There is a growing concern all over the world over the increasing lack of water resources for irrigation and other uses. The irregular availability of water, both in time and space, also greatly affects its use on a continuous basis. One of the strategies for preserving the quantity and quality of water resources consists in establishing criteria for the appropriate use in all productive activities. The objective of this paper is to provide an in-depth analysis on the relationship among water scarcity, irrigated agriculture and the environment, at the same time contributing to studies that may lead to a planned agriculture, preserving and optimizing the natural resources. Modern technological models must consider a rigorous equilibrium involving agricultural production and preservation of natural resources. Today, the development of irrigation depends on technological and economic procedures for water use optimization, improving application efficiency and providing yield gains from crop response to water application and other productive resources, without, however, compromising availability and quality of resources.
irrigation; natural resources; water use efficiency
