Use and Management of Saline Water for Irrigation in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) Region

Abstract

The Near East and North Africa (NENA) region covers 19 countries where water scarcity is one of the major challenges. Most countries of the NENA region are forced to use non-conventional water resources, including saline water. This chapter gives an overview of the potential of saline water in the NENA region and the current use and management practices in some countries in the NENA region. About 11.2% of NENA soils are affected by various levels of salinity and sodicity. The successful use of saline water for irrigation requires a basic understanding of the scientific principles affecting the interactions between climate, the applied water, the soil and the crop. Different types of saline water reuse exist (agriculture drainage water and groundwater) and are widely used. More effort should be directed towards the establishment of new management and agricultural strategies for the use of saline water that sustain crop production and safeguard the environment.