Efficient water management in agricultural systems
Keywords:
efficient water management, precision irrigation, sustainable agriculture, water productivity, water use efficiency.Abstract
Efficient water management is one of the main challenges for the sustainability of agricultural systems due to the increasing demand for food, the growing scarcity of water resources, and the impacts of climate change on water availability and distribution. In this context, the optimisation of irrigation water use has evolved from approaches focused exclusively on hydraulic efficiency to integrated models that incorporate water productivity, environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and agricultural resilience. The objective of this bibliographic review was to critically analyse the available scientific evidence on efficient water management in agricultural systems, considering the conceptual evolution of water use efficiency, the main performance indicators, emerging technologies for irrigation optimisation, adaptation strategies to climate change, and future perspectives for sustainable agriculture. To achieve this, a review of scientific literature was conducted using indexed journal articles, specialised books, and technical publications issued by international organisations concerned with agricultural water management. The collected information was organised into thematic categories and comparatively analysed to identify current trends, advances, and challenges. The reviewed evidence demonstrates that the integration of pressurised irrigation systems, sensors, remote sensing, precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, and water reuse strategies has significantly improved water use efficiency. Nevertheless, important limitations remain regarding climate variability, irrigation infrastructure, implementation costs, and technology transfer. It is concluded that efficient water management requires multidisciplinary approaches integrating technological innovation, sustainable water resource management, and policies aimed at strengthening the resilience of agricultural systems in the face of current environmental challenges.
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References
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