Worldwide water constraints on attainable irrigated production for major crops

Abstract In order to achieve worldwide food security, there is a focus on sustainable intensification of crop production. This requires irrigation water use for irrigated croplands, as withdrawals are already resulting in groundwater exploitation and unmet ecosystem requirements. Our study aims quantify attainable wheat, maize, rice soybean production currently cropland under use. Attainable accounts increases nutrient application, while limiting renewable availability without compromising river was quantified using newly developed two-way coupled hydrological model model. framework could comprehensively simulate biophysical processes related growth limitations. results indicate nitrogen uptake should increase by 20%, gap closure. However, decrease more than third ensure Under these constraints, total (all crops) 5% estimated, compared achievable Moreover, the extensively croplands northeastern China, Pakistan northwestern India would be reduced up third. On other hand, may possible regions such southern America, eastern Europe central Africa. only small fraction crops irrigated. imply that at odds with management, further locally-oriented research needed assess suitable management options solutions.