Scarcity of water and high evaporation rate is serious constrain in arid zone agriculture. What strategies should be adopted to grow crops in a sustainable manner?
There is need to choose plant and animal species less affected with changing climatic conditions in arid regions. Effective water saving, reduced evaporation and water conservation approach should also planned to sustain the system.
I think integrated cropping strategy will be remunerative in such situations. Single chopping system will not do because chances of failure of crop are high rate in the arid region due to less moisture. The high value cropping system comprising of pulses', oilseed will do as they can complete their life cycle with less water as has low evaporative demands. Specific crops can be chosen by R and D under changing climatic scenario of the study area.
Some technologies to consider might be: minimum tillage in order to conserve soil moisture, early maturing varieties, seasonal weather forecasts, drought resistant species and cultivars, fertiliser application according to expected yield. Another potentially useful approach is to use crop models to choose agronomic practices that reduce risk, e.g. look at the CropArm online system in Australia.
Nutri-cereals, pulses and oilseeds form viable crops from the food perspective. Short duration cereals with drought tolerance may also taught. However, long term strategies of Perennial multi purpose tree based agro-forestry with IFS approach needs greater attention.
Ecology restoration utilizing waste /community lands for afforestation as per land and soil capability needs prioritization.
Intercropping with finger millet and blackgram addressing resource utilization (one fourth residue incorporation)...
Cereal + legume intercropping may be the best option for agricultural sustainability in arid zones under the scenario of climate change.
you can read the following paper on the climate change on durum wheat practices in Algeria. Interesting !
Article Climate change in Algeria and its impact on durum wheat
In arid zones agriculture is based entirely on irrigation where date palm is occupying an increasingly important place, because it constitutes the backbone of the oasis ecosystem, represents the main culture of the region and forms a solid pillar of regional economy. In the era of climate change and faced with the challenge of food security, the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), due to its ecophysiological characteristics (tolerance to extreme temperatures, tolerance to salinity and water deficit), remains the vanguard of these regions to overcome this climate challenge. In this context, the date palm is very useful, with its ability to withstand adverse climatic conditions, in addition to offering a favorable microclimate allowing farmers to practice a variety of intercrops.
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