Environmental Impacts of Irrigation

Abstract

Understanding crop-water requirement is necessary for crop production. Irrigation has significantly impacted solving agricultural water shortages for increasing food and environmental demand. Due to the rapid growth of water demand from other non-agricultural sectors, treated wastewater has been used to supplement rainfall. Still, the cost of irrigation projects makes it an uncommon agricultural practice, especially in developing countries. In general, irrigation has caused some environmental impacts, which have raised concerns in some regions where irrigation is practiced. This chapter discusses the environmental impacts of irrigation, including soil degradation, erosion, sedimentation, channel configuration, soil physicochemical properties, air and water quality, general hydrology of the region of operation, biotic and available ecological community, as well as their resultant direct/indirect negative impacts to the human society. The chapter also suggests some sustainable ways and techniques, such as policymaking, engineering, and intervention of agronomic practices that can mitigate the adverse effects of irrigation on the environment. By adopting these interventions, we can produce more food at a lower cost, protect human health, and preserve the environment.