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Green, Blue and Grey Water Footprints of Primary Crops Production in Nepal

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  • Sangam Shrestha
  • Vishnu Pandey
  • Chawalit Chanamai
  • Debapi Ghosh

Abstract

This study aims to estimate the green, blue and grey water footprints (WFs) of nine primary crops production in 75 districts, 5 developmental regions and 3 physiographic divisions of Nepal using local meteorological, agronomical and irrigation data at high spatial resolution. The estimates are based on the framework prescribed by the guideline of the Water Footprint Network. The green and blue WFs are calculated using a water balance model whereas the grey WF is estimated as the volume of freshwater needed to dilute nitrate pollution to an acceptable level. WF varies across different crops considered, different districts, development regions and physiographic divisions. WF of potato and wheat in Nepal is comparable to the world average; but paddy, barley and pulses have higher while sugarcane and maize have lower values compared to the world average. WFs of paddy, maize, potato and wheat are lower in Terai than the Hills and Mountains due to the accessibility of irrigation system and higher crop yield. Millet, pulses, oilseeds and barley have lower WFs and are suitable for Mountains. Similarly, sugarcane is suitable for both Terai and Mountain divisions because of its lower WF. Crops in Far Western Development Region generally have higher WFs due to the low crop productivity, and higher fertilizer use. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013

Suggested Citation

  • Sangam Shrestha & Vishnu Pandey & Chawalit Chanamai & Debapi Ghosh, 2013. "Green, Blue and Grey Water Footprints of Primary Crops Production in Nepal," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 27(15), pages 5223-5243, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:waterr:v:27:y:2013:i:15:p:5223-5243
    DOI: 10.1007/s11269-013-0464-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Xiaoxue Zheng & Lijie Qin & Hongshi He, 2020. "Impacts of Climatic and Agricultural Input Factors on the Water Footprint of Crop Production in Jilin Province, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-19, August.
    2. Fei Yin & Chang-xin Xu, 2020. "Quantifying the Inter- and Intra-Annual Variations in Regional Water Consumption and Scarcity Incorporating Water Quantity and Quality," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 34(8), pages 2313-2327, June.
    3. Inas El-Gafy, 2014. "System Dynamic Model for Crop Production, Water Footprint, and Virtual Water Nexus," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 28(13), pages 4467-4490, October.
    4. Aryal, Kishor & Maraseni, Tek & Apan, Armando, 2023. "Spatial dynamics of biophysical trade-offs and synergies among ecosystem services in the Himalayas," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 59(C).
    5. Mengran Fu & Bin Guo & Weijiao Wang & Juan Wang & Lihua Zhao & Jianlin Wang, 2019. "Comprehensive Assessment of Water Footprints and Water Scarcity Pressure for Main Crops in Shandong Province, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-18, March.

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