Irrigation demand management to cope with drought and water scarcity

The use of water for agricultural production in water scarcity regions requires innovative research and appropriate transfer of technologies. This paper discusses some of these aspects relative to irrigation demand management. First, some concepts relative to water scarcity are discussed concerning aridity, drought, desertification and water shortage, and respective policies to cope with the respective water stressed regimes. Conceptual approaches on irrigation performances, water use and water savings are reviewed as well as issues on improvement of irrigation methods and respective performances. Main focus is placed on deficit irrigation strategies, including limitations on the applicability of related practices.