Sustainable strategies for durum wheat production under water scarcity and climate stress

Saspugayeva G. Zhaken A. Agarkova I. Mukhametzhanova Z. Samatova I. Zhaznayeva Z.H. Chursin A. Salykbayeva G. Baimukasheva S.H. Serkebayeva B.
Winter 2026 GJESM Publication

Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management
2026 #12 Issue 1 453 - 472 pp.

Water scarcity, rising evapotranspiration, and increasing climate variability pose substantial challenges to cereal production, particularly in semi-arid regions where durum wheat (Triticum durum) is a critical crop for food security. This study consolidates various research efforts focused on strategies aimed at bolstering the resilience of durum wheat in water- scarce environments and emphasizes new possibilities for adaptation in the face of escalating climate pressures. Key approaches include the development and deployment of drought- tolerant and climate-resilient cultivars, precision irrigation technologies that optimize water use, and soil-water conservation practices such as conservation tillage, residue retention, mulching, crop rotation with legumes, and organic matter enhancement. These initiatives strengthen soil structure, promote water infiltration, and improve moisture retention, consequently lowering irrigation needs and shielding crops from sporadic droughts, while also ensuring sustained soil productivity. The study also addresses the environmental trade-offs associated with irrigation expansion, including soil salinization, groundwater depletion, and energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, which can collectively undermine farm sustainability if not properly managed. Comprehensive governance structures that synchronize water, energy, and food priorities are crucial for sustainable intensification, especially in areas where irrigation development is hindered by hydrological or infrastructural constraints. Mechanisms such as volumetric water allocation, systematic groundwater and salinity monitoring, and the incorporation of renewable-energy-powered irrigation systems provide the regulatory and operational tools necessary to prevent resource overexploitation and ensure equitable access across farming communities. An illustrative example from continental semi-arid basins demonstrates how supplemental irrigation during critical growth stages, combined with basin-level water planning and rational groundwater use, can stabilize wheat yields without compromising environmental integrity. The case highlights the potential for integrating multiple water sources, including surface water, groundwater, and collector- drainage water, with climate-resilient cultivars to enhance productivity while maintaining ecosystem health. Sustainable durum wheat systems demand simultaneous improvements in agronomy, technological advancements, resource governance, and the development of farmer skills to ensure successful execution. Advancing semi-arid agriculture will ultimately depend on integrating drought-tolerant varieties, efficient irrigation, soil–water conservation, and Water–Energy–Food–aligned planning into cohesive strategies that can guide future innovation and policy toward resilient, climate-ready production systems.

Drought tolerance , Semi-arid agriculture , Soil–water conservation , Water-use efficiency , Water–Energy–Food nexus

Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи

Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Faculty of Natural Sciences, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Satpayev Street 2, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
NCJSC Karaganda Medical University, Karaganda, 100000, Kazakhstan
Department of Morphology, NCJSC Karaganda Medical University, Karaganda, 100000, Kazakhstan
Department of Ecology and Geography at Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University, Kazakhstan
Department of Ecology and Geography, Sarsen Amanzholov University of East Kazakhstan, 30th Guards Division St., 34, Ust-Kamenogorsk, 070002, Kazakhstan
Department of Ecology and Geography, Higher school of IT and natural sciences, Sarsen Amanzholov University of East Kazakhstan, 30th Guards Division St., 34, Ust-Kamenogorsk, 070002, Kazakhstan
Department of “Ecology and life safety”, Faculty of Engineering, Yessenov University, Aktau, 130000, Kazakhstan
Laboratory of Physical and Chemical Research, Fluid Analysis Directorate of the Laboratory Research Department, Branch of KazMunayGas Engineering LLP “Kazakh Scientific and Design Institute of Oil and Gas”, Aktau, 130000, Kazakhstan

Department of Environmental Engineering and Management
NCJSC Karaganda Medical University
Department of Morphology
Department of Ecology and Geography at Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University
Department of Ecology and Geography
Department of Ecology and Geography
Department of “Ecology and life safety”
Laboratory of Physical and Chemical Research

10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель

Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026