The Potential and Reality of Agricultural Wastewater Reuse

The soils of arid regions face a range of environmental and sometimes man-made problems, but mainly water scarcity (usually <200 mm of precipitation per year−1) and land devastation. The modern development of agriculture is a fundamental strategy for responding to significant problems in an arid climate, in which the severity of global warming is even stronger. It is important to analyze the types of climate change manifestations and their impact on agricultural productivity in arid climates, to understand possible methods of sustainable intensification of agriculture that can help respond to climate change in such conditions. Yet extensive agriculture, unsustainable use, and global climate change are causing an irrecoverable damage to arid lands, with far-reaching consequences to the species, groundwater resources, ecosystem productivity, and ultimately the communities dependent on these systems. However, adequate research and effective policies to protect arid land biodiversity and sustainability are lacking because a large proportion of arid areas are in developing countries, and the unique diversity in these systems is frequently overlooked. However, certain manifestations of climate change and their consequences should be considered in the context of the positive aspects of sustainable agriculture in arid lands. Thus, agricultural productivity in arid lands can be increased by 21–33% through actions aimed at increasing productivity and sustainability, such as improved crop genetics, better management of natural resources, climate-friendly agriculture, etc.