Water in Agricultural Practices

Water use in agriculture plays a critical role in any discussion of water and food security, since farming activities account for around 70% of water used in the world today. Inefficient agriculture contributes to a great pollution of surface water and also to groundwater depletion with its associated consequences. Also excessive use of nutrients and pesticides are key sources of water pollution in many regions. On the one hand, sustainable management of water in agriculture is critical not only to increase agricultural production, but also to support continued economic growth in other sectors. On the other hand, agriculture faces increasing water challenges, ranging from climate change, increasing water competition from other sectors, and gradual water quality deteriorations. The objective of this book is to serve as a forum to discuss advance solutions to improve the management of agricultural water risks in developing countries.