Water Footprint Analysis of Wheat Cultivation in the Ganga Yamuna Doab Region – Implications for Sustainable Water Management

The research investigates the Water Footprint (WFP) of wheat cultivation in the Ganga-Yamuna Doab (GYD) region, highlighting grey WFP sub-components like Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), and Potassium (K). Blue water footprints dominated (88 %), with nitrogen-related WFP leading among grey components. T...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ai Likun, Mohammad Suhail, Mohd Nazish Khan, Meliev Abduxamidovich Bakhtiyor, Ibragimov Lutfullo, G’afforov Abdurashid, Alikul Xudayberdiyevich Ravshanov, Chen Yingying
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-06-01
Series:Environmental Challenges
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010025000812
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Summary:The research investigates the Water Footprint (WFP) of wheat cultivation in the Ganga-Yamuna Doab (GYD) region, highlighting grey WFP sub-components like Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), and Potassium (K). Blue water footprints dominated (88 %), with nitrogen-related WFP leading among grey components. The average total WFP for wheat in GYD was lower (1165 m3/ton) than the global average. Variations in blue WFP were observed across districts, with efficient water usage in some and higher values in others due to rainfall distribution and agricultural practices. Green WFP averaged 40 m3/ton, indicating varied resource utilization. Grey WFP was higher (98 m3/ton) than India's national average, influenced by urbanization, excessive fertilizer usage, and intensive agricultural practices. Precision farming techniques offer opportunities for greywater footprint reduction. Expert recommendations stress data validation and consider variations in planting/harvesting dates and growing season duration for improved sustainability. Soil characteristics are pivotal in defining crop rooting depth, especially in rain-fed regions. Data validation from reputable sources is crucial for accuracy and reliability.
ISSN:2667-0100