Ecosystem services of irrigated and controlled drainage agricultural systems: A contemporary global perspective

Irrigated agriculture provides 40% of the world’s crop-based foods but often with a negative impact on the environment. It is important to recognize that in addition to providing food and fibre, irrigation and controlled drainage systems can be optimized to provide additional ecosystem services and mitigate climate change by using resources in a more efficient way. Contemporary case studies were identified from around the world, including flood control by paddy fields in Japan, water quality enhancement and wastewater reuse in South Africa and Taiwan, micro-/meso-climate regulation in Ethiopia and Japan, controlled drainage and sub-irrigation to maximize carbon sequestration and minimize leaching in Finland, and groundwater table management to reduce irrigation water and pumping requirements in Turkey. Irrigation infrastructure, such as rice paddy terraced landscapes (Japan) and large dams and canals (Australia), have also achieved notable additional ecotourism job creation. Case studies were analysed in terms of funding opportunities and compared using the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services system. It is recommended that planning frameworks be developed that seek to optimize ecosystem services such as the ones discussed above. Policy should be updated to recognize these services and provide incentives to irrigators and water management entities accordingly.