Sustainable Farming Practices for Improved Water Management in Agriculture: A Systematic Review of Meta-Analyses

Agriculture is the largest user of water in the European Union, accounting for up to 60% of total water abstraction. However, water scarcity and pollution from agricultural activities pose significant challenges to sustainable water management. This systematic review of meta-analyses aims to identify farming practices that can reduce water use and improve water quality. Based on the iMAP-FP dataset, a collection of 570 meta-analyses examining  the effects of farming practices on the environment and climate, direct impacts on water management were assessed through several metrics related to water use efficiency, water consumed by the crop, soil water retention, water quality. Indirect effects on water quality such as nutrient leaching and run-off were considered as well. Results reported in 120 meta-analyses revealed that 15 farming practices can increase water use efficiency, reduce water pollution, and/or enhance soil water retention, including agroforestry, cover crops, crop residue management, mulching, and soil amendment with biochar. Notably, crop residue management, mulching, cover crops, landscape features, and water-saving practices have multiple positive effects. Our findings highlight the importance of adopting sustainable farming practices to mitigate water scarcity and pollution, and inform policymakers about the most effective policy measures in agriculture. Promoting these practices has the potential to contribute to the development of more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems and to address the pressing challenges of water scarcity and pollution.