Water Saving Strategies in Field-based Agriculture: A Review of Traditional and Modern Approaches Across Agro-ecological Contexts in India

Abstract

Water scarcity is a major challenge for world agricultural productivity, and using water conserving techniques (WCT) is required in different agro-ecologies. The review aims to evaluate various water conservation techniques used in agriculture and assess their efficiency across different agroecological zones. In this review, a variety of water-saving practices used in field-based agriculture under different climate and soil environments were presented. Meta-analytic methods were used to integrate evidence across studies, and account for methodological and contextual factors that modulate the effects. The literature review included peer-reviewed publications, government reports, and field studies produced between 2000 and 2024. The work compares ancient techniques, such as mulching, crop rotation, and rainwater harvesting, to modern technologies, such as drip irrigation, precision agriculture, and drought-resistant varieties. The results showed that the effectiveness of conservation practices strongly depended on the agroecological context, with the water use efficiency of drip irrigation ranging between 60-90% in arid areas compared to 30-45% for the non-conservation practice of traditional surface irrigation. The synergism that is revealed among various conservation measures, primarily by implementing soil moisture conservation measures coupled with efficient irrigation, is reconstructed here. The review elaborates vital considerations that drive the choice of method, such as the type of soil, amount of rainfall, crop water requirement, and economic situation. It is documented that the site-specific adaptation of conservation tillage technology delivers the best results, with water saving being between 20-70% based on the agroecological environment. The next investigative steps are to build and promote climate-smart conservation practices and facilitate farmer uptake through participatory methodologies and policy support. In conclusion, the evidence clearly indicates that successful water conservation requires integration of technical interventions with supportive policies, institutional mechanisms, and community participation. Future research must focus on developing climate-resilient conservation strategies while ensuring equitable access to water-saving technologies for all farmers.