Climate-resilient irrigation: Adapting to a changing world

چکیده مقاله

The chapter "Climate-Resilient Irrigation: Adapting to a Changing World" explores the imperative of climate-resilient practices in the field of irrigation to address the challenges posed by a changing climate. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, it is vital to adapt our agricultural practices to ensure food security and environmental sustainability. The first half of this chapter gives a thorough overview of how climate change affects agriculture. It highlights the pressing need for climate-resilient irrigation techniques. In contrast, the second half of the chapter explores various irrigation practices and technologies designed to be resilient to climate change, aiming to improve water efficiency and counteract its adverse effects. The strategies encompass a variety of irrigation methods, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, as well as water management approaches like rainwater harvesting and recycling, alongside the adoption of crop varieties suited to changing environmental conditions. The importance of maintaining soil health and employing conservation techniques, such as no-till farming and cover cropping, is also discussed. Technological innovations play a crucial role in climate-resilient irrigation, and the chapter highlights the applications of remote sensing, GIS, weather forecasting, and smart irrigation controllers. Automation and robotics are presented as pivotal tools in optimizing irrigation processes. Effective policy and governance are central to the success of climateresilient irrigation. The chapter examines government initiatives, water resource management, legal frameworks, and international collaborations that support these practices. Real-world case studies display successful implementations of climate-resilient irrigation in various contexts, from arid regions to coastal areas and small-scale community initiatives to large commercial farming operations. Challenges and future directions in climate-resilient irrigation are explored, including economic and technical barriers, socio-economic impacts, and the need for research and development. The chapter wraps up by highlighting the main points and proposing future steps to develop climate-resilient agriculture, promote the sustainable utilization of water resources, and safeguard global food production amidst the challenges posed by climate change. © 2025 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.