Integrated and Comprehensive Approaches to Water Resources Management: Blending Novel Irrigation Technologies and Unconventional Water Sources in Sustainable Agriculture

Jabari, Mani; Pourmohammad, Paria; Hajirad, Iman; Jabari, Mitra

doi:10.22034/arwe.2025.2076443.1047

Integrated and Comprehensive Approaches to Water Resources Management: Blending Novel Irrigation Technologies and Unconventional Water Sources in Sustainable Agriculture

Document Type : Review

Authors

Mani Jabari ¹

Paria Pourmohammad ²

Iman Hajirad ³

Mitra Jabari ⁴

¹ Department of Horticultural Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Birjand University, Iran.

² Department of reclamation of arid and mountainous regions Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.

³ Department of Irrigation and Reclamation Engineering, College of Agriculture and Natural.

⁴ Department of Horticultural Science and Engineering, Faculty of Plant Production, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

10.22034/arwe.2025.2076443.1047

Abstract

The scarcity of freshwater resources represents one of the most critical challenges to achieving sustainable agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions. Enhancing water use efficiency and minimizing resource losses play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development. This study explores a comprehensive and integrated framework for agricultural water resource management that encompasses the utilization of non-conventional water sources alongside the adoption of advanced irrigation technologies. The findings reveal that the integration of these strategies not only reduces water consumption and losses but also maintains or enhances crop yield and quality, thereby strengthening the resilience of agricultural systems under water-scarce conditions. Furthermore, the combination of smart irrigation technologies, soil moisture sensors, and rainwater harvesting systems enables precise irrigation scheduling and optimization of water application in both time and quantity. This approach alleviates pressure on conventional water resources while minimizing adverse environmental impacts. Overall, the results suggest that implementing such a holistic and integrated management approach can serve as an effective strategy to ensure food security, conserve water resources, and foster sustainable agricultural development at both regional and national scales. Moreover, it provides policymakers and decision-makers with a robust foundation for improving water resource planning and management, taking into account the constraints and climatic conditions characteristic of arid and semi-arid regions.

Keywords

: Water Use Efficiency

Water Resources Resilience

Smart Irrigation

Integrated Water Resources Management

Subjects