Management Strategies for Crop Production in An Era of Reduced Water Availability.

Water availability for agricultural crop production has been challenged by both natural and anthropogenic causes. Recent research findings indicate more frequent and prolonged droughts or lack of precipitation in major agricultural regions from around the world. Increasing demands from industrial, urban, recreational and environmental purposes also compete for water from agricultural needs. The concern for lack of reliable water supply for crop production is more acute in arid and semi-arid regions where crop growth depends nearly exclusively on irrigation. In this presentation, agricultural management strategies that can help cope with reduced water supply will be discussed. Topics of discussion will include crop selection, agronomic practices, irrigation systems, and alternative water supplies. Examples will be provided for different management strategies. Water availability is one of the most complex and challenging problems facing the society. To find practical and achievable solutions for these complex problems, agricultural scientists must employ a holistic approach. Towards this end, we need not only to develop the best scientifically sound technology, we must also take into consideration of the social and economic contexts, and work with governments, stakeholders, and the community. The ultimate goal is to achieve a balanced maximum benefit for the limited water supply.