New solutions to reduce water and energy consumption in crop production: A water–energy–food nexus perspective
2020
Scardigno, Alessandra
Recent research studies and policies about innovative solutions to reduce water and energy consumption in food production are briefly reviewed. Options to increase water use efficiency and productivity include soil mulching, drip irrigation, deficit irrigation, and precision agriculture. As for the energy–water nexus, attention is focused on energy audits of water distribution networks; improving of system performance –– network sectoring, use of variable speed drives, critical points control, electricity tariff — and reduction of wastewater treatment’s energy use. At a larger scale, other solutions emerge: diversification and rotation of crops, cultivation of drought-resistant crops, and optimization process of the spatial distribution of cropping patterns. The rebound effect that can be associated to these options is also considered.
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