Seawater desalination for crop irrigation - A review of current experiences and revealed key issues

摘要: Abstract Increasing water scarcity in arid and semiarid regions is driving the demand for non-conventional resources irrigated agriculture. Seawater desalination sustaining agricultural production being reported as an alternative source some Mediterranean countries. It represents abundant steady which effectively removes climatological hydrological constraints. However, first experiences are highlighting that certain important issues can become a barrier to its spread crop irrigation. First, high-energy requirement still essential feature of seawater desalination, leading costs several times higher than other sources. Moreover, high greenhouse gas emissions linked intensive use energy could exacerbate climate change. Additionally, there agronomic concerns related lack desalinated quality standards; cause risks both soil environment if not properly managed. Specific regulations production, blending management modelling, on-farm technical means monitoring may mitigate these This paper reviews current irrigation with analyses most questions be considered, particular focus on agronomical aspects.