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Isotope Techniques for the Evaluation of Water Sources in Irrigation Systems
Closed for proposals
Project Type
Project Code
F33025CRP
2205Approved Date
Status
Start Date
Expected End Date
Completed Date
25 March 2024Participating Countries
Description
Globally, irrigated agriculture consumes 70% of fresh water resources and provides 40% of global food requirements. Increase in agricultural production and productivity depends, to a large extent, on the availability of water which is drawn either from river diversions (canal irrigation) or from aquifers (groundwater irrigation). Groundwater resources are often the only source of reliable clean water in many parts of the world. In most of the cases, good quality aquifers are exploited for irrigation at rates higher than natural replenishment rates leading to decline in groundwater levels. Therefore a more precise knowledge of sources of water and estimates of recharge rates, and groundwater dating to know how fast the aquifer is replenished are important aspects to assess future availability and sustainability of these resources. This CRP aims to improve capability and expertise among Member States in the use of environmental isotope techniques for better assessment and mapping of water sources for improved irrigation practices and sustainable water management in irrigated areas.
Objectives
Overall objective of the CRP is to test and develop capabilities and new methodologies in Member States in the assessment, mapping and better management of groundwater resources used for irrigation purposes.
Specific objectives
To develop best-practice guidelines on integrating environmental isotopes and other indicators for sustainable management of water resources in irrigated areas.
To improve the assessment of groundwater resources used for irrigation purposes for the adoption of medium-term plans aiming at the sustainable use of groundwater resources for irrigation.
To develop and test methods and approaches based on the use environmental isotopes for identifying and mapping groundwater sources used for irrigation purposes at local/regional scales.