Advancing salinity and nutrient management for irrigation science

Authors: KADYAMPAKENI, DAVIE - University Of Florida; Anderson, Raymond; Schmidt, Michael

Submitted to: Irrigation Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/18/2025
Publication Date: 4/24/2025
Citation: Kadyampakeni, D.M., Anderson, R.G., Schmidt, M.P. 2025. Advancing salinity and nutrient management for irrigation science. Irrigation Science. 43:321-327. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-025-01023-y.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-025-01023-y

Interpretive Summary: Irrigation technologies have advanced considerably within the past decade, including developments in assessing crop water requirements, varying site-specific irrigation amounts, and fertigation technology. However, these advancements create potential challenges with salinity and nutrient management due to uneven leaching of soils and mismatch between crop nutrient requirements and the timing and application of fertilizers. This article was developed to highlight the most relevant challenges, knowledge gaps, and opportunities associated with irrigation management with a focus on salinity and nutrient management It is organized into 20 short sections describing different recent advancements. The topics include (but are not limited to) deficit irrigation, irrigation timing to reduce evaporative losses, integration of organic mulching into irrigated agroecosystems, and technologies for irrigation water treatments. This compendium can advise irrigation managers, researchers, and others about recent advances in improving salinity and nutrient management in irrigated agroecosystems.

Technical Abstract: The special issue on “Irrigation, Salinity and Nutrient Management” invited researchers and scholars to submit articles that explore innovative approaches, novel findings, and practical solutions to challenges facing irrigated agroecosystems. This special issue aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of salinity, water and nutrient management within irrigated systems, addressing critical issues that impact agricultural production globally. The special issue covers all irrigated agroecosystems, encompassing a broad range of topics including, but not limited to, water use efficiency, soil salinity and sodicity control, nutrient management, and sustainable agricultural management practices. Recent advances in soil and water management practices, environmental monitoring, modeling, and sensing were highlighted. About 100 high quality manuscripts were submitted to the special issue but only a total of 20 were accepted for publication in Irrigation Science following peer review. The papers highlighted innovative, multidisciplinary technologies and methodologies, with a focus on practical implications for sustaining and improving crop productivity in irrigated agroecosystems. This special issue of Irrigation Science provided the forum for sharing recent advances in irrigation science and its intersection with salinity, water, and nutrient management.