Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Oana Alina NIŢU, Ionuț Ovidiu JERCA, Mihaela BĂLAN, Elena Ştefania IVAN
Climate change significantly impacts agriculture, especially in Romania's semi-arid and sub-humid regions, such as Dobrogea, Southern Moldova, and Muntenia. This study analyzes water use efficiency in irrigated agriculture, considering the increase in average annual temperatures and its effect on water consumption. The three irrigation methods – drip, sprinkler, and furrow irrigation – were compared to identify the most efficient strategies. The results indicate that drip irrigation is the most efficient, with minimal water losses and optimized consumption, although high initial costs may pose a disadvantage. Sprinkler irrigation demonstrates moderate efficiency but is influenced by weather conditions, while furrow irrigation has high water losses and low efficiency. In scenarios where temperatures increase by 2°C and 5°C, water consumption for major crops – maize, sunflower, soybean, and sugar beet – increases by up to 25%. The study emphasizes the need to modernize irrigation infrastructure and adopt sustainable technologies to address climate challenges. Financial support for implementing drip irrigation and educational programs for farmers is strongly recommended.
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