Unconventional Solution to Increase Water and Land Productivity Under Water Scarcity

Abstract

In this chapter we presented an example of prevailing crop rotation in the four soil types exist in Egypt, i.e. old clay, calcareous, sandy and salt affected soils. We also proposed one rotation in each site to replace the prevailing rotation to save on the applied irrigation water. We calculated water requirements for each rotation and determined the amount of saved water per hectare under current climate and in 2040. We also presented the prevailing sugarcane rotation and proposed other rotations to increase water and land productivity. In the proposed rotations, changing cultivation methods from flat or on rows to raised beds saved on the applied water. Furthermore, using intercropping instead of monoculture saved on the applied water under both current climate and in 2040. In the old land, the saved water amounts were 1095, 1331 and 1546 m3/ha in Nile Delta, Middle and Upper Egypt, respectively, under current climate. Under climate change, 610, 996 and 1278 m3/ha in Nile Delta, Middle and Upper Egypt, respectively was saved. In the new reclaimed land, the proposed rotation could save 3160 and 2908 m3/ha under current climate and climate change, respectively. Regarding sandy soil, the proposed rotation saved low amount of water, i.e. 53, 67 and 152 m3/ha in Lower, Middle and Upper Egypt, respectively under current climate. Under climate change, the saved amounts were 58, 66 and 131 m3/ha in Lower, Middle and Upper Egypt, respectively. In the salt-affected soils, the proposed rotation will save 3426 and 2828 m3/ha under current climate and in 2040, respectively. Regarding sugarcane rotations, the amount of saved irrigation water using the proposed rotations was 3,596 and 7,609 m3/ha for spring and autumn rotation, respectively.