Water-saving Methods Research Articles

Harvesting condensate wastewater from commercial buildings air handling unit (AHU) drainage: An opportunity for water conservation

Water wastage is a matter of great concern, especially in this era of rapid development. Water consumption in high-rise and large-sized buildings is very high. Furthermore, high-rise buildings use a lot of water to generate the use of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) machines. However, the waste of water from this machine is also very disturbing. Therefore, it is important for us to realize that various ways and technologies can be used and utilized to prevent waste from happening. This research focuses on the wastage of water and waste water from air handling unit machines in high-rise commercial buildings around Penang, Malaysia. To make this study a success, several methods have been used, including interviews, observation at the study site, and conducting research through newspapers, journals, reports, and so on. Through this method, data to be analyzed can be collected. In this study, several factors lead to the waste of water from the Air Handling Unit machine, which will have adverse effects on the machine, the building, and also the environment such as condensate and drainage. To overcome the problem, it is important to implement proactive routine maintenance practices for the HVAC system to reduce the AHU wastewater. The finding incorporation of water-saving methods, such as using AHU wastewater for other non-potable purposes, is a practical and ecologically appropriate approach. This research emphasizes the potential for large water savings and environmental advantages in commercial buildings, calling for greater adoption of such methods in facility management and building operations.

Adjustment of Agricultural Practices to Climate Change Effects

Abstract Changing farming practices to environment adjustment resembles a dancing with nature where farmers modify their actions to stay on par with the altering rhythm of the setting. It's everything about locating brand-new actions to browse with the obstacles tossed our method by environment modification-- from insane weather condition patterns to uncertain temperature level swings as well as severe occasions that can damage on our plants and also animals. We're speaking about rolling up our sleeves as well as obtaining our hands unclean finding out the very best time to plant selecting harder plant ranges that can take care of the warm or the cool, as well as grasping water-saving methods to maintain our areas environment-friendly. We're additionally taking a look at methods to treat our land with even more treatment, like exercising preservation farming as well as discovering various other means to generate revenue when our typical plants could battle. It's regarding seeing to it our ranches can weather the tornado, as we say, while still placing food on the table for every person. This research study dives deep right into exactly how environment adjustment is messing with our farming video game plus what we require to do to level up our techniques. By crunching numbers seeing the skies, and also talking with the professionals we've seen firsthand just how environment adjustment is currently shaking points up-- screwing up our sources, screwing up our returns as well as generally maintaining us on our toes. So, we're seeming the alarm system together with claiming "" Hey people, we require to prosper of this point!"" We're discussing locating brand-new means to ranch smarter, not harder together with coming together to tackle this huge ol' trouble head-on. Due to the fact that at the end of the day, maintaining our ranches flourishing despite environment adjustment isn't simply concerning expanding food it's concerning maintaining our areas solid as well as our plates complete for generations ahead.

A Paradigm Shift towards Environmental Responsibility in Sustainable Green Tourism and Hospitality

The demand for various cultural experiences and easier access to travel has driven the exponential rise of the global tourism and hospitality industries in recent decades. However, the increased tourism has sparked worries about how it would affect the environment which led to a paradigm change in favour of sustainable methods. The phrase "green tourism" describes a collection of behaviors designed to reduce the adverse effects of tourism-related activities on the environment, society, and culture. This entails implementing eco-friendly programs, encouraging conservation, and cultivating community involvement. Similarly, green hospitality emphasizes eco-friendly procedures in lodging establishments, promoting waste minimization, energy efficiency, and ethical sourcing. The carbon footprint of travel is one of the main issues that green tourism and hospitality attempt to address. With the assistance of carbon offset programs and the promotion of environmentally friendly transportation options, like electric vehicles, the sector is coming to understand the significance of lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the implementation of sustainable building designs, energy-efficient technologies, and renewable energy sources in hospitality facilities helps to reduce their overall environmental effect. An additional crucial component of green tourism is water conservation. Water-saving methods, like low-flow fixtures and effective irrigation systems, are being implemented by accommodations to reduce water usage and safeguard nearby ecosystems. Waste management is essential to reaching sustainability targets in the tourism and hospitality industries. There is a growing movement to reduce the use of single-use plastics, encourage recycling, and establish composting techniques. Establishments promote the circular economy and lessen environmental deterioration by encouraging guests to dispose of waste responsibly. The effectiveness of projects aimed at promoting green tourism depends on community involvement. Forming alliances with nearby communities guarantees equitable distribution of economic gains and promotes a sense of collective accountability for environmental preservation. Moreover, maintaining the uniqueness of sites is aided by fostering cultural sensitivity and respect for local knowledge. To sum up, green tourism and hospitality mark a significant turn in the direction of a more responsible and sustainable sector. The tourist and hospitality industry may make a substantial contribution to environmental preservation by implementing eco-friendly practices, reducing carbon footprints, preserving water resources, handling waste responsibly, and interacting with local people.

Film mulching counteracts the adverse effects of mild moisture deficiency, and improves the quality and yield of Cyperus esculentus. L grass and tuber in the oasis area of Tarim Basin.

Plastic film mulching (PFM) and deficit irrigation (DI) are vital water-saving approaches in arid agriculture. Cyperus esculentus is a significant crop in dry zones. However, scant data exists on the impacts of these water-saving methods on C. esculentus yield and quality. Using randomized block experiment design. Three irrigation strategies were tested: CK (standard irrigation), RW20 (20% water reduction), and RW40 (40% water reduction). Mulchin treatments included film mulching (FM) and no film mulching (NFM). Results revealed substantial effects of film mulching and drip irrigation on soil nutrients and physical properties, with minor influence on grass, root, and tuber stoichiometry. PF treatment, DI treatments, and their interaction significantly affected C. esculentus forage and tuber yields. Initially, grass and tuber yields increased and then decreased with reduced irrigation. The highest yields were under RW20 (3716.31 and 4758.19 kg/ha). FM increased grass and tuber yield by 17.99% and 8.46%, respectively, over NFM. The water reduction augmented the biomass distribuiton of the leaf and root, while reducing the tuber biomass in NFM. FM significantely impacted grass ether extract content, while reduced water influenced grass and tuber crude protein and tuber ether extract content. Mild water stress increased ether extract, crude protein, and soluble matter in grass and tubers, while excessive RW decreased them. Integrating soil traits, nutrients, yield, and quality, findings indicate C.esculentus yield and quality primarily hinge on soil water content, pond hydrogenase, and electrical conductivity. Based on this results, the recommended strategy is to reduce irrigation by 20% for cultivating C. esculentus in this area.

Regional blue and green water-saving potential and regulation paths for crop production: A case study in the Yellow River Basin

A comprehensive assessment of the regional water-saving potential (WSP) for crop production is the foundation for setting targets, formulating strategies, and implementing management measures for agriculture. Water footprint (WF) for crop production is a well-known indicator of blue and green water consumption and an effective tool for evaluating blue and green WSP in crop production. The WSP evaluations based on crop WF primarily rely on crop redistribution (CR) and the crop WF benchmark (WFB). The CR can be completed relatively quickly, but the WSP is limited. In contrast, reaching an area’s maximum WSP is possible with WFB, but it requires long-term and multi-aspect inputs. However, existing evaluations of regional crop WSP are often based on a single methodology, and the results are various, which confuse the policymakers at times. This study estimated both blue and green WSP of wheat and maize based on two approaches—crop redistribution (CR) and crop water footprint benchmark (WFB)—at the county level in the Yellow River basin (YRB) in different hydrological years. The WSP was 7–11% based on CR, whereas 17–24% based on the crop WFB. The green WSPs were larger than blue WSPs. Over half of counties had larger WSP based on the WFB. These values vary with the crop, region, and hydrological year. The analysis emphasises the importance of considering both blue and green water, and quantitatively comparing different water-saving methods when evaluating regional crop WSP.

Water-smart farming: review of strategies, technologies, and practices for sustainable agricultural water management in a changing climate in West Africa

The global temperature increase of 1.1°C over the past decade and human population growth are already escalating competition for water in locations where water is scarce, adversely affecting agriculture. Water-smart farming was developed to address challenges associated with the availability, access and use of agricultural water. It complements practices and goals related to agricultural water in climate-smart agriculture. It encompasses several climate-responsive food cropping systems, water-saving methods, tools, and technologies to grow food sustainably. Effective implementation of water-smart farming can ameliorate the pressing burden of agricultural water competition. Therefore, the conceptual framework of water-smart farming and its principal elements or ideology are introduced in this review. The major pillars of water-smart cropping, which include conditioning and improving the soil’s capacity to capture and hold moisture, basic infrastructure for water harvesting, storage and use as nature-based cropping solutions were elaborated. Further examples of technologies and best practices in water-smart crop farming, such as breeding for drought-tolerant crop varieties, promoting dryland cropping systems, alternate wetting and drying technology, water drainage and control structures, rainwater harvesting, utilization of irrigation reservoirs, cover cropping and intercropping for enhancing soil moisture conservation were presented. The review also briefly shows the contribution of some of these best practices and adaptive technologies of water-smart cropping toward promoting water-saving methods used for growing rice, maize, legumes, cassava and peri-urban vegetables.

Strategies to Maintain Water Resources for Sustainability in the Sumbagut Region

This study uses a combined approach between economic analysis and observation by Pertamina Regional Sumbagut. The data obtained are analyzed to identify strategies that have been implemented and measure their impact on the sustainability of water resources. The results showed that Pertamina Regional Sumbagut has adopted several important strategies in safeguarding water resources. This strategy includes the use of water-saving technologies in their operations, such as the use of rainwater utilization systems and the use of water-saving methods in production facilities. In addition, Pertamina is also active in monitoring and managing the impact of their operations on water quality. The implementation of these strategies has had a positive impact in safeguarding water resources for sustainability. Pertamina Regional Sumbagut has succeeded in reducing water consumption, making savings in water consumption costs, and minimizing negative impacts on water quality in the region. The study provides valuable insights for Pertamina Regional Sumbagut and other energy companies in sustainable water management. It is hoped that the results of this study can encourage further efforts to continue to improve water saving practices.

Variation Characteristics and Expression State of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Metering Ratio of Rice in Black Soil under Film Mulching and Irrigation Methods

In order to investigate the effects of film mulching and water-saving methods on soil inorganic nitrogen, nitrogen content of rice organs, nitrogen-phosphorus metering ratio, and nutrient limitation during rice yield formation, two water-saving irrigation methods and black biodegradable film mulching were adopted. The effects of water-saving film mulching on NH4+-N and NO3−-N in 0 to 60 cm soil, nitrogen accumulation and ratio, and nitrogen-phosphorus metering ratio in rice organs were analyzed. The nitrogen-phosphorus-limiting state of rice growth under water-saving film mulching was determined. The results showed that water-saving and film mulching methods could weaken the leaching of NH4+-N and NO3−-N and enhance the nitrogen uptake of rice. The water-saving method of mulching could reduce the metering ratio of nitrogen and phosphorus in rice organs. The panicle maturity process had been in a state of nitrogen limitation, and the effect was gradually enhanced. The nitrogen and phosphorus metering ratio of panicles was positively correlated with NH4+-N accumulation in the 0 to 60 cm soil layer and nitrogen accumulation of rice organs, and negatively correlated with soil NO3−-N accumulation under film mulching and water-saving methods. The correlation between stems and leaves’ nitrogen and phosphorus metering ratios and influencing factors was basically opposite to that of panicles’ nitrogen and phosphorus metering ratio. This study can provide a reference for the formulation of a fertilization system under film mulching in the black soil region of northeast China.

Water Management for Sustainable Irrigation in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Production: A Review

In the face of the negative impacts of climate change and the accelerated growth of the global population, precision irrigation is important to conserve water resources, improve rice productivity and promote overall efficient rice cultivation, as rice is a rather water-intensive crop than other crops. For several decades, various water conserving technologies have been studied in order to significantly increase water use efficiency (WUE). The objective of this paper is to review the main technologies and approaches for assessing the water requirements of rice crop in order to contribute to water saving in irrigated rice production, after clarifying the performance indicators of the irrigated systems. Several scientific articles from previous studies were consulted and analyzed. These studies showed that irrigation water conservation includes a wide range of practices, staring from the crop irrigation water requirements assessment to the implementation of the water saving practices on the field. In addition, irrigation water conservation technologies could be categorized into three groups, namely water-conserving irrigation systems, water-saving irrigation methods, and water-conserving agronomic practices. The influence of the individual and combined irrigation water use efficiency tools was highlighted. This paper will enable researchers to acquire knowledge on water-saving methods for estimating the rice crop water requirements and thus allow them to effectively contribute to improve the performance of irrigated rice cultivation systems using various water conservation technologies.

Using olive mill waste compost with sprinkler irrigation as a strategy to achieve sustainable rice cropping under Mediterranean conditions

Traditional rice (Oryza sativa L.) cropping systems under flooding irrigation combined with conventional tillage management are under increasing threat due to a loss of soil quality and a scarcity of water resources, especially in Mediterranean environments. Hence, the development of such management strategies as no-tillage, the application of organic amendments, and water-saving methods could be vital in enhancing the sustainability of rice crops. This work tests the combination of various management systems for growing rice under Mediterranean conditions. It assesses for the first time their influence on soil properties and rice yield components. A field experiment was carried out in southern Spain over 3 years (2015–2017) with six treatments: tillage and continuous flood irrigation either without or with application of two-phase olive mill waste compost; tillage and sprinkler irrigation either without or with application of mill waste compost; direct seeding (no tillage) and sprinkler irrigation either without or with application of mill waste compost. Applying mill waste compost in combination with sprinkler-rice systems improved significantly the soils’ properties. Sprinkler-rice yield was similar to that of rice under tillage and flooding, but it used less irrigation water. In 2017, the greatest rice yield occurred under tillage and sprinkler irrigation with application of mill waste compost (8581 kg ha-1), showing the importance of soil organic matter on yields. Additionnally, flooding increased significantly weed density because it lowered herbicide efficacy, making weed control a key issue for rice yields. Thus, the novelty of this communication is showing that the application of mill waste compost combined with sprinkler irrigation may be a sustainable alternative for rice crops under Mediterranean conditions, increasing the water efficiency and reducing weed pressure, while improving different soil properties.

Increasing water-use efficiency in rice fields threatens an endangered waterbird

Many species have adapted successfully to traditionally cultivated agricultural environments but, as production systems are intensified, this adaptation is reaching its limits. Conflicting facets of sustainability compound the problem. Here we describe how reductions in the use of water in rice fields is compromising the persistence of the largest known breeding population of the Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus), a globally endangered waterbird. In fields with traditional, early permanent water, bitterns began nesting around 77 days after inundation, with 65% of nests having sufficient time for all chicks to fledge before harvest. Our breeding success model showed that all nests could potentially be successful if permanent water was applied by early November, with a ponding period – the phase when fields are flooded – of at least 149 days. The modelling suggests that successful bittern breeding was unlikely where rice was grown using new water-saving methods – drill-sown and delayed permanent water – because the ponding period is too short. These methods have become the rice industry standard in Australia, rising from 34% of fields in 2014 to 91% in 2020. While this saved 1.5–4.5 megalitres/ha per year, it has undermined the habitat value of these agricultural wetlands. ‘Bittern-friendly’ rice growing incentives could encourage timely nesting and maximise breeding success. Early and sufficient ponding can be complemented by establishing adjacent wetland habitat refuges, maintaining grassy banks, and creating dedicated patches to fast-track nesting. Increasing water-use efficiency in agro-ecosystems is widely touted as being beneficial to the environment, but our research demonstrates the urgent need to manage trade-offs with biodiversity conservation.

Effect of agronomic management on rice grain quality Part III: Australian water‐saving irrigation practices

AbstractBackground and objectivesWater availability is a significant issue in rice‐producing regions that are entirely dependent on irrigation and has led to the development of water‐saving (WS) techniques. Delayed permanent water (DPW) and delayed permanent water with a post‐flower flush (DPW + PFF) are WS methods suitable for temperate areas such as southeastern Australia. Currently, the impact of DPW and DPW + PFF on rice grain quality in southeastern Australia is poorly understood. We compared the effect of DPW and DPW + PFF with conventional irrigation methods on grain development and quality over three years.FindingsAbove 60 kg N/ha, head rice yield (HRY; the percentage of grain that remains whole or at least 75% of the original length after milling) was higher in the WS methods compared to plants grown with conventional irrigation methods. The WS methods reduced grain‐filling duration while prolonging the grain‐ripening phase due to a slower infield grain drying, which had a positive effect on HRY. When analyzing cooking parameters, RVA peak viscosity was lower in DPW + PFF compared to permanent flood, which increased RVA setback despite no differences in amylose and total protein content. DPW and DPW + PFF altered the grain protein composition improving HRY and affected the rice flour pasting properties.ConclusionThese results indicate that DPW and DPW + PFF do not negatively impact milling quality at N rates above 60 kg/ha. However, changes in protein composition by DPW and DPW + PFF affected the cooking parameters.Significance and noveltyThese results are important for Australian and global rice producers who need to reduce their water inputs due to drought and receive financial penalties for poor quality grain. Our study is the first to provide a multiyear analysis of the effect of DPW and DPW + PFF on grain quality.

Assessment of maize water status using a consumer-grade camera and thermal imagery

Abstract The analysis of plant response to water deficits can help us to identify appropriate water-saving and irrigation methods. The goal of this study is to assess the potential of eight indices derived from a modified consumer-grade camera and a thermal camera for monitoring the relative water content (RWC) of maize. The study design was a randomized complete block design with three replications and 16 treatments with four levels of irrigation water percentage based on field capacity (100% Fc, 80% Fc, 60% Fc and 40% Fc), and four levels of nitrogen (without nitrogen, 100 kg N/ha, 200 kg N/ha and 300 kg N/ha) were used. RWC values were used to evaluate the performance of the eight crop water stress indicators. The results showed that the best performance results of the studied vegetation indices were DANS, CTSD and CTCV, respectively. As observed, R2 values were 0.88, 0.76 and 0.67, respectively.

Analysis of Water-Saving Irrigation with Organic Materials at Different Percentages for Rice Cultivation

Gemolong subdistrict in Sragen Regency of Central Java, Indonesia has a rainfed rice area of 2,047.64 hectares. Water is very limited during the dry season and this usually makes farmers use costly groundwater pumps for irrigation. This means conventional method involving the continuously flooded irrigation combined with chemical fertilizers which are considered water-wasteful and hazardous to the soil is the current practice in the area. However, water saving-irrigation with the addition of organic material has been discovered to be an alternative solution to this problem. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of this method on water productivity using four variations of water-saving irrigation treatment and composition of organic application as well as one control treatment involving conventional method with chemical fertilizers. Meanwhile, composted rice straw was used as organic material and applied at 20% and 40% composition. The results showed the application of organic material boosted rice production while the water-saving method increased water productivity. Applying rice straw to the soil at 20% and 40% was discovered to have increased water productivity by 15% and 19% compared to the control treatment. Moreover, the application of 20% rice straw to water-saving irrigation method saved up to 19% water and increase its productivity by 16.5% in comparison with the control treatment. However, 40% under water-saving irrigation method reduced the water productivity by 2% even though it saved up to 27% water needed for irrigation. It is, therefore, recommended that water-saving methods added with 20% organic material be implemented as alternative rice cultivation procedures during dry season and period of water scarcity.

Incorporating Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Iran’s Potable Water-Saving Scheme by Using a GIS-Simulation Based Decision Support System

Rainwater harvesting systems (RWHSs) have been accepted as a simple and effective approach to ease the worsening of urban water stress. However, in arid and semiarid regions, a comprehensive method for promoting domestic RWHSs in a large-scale water-saving scheme that incorporates water consumption reducing equipment (WCRE) and gray water reuse (GWR), has not been well developed. For this, based on the case study of Guilan Province, Iran, this study addressed the temporal-spatial complex of rainfall and proposed a GIS-simulation-based decision support system (DSS). Herein, two scenarios, i.e., the typical RWHS and the modified RWHS for arid areas, were tested; and the associated economic analysis was performed and compared with WCRE and GWR. Moreover, for larger-scale implementation, the multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) technique was further applied to address the social-environmental complexity of these water-saving methods. Guilan Province has thereby been classified into three priority levels, providing a straightforward understanding of how to promote the large-scale water-saving scheme. Compared with the traditional generalized method, sensitivity analysis verified that this DSS enhanced the information value. Hence, the DSS that provides more holistic and comprehensive support has been identified as a useful tool to ease the threat of urban water stress.

Agronomic Growth Performance of Super Rice under Water-Saving Irrigation Methods with Different Water-Controlled Thresholds in Different Growth Stages

Many water-saving techniques have been developed for rice production in response to irrigation water scarcity. The selection of the water-saving methods and the optimum thresholds for obtaining maximum benefits of these regimes are largely site-specific depending mainly on soil type, soil texture, and the environment. A two-year (2017 and 2018) experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of the agronomic growth performance, yield, and water use of super rice varieties under different irrigation regimes in Jiangsu Province, China. The irrigation regimes were comprised of different water-controlled thresholds, in different growth stages. Treatments included traditional flooding irrigation (FI, as the control) and the following four water-saving irrigation (WSI) regimes: shallow adjusting irrigation (WSI1), rainwater-catching and controlled irrigation (WSI2), controlled irrigation (WSI3), and drought planting with straw mulching (WSI4). The results showed that WSI treatments significantly increased the irrigation water use efficiency by 20.60% to 56.92% as compared with FI. The WSI treatments significantly decreased the crop evapotranspiration during the rice growth period. The grain yields of WSI1, WSI2, and WSI3 were significantly increased (6.62%~7.20% for WSI1, 8.21%~12.39% for WSI2, and 8.30%~12.91% for WSI3) as compared with that of the control, whereas WSI4 decreased the rice yield by 11.69%~18.10%. This research implies that WSI2 and WSI3 have the greatest potential for promotion in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. An optimization of the irrigation threshold of WSI1 and WSI4 should be considered to guarantee the overall benefit.

Home gardening in Muscat, Oman: Gardeners’ practices, perceptions and motivations

Omani home-gardens are jeopardized by the poor agronomic practices and unqualified gardeners. This study aimed to find: (i) gardening characteristics, practices and gardener’s perception to irrigation water management, soil preparation-fertility, (ii) determinants of use of water saving methods (WSM), and (iii) reasons for garden adoption. A questionnaire was distributed and 125 responses received from residents of individual houses. Substantial differences were detected in garden composition and diversity of plants (ornamentals, lawn grass, crops and medicinal plants). Cultivation in ground and in pots with organic fertilizers is practiced. Educational level, garden size, cultivation of ornamental plants and vegetables, increasing water bill, and willingness to purchase irrigation tools were significant positive determinants in using WSM. The age of homeowners, type of plants (grass and fruits), and status of the person taking care of the garden were negative determinants. The top gardening motives were: aesthetic, shading, joy of hobby, source for food, physical exercise and protecting environment. The top five reasons for non-gardening were: pavement of the yard (commonly practiced by local building designers), lack of free land (construction of the house occupied most of the possessed urban plot), adverse weather, high water bill and lack of knowledge about gardening. Our results set a foundation for future studies on better planning and management of urban green areas and associated water resources in Oman and the neighboring Gulf countries.

English

English

Effects of Furrow Irrigation on the Growth, Production, and Water Use Efficiency of Direct Sowing Rice

Rice farming is the major crop production in Asia and is predicted to increase significantly in the near future in order to meet the demands for the increasing human population. Traditional irrigation methods used in rice farming often result in great water loss. New water-saving methods are urgently needed to reduce water consumption. Three field and pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the furrow irrigation (FI) system to improve water use efficiency (WUE) and production of direct sowing rice in southern China. Compared to the conventional irrigation (CI) system (continuous flooding irrigation), for every square hectometer of rice field, the FI system reduced water use by 3130 m3, or 48.1%, and increased grain production by 13.9% for an early cultivar. For a late cultivar, the FI system reduced water use by 2655 m3, or 40.6%, and an increase of grain production by 12.1%. The improved WUE in the FI system is attributed to (1) a significant reduction of irrigation rate, seepage, evaporation, and evapotranspiration; (2) a significant reduction in the reduced materials, such as ferrous ion (Fe2+), and therefore an increase in the vitality of the root system, evident by the increases in the number of white roots by 32.62%, and decreases in the number of black roots by 20.04% and yellow roots by 12.58%; the use of the FI system may also reduce humidity of the rice field and enhance gas transport in the soil and light penetration, which led to reduced rice diseases and increased leaf vitality; and (3) increases in tiller and effective spikes by 11.53% and the weight per thousand grains by 1.0 g. These findings suggest that the shallow FI system is a promising means for rice farming in areas with increasing water shortages.

Does partial root-zone drying improve irrigation water productivity in the field? A meta-analysis

Partial root-zone drying improves irrigation water productivity (IWP, yield per unit applied irrigation water) with respect to controls receiving substantially more water, but similar gains are often achieved with conventional deficit irrigation. This paper presents a meta-analysis of IWP for a broad range of horticultural crops and environments. Two comparisons were preformed: (a) crops managed with either partial root-zone drying or conventional deficit irrigation against controls receiving substantially more water than the two water-saving techniques, (b) crops managed with partial root-zone drying and their counterparts with conventional irrigation where both received similar amounts of irrigation. In relation to controls receiving substantially more water, conventional deficit irrigation increased IWP by an average 76% and partial root-zone drying by 82%; the gains from both water-saving methods were statistically undistinguishable. Yield per unit applied irrigation water of crops under partial root-zone drying was significantly (P = 0.007) but modestly (5%) higher than in their counterparts with conventional irrigation where both received similar amounts of irrigation. In 80% of cases the difference in IWP between the two methods was in the ±20% range. Considering the cost and management complexity of implementing partial root-zone drying, it is critical to identify the rare conditions where this method could be economically justified.