Handbook of Irrigation Hydrology and Management: Irrigation Fundamentals

The Handbook of Irrigation Hydrology and Management explores and analyzes irrigated ecosystems, including water storage, applications, drainage volumes, and environmental and economic impacts. It also offers water-saving strategies and compares irrigation methods to offset changing weather patterns and climate change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 388 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The ever-increasing population has put a significant strain on the world's water resources, leading to a proportional increase in demand. Unfortunately, our existing water sources are not meeting this demand, and they are depleting at an alarming rate. Moreover, the impact of climate change has further exacerbated the situation, with rainfall patterns becoming more variable in many regions. In many cities, government utilities are struggling to provide sufficient water to residents and other users, leading to water scarcity and even shortages in some areas.

To address these challenges, the Handbook of Irrigation Hydrology and Management provides a comprehensive examination and analysis of irrigated ecosystems. These ecosystems involve the artificial control of water storage, applications, and drainage volumes in the landscape, with processes ranging from micrometers to tens of kilometers in spatial dimensions and from seconds to centuries in temporal dimensions. The book covers a wide range of topics, including:

Surface Hydrology: This section focuses on the study of water movement on the surface of the Earth, including surface runoff, evaporation, and infiltration. It explores the factors that influence these processes and the methods used to measure and model them.

Subsurface Hydrology: This section examines the hydrology of unsaturated and groundwater systems, including the movement, storage, and quality of water. It discusses the techniques used to investigate these systems, including groundwater pumping, well testing, and hydrogeological modeling.

Atmospheric Hydrology: This section explores the interactions between water and the atmosphere, including the processes of precipitation, evaporation, and transpiration. It discusses the methods used to measure and model atmospheric water vapor and the impacts of climate change on atmospheric water resources.

Plant Hydrology: This section focuses on the hydrology of plants, including their water requirements, growth, and response to environmental stresses. It discusses the methods used to measure and model plant water uptake and the impacts of irrigation on plant growth and productivity.

Environmental and Economic Impacts: This section examines the environmental and economic impacts of irrigation, including the effects on soil, water quality, biodiversity, and human health. It also discusses the strategies used to mitigate these impacts and promote sustainable irrigation practices.

Water Quality Issues: This section discusses the importance of water quality in irrigation systems and the factors that can affect water quality, including salinity, pH, and dissolved nutrients. It explores the methods used to monitor and manage water quality and the impacts of poor water quality on crop growth and productivity.

Water Harvesting: This section explores the techniques used to harvest rainwater and other non-conventional water sources, including stormwater runoff, wastewater, and desalinated water. It discusses the benefits and challenges of water harvesting and the strategies used to optimize its use.

Satellite Measurements for Irrigation: This section discusses the use of satellite measurements to monitor and manage irrigation systems, including the use of remote sensing data to assess crop water status, detect irrigation leaks, and optimize irrigation schedules.

The Handbook of Irrigation Hydrology and Management is an invaluable resource for professionals, researchers, and policymakers involved in the field of irrigation. It offers water-saving strategies to increase the judicious use of scarce water resources, presents strategies to maximize agricultural yield per unit of water used for different regions, and compares irrigation methods to offset changing weather patterns and the impacts of climate change.

In conclusion, the ever-increasing population and the impact of climate change have posed significant challenges to the world's water resources. The Handbook of Irrigation Hydrology and Management provides a comprehensive examination and analysis of irrigated ecosystems, offering valuable insights and solutions to address these challenges. By promoting sustainable irrigation practices and optimizing water use, we can ensure a more secure and sustainable water future for generations to come.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367258191