Fostering agricultural sustainability and climate resilience through Precision Irrigation Systems (PIS) in water-scarce regions; A perspective from the precision agriculture.

Abstract

Precision irrigation systems (PIS) have become a vital solution in countries facing water scarcity and food insecurities concerns worldwide. PIS provide a focused and effective strategy for the management of water resources to maximize the yield. On that note, the present study was conducted with the objectives of examining; (1) applications of PIS to enhance the agricultural productivity and (2) challenges in using PIS in mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change in regions facing water scarcity. A systematic review was conducted screening current scholarly literature (peer reviewed journal articles and reports) published in the English language in the Scopus database from 2013-2023. We used “precision irrigation systems”, “climate change”, “sustainable agriculture”, “water scarcity”, “resilience and resistance to weather changes”, and “technical challenges” as inclusive keywords for the screening process and results were analyzed using thematic analysis. We discovered that drip and sprinkler micro-irrigation systems fall within the category of precision water management technologies. They are commonly employed across the water-deficient regions. However, analysis findings underscore the manifold advantages of PIS in mitigating the challenges presented by climate change. First, these PIS facilitate farmers in the precise delivery of water and nutrients to crops, resulting in a reduction of water wastage by 12% or more. Further, PIS utilize remote sensors, weather data, and advanced technologies to accurately assess the specific water needs of individual plants. Besides, PIS play a significant role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices through the conservation of water resources and the prevention of soil degradation as PIS contribute to the maintenance of soil moisture equilibrium and the prevention of waterlogging or drought stress by selectively supplying water to specific areas. Enhanced water management practices have been shown to positively impact crop productivity while simultaneously reducing dependence on traditional irrigation methods. With regards to the challenges, the cost of implementation and technology, technical expertise, data management, site specific adaptability, lack of power supply and reliability, weaknesses in integration with existing farming practices, declined water quality and availability, and socio-economic and policy barriers are major constraints in implementing sustainable PIS to combat changing climate. In conclusion, we suggest that cross-border technology transfer, site specific solution, and strengthening existing policies and legislation coupled with raising awareness among stakeholders would be ideal solutions to effectively tackle the challenges linked to the extensive adoption of these PIS and facilitate their implementation on a broader scope.