Agricultural and Technology-Based Strategies to Improve Water-Use Efficiency in Arid and Semiarid Areas

Justification: Water-use efficiency (WUE) is the amount of carbon assimilated as biomass or grain produced per unit of water the crop uses, and it is considered a critical factor in maintaining the balance between carbon gain and water loss during photosynthesis, particularly in the face of global warming and drought challenges. Improving agricultural WUE is essential for sustainable crop production in water-scarce regions. Objective: This article explores the significance of WUE enhancement in agriculture, especially under drought conditions, and discusses various strategies to optimize WUE for improved crop productivity. Methods: We searched the scientific literature for articles on water-use efficiency published between 2010 and 2023 and selected the 42 most relevant studies for a comprehensive overview of strategies, technologies, and approaches to investigate sustainable agricultural practices to improve water-use efficiency in agriculture, particularly focusing on agronomic methods such as mulching, cover crops, canopy management, deficit irrigation, and irrigation modernization. Results: This review highlights several practical techniques for enhancing WUE, including sustainable irrigation practices, crop-specific agronomic strategies, and innovative technological solutions. By adopting these approaches, farmers can improve water management efficiency, reduce crop vulnerability to water stress, and ultimately enhance agricultural sustainability. In conclusion, improving water-use efficiency is an essential factor for ensuring food security in the face of climate change and water scarcity. By implementing innovative strategies and exploiting the power of technology, we can enhance WUE in agriculture, optimize crop production, conserve natural resources, and contribute to a more sustainable future.