How Can Water Resources Be Used Economically for Agro-irrigation in Water-Limited Regions? Example of Semi-arid Konya Ecology, Turkey
摘要
Konya basin is a great example of severe climate change, with recurring spells of agricultural drought. Climate change has had detrimental effects on the region, including decreased surface water levels and, in some cases, full lake desiccation. This research included a thorough assessment of the Konya Basin's current water and plant production assets, and suggestions for the judicious use of existing water resources in agriculture. Unregulated groundwater withdrawals for irrigation have resulted in significant groundwater level depletions in several parts of Konya Plain. The region's overuse of water resources is driven by two key factors: uncontrolled extension of irrigated land and increased cultivation of high water-demand crops such as sugar beet and maize. The first step in fostering sustainable water resource management is to coordinate crop patterns with present water supplies and to promote the use of water-efficient irrigation technologies such as sprinkler and drip systems. Additionally, within field circumstances, it is recommended to apply deficit irrigation for certain crops such as sugar beet, maize, sunflower, common bean, and potato.