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Common irrigation drivers of freshwater salinisation in river basins worldwide

Author

Listed:
  • Josefin Thorslund

    (Stockholm University
    Utrecht University)

  • Marc F. P. Bierkens

    (Utrecht University
    Unit Subsurface and Groundwater Systems)

  • Gualbert H. P. Oude Essink

    (Utrecht University
    Unit Subsurface and Groundwater Systems)

  • Edwin H. Sutanudjaja

    (Utrecht University)

  • Michelle T. H. Vliet

    (Utrecht University)

Abstract

Freshwater salinisation is a growing problem, yet cross-regional assessments of freshwater salinity status and the impact of agricultural and other sectoral uses are lacking. Here, we assess inland freshwater salinity patterns and evaluate its interactions with irrigation water use, across seven regional river basins (401 river sub-basins) around the world, using long-term (1980–2010) salinity observations. While a limited number of sub-basins show persistent salinity problems, many sub-basins temporarily exceeded safe irrigation water-use thresholds and 57% experience increasing salinisation trends. We further investigate the role of agricultural activities as drivers of salinisation and find common contributions of irrigation-specific activities (irrigation water withdrawals, return flows and irrigated area) in sub-basins of high salinity levels and increasing salinisation trends, compared to regions without salinity issues. Our results stress the need for considering these irrigation-specific drivers when developing management strategies and as a key human component in water quality modelling and assessment.

Suggested Citation

  • Josefin Thorslund & Marc F. P. Bierkens & Gualbert H. P. Oude Essink & Edwin H. Sutanudjaja & Michelle T. H. Vliet, 2021. "Common irrigation drivers of freshwater salinisation in river basins worldwide," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-24281-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24281-8
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    Cited by:

    1. Chen, Yu & Zhang, Jian-Hua & Chen, Mo-Xian & Zhu, Fu-Yuan & Song, Tao, 2023. "Optimizing water conservation and utilization with a regulated deficit irrigation strategy in woody crops: A review," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 289(C).
    2. Cynthia Soued & Matthew J. Bogard & Kerri Finlay & Lauren E. Bortolotti & Peter R. Leavitt & Pascal Badiou & Sara H. Knox & Sydney Jensen & Peka Mueller & Sung Ching Lee & Darian Ng & Björn Wissel & C, 2024. "Salinity causes widespread restriction of methane emissions from small inland waters," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.

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