ancient methodology—the direct question—to elicit real preferences from farmers the research goes beyond the restrictive assumptions of the commonly used random utility models. The combination of these techniques allows triangulation on the causes of technology adoption and helps insure that the results are more than a statistical artifact. (excerpt)

Investment in irrigation infrastructure and technologies, particularly those that reduce on-farm water use have become a major focus of government programs both at a State and Commonwealth level. Particular attention has been given to increasing the uptake of water “saving” technologies among irrigators. The design of programs capable of achieving government objectives at least cost requires an understanding of farm level investment decisions. In this context, the influence of uncertainty on decisions to invest in irrigation technology and infrastructure is examined. The potential for uncertainty to influence investment decisions via strategies to manage risk is demonstrated using the method of real options valuation. The approach is applied to case studies of investment in evaporation mitigation technologies. It is shown that there are circumstances where uncertainty surrounding the value of water savings is significant enough to influence the decision to invest in water saving technologies. The results also demonstrate that where uncertainty exists, rates of subsidy to encourage faster uptake of these technologies need to be higher than those indicated by traditional NPV analysis. This is further exacerbated when irrigators are required to relinquish water entitlements in return for the subsidy.

The verification of Jevons’ paradox of agricultural Water conservation in Tianshan District of China based on Water footprint

As in all building types, water conservation is important in various ways in primary education buildings that see intensive use. In addition to environmental and economic benefi ts, systematic application of sustainable water management in elementary education buildings also makes a positive contribution to the education of future generations. The ‘Eco-Schools International Programme’, which is an organization established for achieving these goals, was established in 1994 with European Union support. The programme aims to introduce environmental management systems into primary schools within the scope of ISO 14001/EMAS. It has a crucial task of educating new generations and sustainable development throughout the world. All the previous studies conducted on eco-schools indicate that they are healthier places to learn and work, they have minimal negative impact on the environment and they have lower operating costs compared to conventional schools. This study examines elementary schools in Istanbul, which are part of the Eco-Schools International Programme. A questionnaire study was administered on the theme of water management within elementary schools located in the Asian and European parts of Istanbul city, and the fi ndings of a fi eld survey were examined. Questionnaire fi ndings were gathered according to these headings under two main categories: water use and water conservation policies at outdoor environments of eco-schools (landscape water conservation measures at eco-schools, irrigation technology and irrigation timing and frequency) and water use and water conservation policies at indoor environments of the eco-schools (types of water conservative components and equipments, hot water, water and energy conservation features (eco-label) of electrical appliances and maintenance of water-related equipment). According to these topics of questionnaire study, eco-schools at Istanbul often exhibit a successful performance in terms of water conservation policies. However insuffi cient use of collected rainwater, treated wastewater and advanced and environmentally friendly irrigation technologies at outdoor environments of eco-schools have been observed. Similarly, it has been observed that usage of different technological enhancements towards conservative wares usage like hand-basin taps of the push-on or self-stopping types are used at a very low rate at indoor environments of the eco-schools.

Soil and water conservation practices contribute to long-term agricultural sustainability and sustainable agriculture. This review examines the primary agronomic practices and their role in soil and water conservation. The review revealed that Ethiopia's significant agronomic soil and water conservation practices are strip cropping, mixed cropping, intercropping, fallowing, mulching, contour plowing, crop rotation, preservation of tillage, and agroforestry. A significant difference was found between conserved and nonconserved land in terms of soil chemical and physical properties, soil organic matter, total N, available phosphorous (P), bulk density, infiltration rate, and soil texture. The non-conserved land had lower soil organic matter, total N, and infiltration rate with higher bulk density, clay content, and available P. Soil organic matter content positively correlated with infiltration rate and total N, and it negatively correlated with soil bulk density. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) positively correlated with soil pH and available P. The undulating lands were moderately suitable for rain fed agriculture. The plant canopies, litter, and mulching intercept rain by decreasing the amount, intensity, and spatial distribution of the precipitation reaching the soil surface, protecting the soil surface from the direct impact of raindrops that can cause splash and sheet erosion. In soil and water conservation, this practice is higher than others because crops and leguminous woody perennials improve and enrich soil conditions through atmospheric nitrogen fixation, organic matter through litterfall and dead and decaying roots, nutrient cycles, modification of soil porosity, and contribution to infiltration rates. It also relieves and maintains salinity, alkalinity, acid, and water retention problems. To increase the water table and increase soil moisture, water conservation is based on trapping as much of this water as possible and storing it on the surface (intanks) or allowing it to sink into the soil. Even where storage pans are dug, they are small and cannot keep the premises afloat when the drought lasts for days, as they have done recently. It is strongly recommended that the productivity of soil and water conservation measures is promoted through an integrated approach in which farmers are intensively involved in every implementation stage.

This monograph explores the critical advancements and methodologies in irrigation technologies that are essential for water conservation in agriculture. Addressing the urgent need for sustainable water management practices, it examines the integration of innovative irrigation systems, such as smart irrigation and drip irrigation, with traditional agricultural practices to enhance water efficiency. Through a detailed examination of soil-water-plant relationships, types of irrigation systems, and the impact of irrigation on yield and productivity, the work highlights the role of precision agriculture and data analytics in optimizing irrigation efficiency. The analysis includes policy and regulatory frameworks that support water conservation efforts and investigates the economic and environmental implications of adopting new irrigation technologies. Furthermore, the monograph discusses the challenges posed by climate change and technological adoption barriers, offering insights into future directions for research and development in agricultural water management. Aimed at researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the field of agriculture, this comprehensive study underscores the necessity of innovative approaches to ensure the sustainability of water resources in farming. Keywords: irrigation technologies, water conservation, agriculture, sustainable water management, smart irrigation, drip irrigation, precision agriculture, soil-water-plant relationship, economic impacts, environmental impacts, climate change, policy frameworks, technological adoption.

Purpose- Due to its special geographical location in the arid and semi-arid climate belt of the world, Iran suffers from water scarcity and limited usable water resources, notably considering the population growth and increasing demand for water and food. High water consumption in agriculture as one of the main water use sectors is estimated as 90% of total water, thereby necessitating consideration of water conservation methods. However, there are a number of barriers to use the current water conservation practices. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the barriers to equipping agricultural lands with the new irrigation technologies in Shahrabaad rural district, Bardaskan city. Design/methodology/approach-This is an applied study in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of method, carried out using the random sampling method. The sample size was 338 households in the research area which was determined using Cochran's formula. Data were collected based on field and library studies. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by university professors and experts. The reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.78 using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Moreover, the TOPSIS fuzzy model was used to rank the villages in terms of the effect of barriers to using the new irrigation technologies, and SPSS software was used for analyzing the research questions. Findings: Results showed that the economic dimension was the most important barriers to using the new irrigation technologies. In addition, low-socioeconomic status of the farmers and small loans are the most prominent barriers to equipping agricultural lands with the new irrigation technologies in the research rural district. Research limitations/implications- unavailability of statistical information when referring to the agricultural jihad and the governor’s office, and completing the questionnaire, depending on the subject at the village level, is one of the main challenges of the present study. Practical implications- Given the specific research findings, it is necessary for agriculture and water policy-makers take serious measures concerning the incentive (low-interest and long-term loans, micro-land integration and the like) and punitive (imposing restrictions on traditional land users and stipulating other supports to change the irrigation method) instruments, because otherwise water restriction and the consequences of water scarcity will be challenging in many areas and even may lead to a serious crisis. Originality / value: This study is prima facie significant in terms of statement of the reasons for the barriers to equipping agricultural lands with the new irrigation technologies from the users' perspective and then, in terms of a more detailed analysis of the research findings to change the implementation of traditional irrigation methods.

Rapid population growth, rising food demand, and climate change have created significant challenges to meet the water demands for agriculture. Effective irrigation water management is essential to address the world’s water crisis. The transition from conventional, frequently ineffective gravity-driven irrigations to contemporary, pressure-driven precision irrigation methods are explored in this article, addressing the difficulties associated with water-intensive irrigation, the possibility of updating conventional techniques, and the developments in smart and precision irrigation technologies. This study comprehensively analyses published literature of 150 articles from the year 2005 to 2024, based on titles, abstract, and conclusions that contain keywords such as precision irrigation scheduling, water-saving technologies, and smart irrigation systems, in addition to providing potential solutions to achieve sustainable development goals and smart agricultural production systems. Moreover, it explores the fundamentals and processes of smart irrigation, such as open- and closed-loop control, precision monitoring and control systems, and smart monitoring methods based on soil data, plant water status, weather data, remote sensing, and participatory irrigation management. Likewise, to emphasize the potential of these technologies for a more sustainable agricultural future, several smart techniques, including IoT, wireless sensor networks, deep learning, and fuzzy logic, and their effects on crop performance and water conservation across various crops are discussed. The review concludes by summarizing the limitations and challenges of implementing precision irrigation systems and AI in agriculture along with highlighting the relationship of adopting precision irrigation and ultimately achieving various sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Plot level assessment of irrigation water savings due to the shift from sprinkler to localized irrigation systems or to the use of soil hydric status probes. Application in the French context

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a disruptive influence in water management, providing instruments to optimize water utilization, improving conservation initiatives, and foster sustainability. Applications for AI in tackling water-related issues. In water management, AI enhances early leak detection, predictive maintenance, and demand forecasting, hence promoting efficient water distribution, cost reduction, and infrastructure robustness. AI-driven smart irrigation and precision agriculture technologies enhance water efficiency, augment crop yields, and minimize waste in sustainable agriculture. In water quality monitoring, AI facilitates real-time pollutant detection and enhances treatment procedures, thereby protecting public health and reducing chemical usage. Moreover, AI augments public awareness by delivering tailored water conservation techniques and educational resources, facilitating behavioral modification and encouraging sustainable practices. Future breakthroughs in machine learning and data analytics possess significant promise to transform water conservation.

Climate change and water security: Estimating the greenhouse gas costs of achieving water security through investments in modern irrigation technology

This study investigates the adoption of solar‐powered drip irrigation systems in Egypt's sugarcane agriculture, analyzing the potential for improved sustainability through the water–energy–food–ecosystems (WEFE) nexus. Located in Qena Governorate, the research utilizes the Q‐Nexus model to compare traditional diesel‐powered irrigation with solar‐powered drip irrigation, focusing on their impacts on resource efficiency, agricultural productivity, and environmental services. Through a comprehensive methodological framework that incorporates input–output analysis, the interactions between water, energy, food production, and ecosystem services were quantified. Primary data was gathered from field interviews and surveys, supplemented by national agricultural statistics, enabling a detailed scenario analysis of current and sustainable practices. These scenarios were then used to assess the potential implications for water and energy conservation, emissions reduction, and overall sustainability. Results demonstrate significant benefits of solar‐powered drip irrigation, including a 48% reduction in water usage and a 93% decrease in diesel fuel consumption compared to diesel‐powered surface irrigation. Additionally, this approach resulted in a 34% reduction in labor and a 55% decrease in fertilizer use, while increasing sugarcane yield by 16%. Environmentally, the shift to solar‐powered systems drastically lowered greenhouse gas emissions and reduced toxicity from fertilizer runoff, underscoring the potential for enhancing agricultural sustainability and efficiency. Conclusively, the findings support the viability of integrating solar‐powered drip irrigation systems in Egyptian agriculture as a sustainable solution to improve resource efficiency, enhance productivity, and minimize environmental impacts. This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable agriculture by providing empirical evidence of the economic and ecological benefits of adopting advanced irrigation and energy technologies. Recommendations for policy include investment in infrastructure, subsidies for sustainable technologies, and farmer training to promote widespread adoption. Future research directions should explore the scalability of such systems and their long‐term impacts on soil health and biodiversity.HIGHLIGHTS Resource efficiency and productivity improvement: The water–energy–food–ecosystems (WEFE) nexus assessment shows that solar‐powered drip irrigation in Egypt's sugarcane agriculture can potentially reduce water usage by 48%, diesel fuel consumption by 93%, and increase sugarcane yield by 16%, significantly improving resource efficiency and agricultural productivity. Environmental and economic benefits: The shift to solar‐powered irrigation systems can potentially lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce labor by 34%, and decrease fertilizer use by 55%, minimizing toxicity from runoff and enhancing environmental sustainability while achieving cost savings. Policy and implementation recommendations: To support the WEFE nexus and encourage widespread adoption, investment in infrastructure, subsidies for sustainable technologies, and comprehensive farmer training are crucial. This study highlights the need for policies that integrate advanced irrigation and energy technologies to achieve sustainable agriculture.

Climate change, population growth, and economic development increase competition for water and exacerbate water scarcity- and drought-related losses (IPCC 2014), resulting in the identification of water crises as the greatest global societal threat (WEF 2019). Farming currently accounts for roughly 70 percent of freshwater withdrawals worldwide (FAO 2019) and often constitutes the least productive (i.e., lowest value) use of freshwater resources (Damania et al. 2017). In this context, providing safe, stable, and profitable food production while making incremental water available to alternative uses, including the environment, requires efficiency improvements in agricultural water management (UN 2015).

This paper reviews various studies which have provided a description and possible explanation to patterns of innovation adoption in the agricultural sector. The survey points out that the tendency of many studies to consider innovation adoption in dichotomous terms (adoption/nonadoption) may not be appropriate in many cases where the actual decisions are defined over a more continuous range. More attention needs to be given to the socio-cultural and institutional environment in area studies so that their interrelation with economic factors affecting adoption can be inferred. The presence of several interrelated innovations is another aspect that needs to be considered more carefully in future research, since a number of simultaneous decisions may be involved. Furthermore, the possibility of regular sequential patterns in adopting components of a new technological package should be specifically addressed in future studies. Finally, the impact of differential adoption rates on land holding distribution merits attention in future research.

The study was conducted in the Bhiwani district of Haryana state, which was selected purposively on the basis of maximum area under dryland agriculture. From the four blocks in the Bhiwani district 200 farmers (50 farmers from each block) were selected randomly. The concept of sustainable agriculture involves the evolution of a new type of agriculture rich in technology and information, with much less than intensive energy use and market purchased inputs. Thus, sustainability is the successful management of resources to satisfy the challenging human needs, while maintaining or enhancing the quality of environment and conserving natural resources. Keeping in view the ever-increasing population, development of dry land agriculture, the depletion of natural resources, environmental pollution and limitations of sustainable agriculture a study was conducted to find out the perception of dryland farmers about economic and social aspects of sustainable dryland agriculture in Haryana (India). The study revealed that majority of the farmers perceived minimum tillage, crop diversification, soil fertilization application, integrated nutrient management, weed control, integrated pest management, maintaining plant population, drought resistant varieties, moisture and water conservation practices, agro-forestry and subsidiary occupation like livestock, poultry, horticulture, vegetable etc., as economically feasible, viable, as well as socially acceptable and sustainable for sustainable dryland agriculture.