Water Use Efficiency and Irrigation Innovations in Crop Systems
Mohammed Umar Ali *
School of Agriculture Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Australia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Water is regarded as one of the most important natural resources and elements for carrying out both short-term and long-term agricultural operations worldwide. At the same time, irrigation in agriculture uses the majority of freshwater resources worldwide. Water efficiency can be increased through innovative irrigation techniques, which can benefit the economy and lessen environmental impacts. Extension programs have occasionally given farmers the information they need to adapt and put workable solutions into place, allowing them to fully benefit from irrigation technology. Investing in technological advancements has frequently resulted in greater water costs without fully reaping the benefits of water efficiency. In general, farmers lack sufficient resources and technical knowledge to understand crop water requirements, how irrigation is actually used, how crops' yields react to various water management techniques, and, consequently, the existing levels of water efficiency on farms. One of these is the deployment of precision irrigation water-saving systems (PISs), which researchers strongly advise for effective water management in the face of climate change. It can help improve crop output, water use efficiency, and environmental footprints while reducing the negative consequences of climate change. In order to fully analyze and review PISs, the current study focused on their creation, application, and beneficial effects on sustainable water management. According to the current study's brief literature assessment, the demand for effective irrigation water management systems, technology developments, and growing environmental consciousness all point to a promising future for PISs. In order to ensure sustainable agricultural development, the PIS is well-positioned to play a crucial role in modernizing and optimizing water use, boosting water use efficiency, and lowering environmental footprints as the problem of water scarcity worsens as a result of climate change and population expansion.
Keywords: Smart irrigation, water scarcity, wireless sensors network, agriculture, irrigation methods, irrigation scheduling