Salinity impacts on irrigation water-scarcity in food bowl regions of the US and Australia

Abstract Irrigation water use and crop production may be severely limited by both shortages increased salinity levels. However, impacts of crop-specific limitations on irrigation scarcity are largely unknown. We develop a salinity-inclusive framework for the sector, accounting demands tolerance levels apply it to 29 sub-basins within two food bowl regions; Central Valley (California) Murray Darling Basin (Australia). Our results show that severe (levels >0.4) occurs in 23 % 66 all instances (from > 17,000 monthly estimates) Basin, respectively. The highest regions occurred during their summer seasons. Including further levels, compared estimations based quantity only, particularly at local sub-basin scales. investigate potential alleviating through diluting surface with lower saline groundwater resources, where exceeded (conjunctive use). Results from highlights conjunctive can reduce up 67 946 were exceeded). dilution requirements frequently exceed renewable rates, posing additional risks depletion several sub-basins. By capturing dynamics crops, use, our support local-regional agricultural management impacts,