Improving agricultural production under water scarcity in Fars province, Iran

ABSTRACT Water scarcity is one of the major limiting factor for improving agricultural production in the world, which significantly affects agricultural production and livelihood of millions of people who live in arid and semi-arid regions. This case study presents the analysis of the effectiveness of Silica Moisture Absorbent Medium (SMAM, commercially available under the name Sanoplant), with regard to water saving and shortening the crop growth period. A cost-benefit analysis was carried out to assess the long term economic viability of SMAM. This case study integrates field measurements and observations on plant development, as well as the nitrogen content of the leafs and nitrogen availability in the soil. To assess the effectiveness of SMAM in saving water, enhancing plant growth and reducing mortality rate of crops, 15 scenarios (combinations of water amount and SMAM) were set for each of the three most widely cultivated crops in Iran: orange (Citrus sinensis), olive (Olea europea) and date (Phoenix dactylifera). The scenarios differed in the dosage of SMAM and different irrigation regimes, to find the optimal usage to increase water productivity in Fars agricultural regions, while maintaining a positive cost-benefit ratio. The results show that by using SMAM, the best results can be obtained by using 7 grams of SMAM per kilogram of soil and even decreasing irrigation by 50%.