Title : Strategies for water savings and agricultural enhancements in arid regions
Abstract:
Arid and semiarid regions account for almost 40-45% of the Earth’s total land surface, and these areas are highly prone to salinization due to low rainfall and improper water management practices. Salinity and drought, two very closely associated abiotic stressors, negatively affect crop productivity (Gamalero et al., 2020). Almost 20% of the total irrigated land has been degraded due to excess soil salinity (FAO, 2020).To meet the fodder requirements ,it is critical to developing sustainable agricultural systems under constricted conditions in these marginal lands. Innovative agriculture techniques involves the cultivation of fodders, using ground and low-quality water for irrigation, thus reducing the reliance on the depleting freshwater resources. Medicago Sativa , is one of the most successful tried forage plant specie that fixes atmospheric nitrogen under different salinity levels , provides forage/fodder for animals and provides a favorable environment to plant. With available technologies and knowledge, UAE has managed to produce alfalafa fodder successfully. But in order to improve quality of fodder and efficiency of production systems the efficient water savings technologies to be included in fodder production system. Further,salt tolerant plants also promote phytoremediation mediated by plant-associated microbiota (Nikalje et al., 2018).The crop diversification , innovative irrigation technologies and their long-term benefits in soil amelioration and mitigation of climate change are of paramount significance. Keeping in view the importance of restoration of marginal environments, the present study case focus on alternative water application and production systems and their management.to identify and develop strategies for sustainable agricultural production systems under saline and arid conditions for field applications.
Key words: Irrigation system, Salinity and Medicago Sativa
