Water footprint concept, approaches, and applications: A comprehensive review for the agricultural sector

Muhammed Sungur Demir; Abdullah Muratoglu

doi:10.1111/wej.12968

journal article Open Access Feb 06, 2025

Water footprint concept, approaches, and applications: A comprehensive review for the agricultural sector

Muhammed Sungur Demir

Abdullah Muratoglu

Water and Environment Journal Vol. 39 No. 2 pp. 128-142 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1111/wej.12968

Abstract

AbstractWater footprint (WF) assessment has emerged as a vital tool for understanding and managing agricultural water consumption amid increasing water scarcity. This review synthesizes current knowledge and methodological developments in agricultural WF research, examining both volumetric and Life Cycle Assessment approaches. We analyze key methodological challenges, including water component differentiation, effective precipitation estimation, and calculation standardization across spatial scales. Recent trends show a shift from global assessments toward regional analyses, enabling precise water management strategies. The review evaluates WF reduction methods, demonstrating that optimized crop patterns and improved agricultural practices can significantly reduce water consumption. Integration of hydrological models with WF assessments shows promise for improving accuracy. Climate change, with varying regional impacts, emerges as a critical factor influencing future WF calculations. While WF methodology offers valuable insights for sustainable water management, its practical application requires careful consideration of regional contexts and limitations.

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Citations

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References

Details

Published: Feb 06, 2025
Vol/Issue: 39(2)
Pages: 128-142
License: View

Authors

M

Muhammed Sungur Demir

Civil Engineering Department Batman University Batman Turkey

A

Abdullah Muratoglu

Civil Engineering Department Batman University Batman Turkey

Cite This Article

Muhammed Sungur Demir, Abdullah Muratoglu (2025). Water footprint concept, approaches, and applications: A comprehensive review for the agricultural sector. Water and Environment Journal, 39(2), 128-142. https://doi.org/10.1111/wej.12968

Water footprint concept, approaches, and applications: A comprehensive review for the agricultural sector

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