Rhizobacterial Application for Sustainable Water Management on the Areas of Limited Water Resources

摘要

The world population is predicted to increase beyond 8 billion by 2030, implying major challenges for the agricultural sector to secure food availability [1]. A key challenge for plant growth is global water shortage which limits crop yields already today. As the drought limitations gain in importance in the near future the agricultural activities must expand to less fertile areas to satisfy growing demands for food [2]. During the next years, many countries will experience water problems, shortages, poor water quality, or floods that will increase regional tensions. By 2030, available fresh water will not keep up with the demand and without more efficient management of our water resources; the problems we now encounter will hinder food production in key countries. This is a global problem for food markets and the associated economic growth. Due to developing economic pressures, North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia will face dramatic challenges in dealing with water problems [3]. Because of depleted and contaminated surface water supplies, many of these countries have resulted in over pumping the groundwater to satisfy growing food demands, which has resulted in a serious threat to food security, thereby risking social turmoil i.e. loss in agricultural jobs, significantly stressing the economy. A strong correlation exists between water supplies for agriculture and GDP. Approximately 70% of the global fresh water supply is used in agriculture, creating a great opportunity and potential for technology to provide solutions in order to effectively use the available water [3].