Water-saving Technologies Research Articles

Analysis of the Influence of Agricultural Natural Disaster on Farmers’ Technology Adoption Decision

Xinjiang is the main cotton-producing area in China. However, its natural environment is special, and natural disasters frequently occur during the agricultural production process. Fortunately, the application of modern agricultural production technology provides a good tool for cotton farmers to reduce disaster losses. In order to analyze the impact of agricultural natural disasters on farmers’ adoption of agricultural production technology, based on the survey data of 216 cotton farmers in the main cotton production areas, this study uses a binary logistic model to analyze the impact of disaster types and stages on cotton farmers’ application of drip irrigation water-saving technology. The results show that hail, drought, and disease disasters have a significant impact on the application of drip irrigation water-saving technology, considering that the damage to equipment and technology’s control of disasters are the reasons behind; post-disaster remediation in the growth or maturity period also has a significant impact, which can reduce losses; and market price risk for cotton also has a significant impact.

Rebound Effects in Irrigated Agriculture in Uzbekistan: A Stakeholder-Based Assessment

There is wide consensus among scholars and practitioners that improved irrigation technologies increase farm productivity and improve resource use efficiency. However, there is also growing empirical evidence that efficiency improvements in irrigation water use may create rebound effects, i.e., they may trigger changes in farmers’ behavior that partly or fully offset the technical water savings expected under ceteris paribus conditions. In extreme cases, total water consumption may even increase. We studied the impacts of introducing water-saving irrigation technologies in Uzbekistan and used structured stakeholder interviews for an expert-based assessment of potential rebound effects. Our findings contribute to the understanding of impacts of technological and institutional responses to environmental and economic pressures in sustaining water resources. The study demonstrates that although the objective of increasing irrigation efficiency may be achieved, the actual water savings under Uzbek conditions are likely to be reduced due to rebound effects. Unless there are effective policy interventions, we expect rebound effects through an increase in water supply for crops that compensates for current shortages of irrigation water availability, an increase in irrigated area, a switch to more water-intensive crops, and overall economic growth. The findings of this paper provide a reference point for estimating the water-saving potential and for evaluating and adapting policies.

The climate cost of saving water by different plastic mulching patterns

Global water shortage and climate change are two of the most significant challenges for our planet, and how to coordinate their relationship is a problem unsolved. In this study, we proposed the synchronization index of water-saving and CO2 mitigation to evaluate the climate cost of saving water by different plastic mulching patterns and explore way to improve the synchronization. The water-saving performance, carbon footprint, and the synchronization index were analyzed for three typical plastic mulching patterns, namely conventional partial plastic mulching, full plastic mulching, and “one film for two years” mulching. The results indicated that all three types of plastic mulching systems were effective in reducing the water footprint of crop production, with full plastic mulching showing the best performance in terms of improving crop yields and water savings. The application of plastic mulching mainly influences the carbon footprint through increasing indirect greenhouse gas emission, accelerating soil organic carbon decline and increasing N2O emission. Area-scale carbon footprint showed a significant positive relationship with the input amounts of plastic film, and the sort order of yield-scale carbon footprint was partial plastic mulching > full plastic mulching > “one film for two years” mulching. Calculated synchronization index was -0.35 kg CO2-eq m−3, -0.10 kg CO2-eq m−3, and 0.50 kg CO2-eq m−3 for partial plastic mulching, full plastic mulching, and “one film for two years” mulching, respectively. Full plastic mulching and partial plastic mulching resulted in an additional 0.35 and 0.10 kg of CO2-eq for saving one cubic meter of water, and only “one film for two years” mulching resulted in simultaneous water savings and greenhouse gas mitigation. This study suggests that water savings achieved using conventional partial plastic mulching have costs in terms of climate change. Faced with the dual pressure of global water shortages and climate change, controlling input amounts of plastic film and prolonging the lifetime of the film are simple and effective way to coordinate water savings and greenhouse gas mitigation. Moreover, the results of this study suggested that water savings and GHG emission mitigation cannot necessarily be achieved simultaneously and that searching for both water-saving performance and its synchronization with GHG mitigation should become a new paradigm for the development of water-saving technologies in the future.

Analysis of Agricultural Production Potential and Enhancement Strategy in the Qaidam Basin Based on the Agro-Ecological Zone Method

The Qaidam Basin has an arid plateau continental climate, with climatic factors strongly influencing agricultural production potential. In the present study, the agro-ecological zone method was applied to study the effects of rainfall, temperature and soil on crop yield, with climatic factors as the main common influencer. By assessing the land production potential, suitable zones for grain production were identified in the Qaidam Basin, and the reasonable current input level was determined, thus, evaluating the population carrying capacity. Strategies for improving crop productivity in these regions were proposed to provide a basis for decision-making by the local government. The results showed that: 1) The photosynthetic and light-temperature production potential was high in Mangya city and the autonomous region; however, the climate production potential was low in Golmud city and the eastern part of Mangya city. After correction based on soil availability, the land production potentials of spring wheat and highland barley were greatly attenuated, and only 15.85 and 16.74% of the photosynthetic production potential, respectively. 2) The current population carrying capacity of the land resources is 595,900 people, which is in a state of human–food balance when the correction coefficient of artificial input is approximately 1.1. If the artificial input can be strengthened to achieve a correction coefficient of 1.2, the population carrying capacity could reach 676,100 people. 3) The suitable area for agricultural production was mainly located in the northeast and west of the Qaidam Basin. These areas can be used as a backup arable land resource. The temperature increase leading to evaporation increase negatively affected the yield per unit area of grain crops in Qaidam Basin. Strengthening water-saving irrigation technology and improving the utilisation rate of chemical fertilisers are good enhancement strategies for the green-oriented agricultural technology system, which would help improve the agricultural productivity potential in the Qaidam Basin.

Micro-Irrigation Technology Adoption in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon: A Behavioural Model

Potato crops are one of the main sources of income for farmers living in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon. Given the high sensitivity of potatoes to water stress, water shortages can cause considerable losses in terms of potato yield and quality. To overcome this challenge, the use of water-saving technologies such as micro-irrigation systems are very important. However, the adoption of this technique remains quite low among potato farmers in the Bekaa region, who still use ordinary sprinkler systems. In this study, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) serves as the conceptual framework for investigating these farmers’ behaviour in adopting a new micro-irrigation system. To achieve this objective, we extended the UTAUT model by considering farmers’ risk perception of the use of a new micro-irrigation technology. The moderators tested were age, previous experience, voluntariness of use, gross unit margin and educational level. Examining the standard regression coefficients, i.e., the β weights, the results indicate that performance expectancy raised behavioural intention for investment in micro-irrigation (β = 0.29) while for effort expectancy the β weight value was 0.24. Overall, an increase of 1 standard deviation of the behavioural intention strongly impacted investment in micro-irrigation systems, β = 0.8 standard deviation of the effective adoption of the technology. Risk perception (β = −0.08) negatively affected farmers’ performance expectancy, i.e., the higher the perceived risk, the lower the perceived performance of the investment, which in turn affected their intention to use micro-irrigation systems. Age (β = 0.11) exerted a significant effect on effort expectancy. Finally in this paper, the policy implications of the results are discussed.

Performance evaluation of a water level sensor under various turbidity levels in lowland crop production systems

The practice of alternate wetting and drying (AWD), a water-saving technology in lowland crop production systems, can be greatly facilitated using wireless water level sensors. However, these sensors generally work under clear water conditions. The sensitivity of these sensors to turbidity is important for accurate water level measurement and appropriate irrigation scheduling. This study evaluated the performance of a high-end water level sensor of the submersible pressure transducer type under various turbidity levels. The performance tests were performed in the laboratory using water samples collected from a typical lowland rice production system under various levels of turbidity replicated three times with clear water as control. The readings of the sensors were compared with manual readings for each turbidity level in all replications. Results showed that the measured water level depth generally increases with increasing turbidity for each voltage level. The linear regression or calibration equation developed for each turbidity level proved to be adequate as evidenced by a relatively low RMSE of less than 1 mV. Results of ANOVA suggest that turbidity significantly affects the accuracy of the water level sensor (p <.001). A unified calibration equation (R2=0.9985 and RMSE=1.971 mV) was developed to account for the effect of turbidity up to 4300 FAU on the water level measurements. Results of this study can be used to improve the accuracy of water level monitoring in irrigated lowland crop production systems employing alternate wetting and drying technology to further increase irrigation efficiencies and augment water savings particularly during the dry season or under water-scarce conditions for a more sustainable crop production.

Water-saving irrigation technology in the foothill areas in the south of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The article presents the results of research that are devoted to water-saving irrigation technology on steep slopes and clarified the elements of irrigation techniques at contour irrigation and discrete irrigation in the south of Uzbekistan. The technology of muddy water irrigation for drip irrigation of gardens has been developed. The implementation of drip irrigation technology in intensive gardens has resulted in a 20-60% reduction in water consumption on arable land, up to 50% on mineral fertilizers and up to 30% on fuel and lubricants. Also, the level of ground water does not rise due to the irrigation water requirements of the plant and excessive water supply, low water evaporation from the soil, as well as uniform moisture throughout the field.

Impacts of Water and Energy Sector Reforms in Gujarat: The Case of Expansion of Micro Irrigation Schemes and Rationalisation of Agricultural Power Tariff

Against the backdrop of the water and energy sector reforms enunciated by the state government in Gujarat, this paper reviews the important policy changes and outcomes of farm-level adoption of water-saving technologies, on the one hand, and the effective implementation of energy tariff policies, on the other hand. Following an assessment of the water and energy policy and regulatory interventions, the paper provides an overview of the farm-level adoption micro irrigation (sprinkler and drip irrigation) systems over the past one decade of the policy reforms. The paper then examines the case of energy sector reforms enunciated by the state in coordination with the energy regulator through establishment of the distribution companies (DISCOMs). The paper brings out that the policy and regulatory interventions in the water and energy (power) sectors have been successful in terms of wider promotion of micro irrigation systems and deregulation of power generation and distribution activities by establishing dedicated DISCOMs. Thus, the policy initiatives were able to address several challenges facing the water and energy sectors in the state. Firstly, the wide-scale promotion of micro irrigation schemes has significantly reduced the groundwater over-extraction for agriculture. Second, the energy sector reforms have shown a significant progress towards rationalisation of tariffs across sectors. However, it emerges that the policy and regulatory reforms need to (i) go beyond the narrow confines of promotion of micro irrigation systems towards sustainable management of water resources and (ii) move beyond rationalisation of power tariffs by offering sustainable solutions to the problems of water and energy security amidst increasing competition for inter-sectoral allocations. Essentially, the energy sector policies and reforms may explore the potential of renewable energy sources through decentralised investments in solar and wind energy systems in the rural areas involving different public–private community partnership models.

Scenario Analysis of Water-Saving Potential in Yeast Manufacturing Industry under the Guidance of Water Intake Quota

While yeast manufacturing consumes a large amount of water per unit of product, water use efficiency varies widely within the industry due to disparity in water-saving technologies. By stipulating water intake per unit of product, the Norm of Water Intake––Part 41: Yeast Production (GB/T 18916.41-2019) will standardize production water use and improve the water-saving level of the yeast manufacturing industry. This paper estimates the industry’s production capacity from 2020 to 2024 through regression analysis. It examines the distribution of water use efficiency under different policy scenarios based on the standard for water intake, including the business-as-usual scenario, the bottom-line scenario, the ideal scenario, and the expected scenario. Then, the water use of the yeast manufacturing industry under different scenarios is calculated, and the water-saving potential is analyzed by comparing it with the business-as-usual scenario. The results indicate that depending on the intensity of policy implementation, the average annual water savings will range from 2.5 × 106 m 3 to 14 × 106 m 3 . The cumulative water savings will add up to 16 × 106 m 3 to 51 × 106 m 3 in the next five years, which is very large.

HS-SPME-GC–MS characterization of volatile chemicals released from microwaving and conventional processing methods of fenugreek seeds and flours

This study was to evaluate the effects of microwave and conventional processing methods on the aroma profiles of fenugreek seeds and flours. The volatiles of raw, sprouted, boiled, roasted, and micro-waved fenugreek grains were evaluated using headspace-solid phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 51 and 60 volatiles were detected in the emission bouquets of raw and processed seeds and flours, respectively. Volatiles were divided into seven chemical classes, including monoterpenes hydrocarbons, sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons, phenylpropanoids, non-terpenes derivatives, apocarotenes, nitrogen/sulfur derivative and oxygenated monoterpenes. The data showed that volatiles were significantly affected by the type of processing. All treatments increase the amounts of volatiles including aldehydes, alcohols, esters, and alkanes except for the microwave heating. Indeed, the dominant volatiles in microwaved fenugreek were pyrazines, with chocolate aroma like flavor. The microwave heating is based on an energy-efficient and water-saving technology; it is an interesting and more sustainable technique to be employed in the legume processing. The findings of this study demonstrate that microwave technology has potential for fenugreek processing.

Application of water-saving technologies for cotton irrigation in the Lower Volga region

The article presents the results of research in 2019-2020 in the south of Russia. There were 4 options for irrigation and 4 doses of fertilization to obtain a yield of 2 to 5 t/ha of raw cotton with different irrigation methods. It was found that a maintenance of the Soil Pre-Irrigation Moisture (SPIM) 75-75-70 % of Full Moisture Capacity (FMC) together with the doses of fertilizer N140P60K45 made it possible to achieve the minimum Irrigation Water Expenses (IWE) of 463 and 269 m3 and the Total Water Consumption (Water Total Consumption Coefficient – WTCC) of 664 and 456 m3 to obtain 1 ton of raw cotton, achieving the yield of 4.32 and 4.49 t/ha, respectively, with sprinkling and drip irrigation. An increase of the fertilizer doses to N175P75K56 contributed to rise of yield to 5.28 and 5.41 t/ha, simultaneously reducing IWE the to 378 and 224, and WTCC - to 543 and 379 m3/t. Compared to furrow irrigation, the use of sprinkling and drip irrigation made it possible to reduce IWE by 37.0 and 73.7 %, WTCC - by 47.4 and 63.7 %, increasing the yield of raw cotton to 38.0 and 43.5 %.

The Adoption of Water-Saving Irrigation Technologies in the Mitidja Plain, Algeria: An Econometric Analysis

This study aims to identify and analyze the major determinants that affect the adoption choice, rate and intensity of water-saving irrigation technologies (sprinkler and drip irrigation techniques) available in the western part of the irrigated perimeter of Mitidja Plain, Algeria. A sample of 136 farmers (28.75%) was randomly selected and surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Three econometric models were used, namely the Logit, Tobit and Poisson regression models. The main findings of the resulted models indicated that capital constraints (credit access, investment costs and subsidies) along with some human capital aspects (age, educational level) and water extraction cost, are the main determinants expected to influence the WSIT adoption choice, rate and intensity in the study area. These results will help to prioritize the factors that affect adoption decisions and provide insights for improving the crop and water productivity.

Spatial equilibrium model-based optimization for inter-regional virtual water pattern within grain trade to relieve water stress

Abstract Realizing water usability and management sustainability represents one of the Sustainable Development Goals. Since grain cultivation consumes tremendous amounts of water, the inter-regional grain trade causes virtual water flow, increasing water stress in certain water-scarce regions. As the second-longest river in China, the Yellow River bears increasingly severe water stress. Considering water and food security, this study proposes a spatial equilibrium model (SEM) that combines partial equilibrium theory and transport models to maximize net social revenue and to balance grain supply and demand, thereby optimizing inter-regional grain trade to relieve water stress. According to different natural, technical and social conditions, we conceived five scenarios to predict regional water stress characterized with different water supplies, demographic structures, food demand compositions and water-saving technologies. Our simulation results suggest that the developed SEM can realize spatial equilibrium of food and water resources within the Basin, which is capable of resolving the problem of food demands in regions with varying extents (13%–55%), optimizing inter-regional grain trade and mitigating water stress. Finally, we recommend some constructive policies for different scenarios to relieve water stress.

Spatial differentiation of agricultural water resource utilization efficiency in the Yangtze River Economic Belt under changing environment

With the change of environment and the rapid development of economy, the problems of low effective utilization rate and uneven spatial distribution of agricultural irrigation water in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) are becoming increasingly prominent. This paper takes precipitation as an environmental exogenous variable into the measurement of water resource utilization efficiency. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) window model is applied to evaluate the agricultural water resource utilization efficiency（AWUE） of the YREB from 2010 to 2019 while Social Network Analysis (SNA) method is used to explore characteristics of the spatial network correlation. The conclusions are as follows: (1) In terms of AWUE, it showed a fluctuating development trend of first rising and then falling, rising with time under the change of precipitation during 2010–2019. However, it did not achieve the effectiveness of DEA in general, and AWUE still had the potential and room for improvement. (2) From the perspective of spatial network structure, the overall network density of spatial correlation of agricultural water resource utilization efficiency showed an evolutionary trend of first increasing then decreasing. The agricultural water resource utilization efficiency among provinces and cities had significant but relatively loose spatial correlation, but the spatial relationship was relatively loose. Based on the research results, this paper puts forward relevant policy suggestions from the aspects of promoting agricultural water-saving technology innovation, giving full play to the role of macro-control and market mechanism, and strengthening the connection among the upstream, middle and downstream regions of the YREB, so as to promote the improvement of AWUE and coordinated development of the YREB.

Adoption of modern irrigation technologies in the presence of water theft and corruption: evidence from public irrigated areas in Medjez-el-Bab

Abstract Water theft carried out by manipulating water meters constrains the implementation of water-saving technologies, which themselves affect the incentives for theft. Using a theoretical model of centralized management, we show that theft is more likely when water prices and monitoring costs are high and punishment levels are weak. Adoption of water-saving technologies is more likely when monitoring costs are low and water prices are high, though only within the range of low to medium prices. The basic analysis is extended to allow for collusion between cheating farmers and the monitor. In the model, we show that collusion is more likely when punishments are weak. We test the model predictions, using data from Tunisia for the years 2012–18, relying on instruments that proxy for unobservable monitoring costs. We use the inverse probability weighting (IPW) method to correct for the potential bias arising from non-random sample selection. Although the econometric evidence supports the majority of the theoretical findings, various economic, socioeconomic, physical, and geographical factors can counteract or supplement these effects.

Corrigendum: Water Policy 23 (6), 1542–1555: Performance of community-based water-saving technology under land fragmentation: evidence from groundwater overexploitation in the North China Plain, https://doi.org/10.2166/wp.2021.138

Corrigendum: <i>Water Policy</i> 23 (6), 1542–1555: Performance of community-based water-saving technology under land fragmentation: evidence from groundwater overexploitation in the North China Plain, https://doi.org/10.2166/wp.2021.138

Improvement in winter wheat productivity through regulating PSII photochemistry, photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence under deficit irrigation conditions

Deficit irrigation is critical to global food production, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions with low precipitation. Given water shortage has threatened agricultural sustainability under the dry-land farming system in China, there is an urgent need to develop effective water-saving technologies. We carried out a field study under two cultivation techniques: (1) the ridge and furrow cultivation model (R); and (2) the conventional flat farming model (F), and three simulated precipitation levels (1, 275 mm; 2, 200 mm; 3, 125 mm) with two deficit irrigation levels (150 and 75 mm). We demonstrated that under the ridge furrow (R) model, rainfall harvesting planting under 150 mm deficit irrigation combined with 200 mm simulated precipitation can considerably increase net photosynthesis rate (Pn), quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII), electron transport rate (ETR), performance index of photosynthetic PSII (Fv/Fm′), and transformation energy potential of PSII (Fv/Fo). In addition, during the jointing, anthesis and grain-filling stages, the grain and biomass yield in the R model are 18.9 and 11.1% higher than those in the flat cultivation model, respectively, primarily due to improved soil water contents. The winter wheat fluorescence parameters were significantly positively associated with the photosynthesis, biomass and wheat production. The result suggests that the R cultivation model with irrigation of 150 mm and simulated precipitation of 200 mm is an effective planting method for enhancing Pn, biomass, wheat production, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in dry-land farming areas.

Sustainability certification and water efficiency in coffee farming: The role of irrigation technologies

The unsustainable use of irrigation water is one of the most serious environmental problems in coffee farming. Rapid expansion of sustainability certifications and adoption of advanced irrigation technologies are expected to promote more sustainable water use through changes in water management practices in coffee farming. However, there lacks empirical evidence on the effects of those certification schemes on water efficiency. This study examines the effect of sustainability certification on the water efficiency of coffee growers, considering distinct irrigation technologies used by farmers - overhead sprinkler and micro-basin irrigation technologies. The meta-frontier framework is used in our empirical analysis of 896 Vietnamese coffee farms over three crop years. Results confirm that irrigation water efficiency in coffee farming is substantially low. There is no evidence supporting the effect of sustainability certification on water efficiency, but advanced irrigation technologies could improve water efficiency. Coffee farms using the sprinkler system are more efficient than those using the micro-basin irrigation technology. Our results also support environmentally friendly farming practices, i.e., having wind-break trees on coffee farms. It also suggests that improving the quality of sustainability certification schemes towards sustainable use of water requires water-saving technologies.

Water, Energy and Carbon Tradeoffs of Groundwater Irrigation-Based Food Production: Case Studies from Fergana Valley, Central Asia

In arid environments, water shortages due to over-allocation of river flow are often compensated by lift irrigation or pumping groundwater. In such environments, farmers using pumped irrigation can deploy on-farm energy-efficient and water-saving technologies; however, pumping water requiring extra energy is associated with carbon emissions. This study explores how to increase crop production using pumped irrigation with minimal energy and carbon emissions. The purpose of this research is twofold: first, to examine on-farm energy consumption and carbon emissions in gravity and groundwater irrigation systems; and second, to explore system-level alternatives of power generation and water management for food production based on the results from the farm-level analysis. This study employs a novel system-level approach for addressing water, energy, and carbon tradeoffs under pumped irrigation using groundwater. These tradeoffs are assessed at farm and system levels. On-farm level estimates showed that farm-level interventions were insufficient to produce mutual gains. According to the results of the system-level evaluation, system-level interventions for water and energy conservation, the use of renewable energy to pump water for irrigation, and river basin scale cooperation are all required to maintain crop production while reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Water-saving technology, rebound effect of irrigation water consumption and regional heterogeneity in North China Plain: Based on Malmquist and LMDI Index analysis

Water-saving technology, rebound effect of irrigation water consumption and regional heterogeneity in North China Plain: Based on Malmquist and LMDI Index analysis