Environmental effects of irrigation

**Direct Effects of Irrigation:**

– Countries with the highest water withdrawal by agriculture in total withdrawal
– Reduction in downstream river flow
– Increased evaporation in irrigated areas
– Increased water table levels
– Modification of atmospheric circulation

**Indirect Effects of Irrigation:**

– Waterlogging
– Soil salination
– Ecological damage
– Socioeconomic impacts
– Decreased water levels due to water well usage

**Adverse Impacts of Irrigation on Water Resources:**

– Disappearance of wetlands and flood forests
– Decreased availability of water for various uses
– Impact on fishing opportunities
– Discharge reduction into the sea
– Environmental catastrophe in the Aral Sea

**Adverse Impacts of Increased Groundwater Recharge, Waterlogging, and Soil Salinity:**

– Groundwater recharge leads to adverse conditions
– Negative consequences of groundwater depletion
– Rising water tables
– Increased storage of groundwater
– Stagnant water tables leading to water-borne diseases

**Adverse Impacts of Reduced Downstream River Water Quality:**

– Deterioration of river water quality
– Salinization and pollution of water by agricultural chemicals
– Unfit river water for industrial and municipal use