ISLAMABAD
\nPakistani and Chinese agricultural researchers have developed a temperature-responsive irrigation approach that could help protect crops from rising heat while improving water efficiency, according to a peer-reviewed study published in the international journal Irrigation Science, Gwadar Pro reported on Thursday.
\nThe research was conducted by a joint team from China and Pakistan, including Pakistani researcher Dr. Imran Ali Lakhiar, alongside Chinese Scientists Professor Chuan Zhang and Professor Haofang Yan, and other experts from agricultural engineering institutions in China.
\nThe study examines how precision irrigation systems, combining drip irrigation, micro-sprinklers and temperature-based control, can reduce heat stress on crops while conserving water, an issue becoming more urgent as climate change drives higher temperatures and frequent heatwaves.
\n\u201cWater is considered one of the vital natural resources and factors for performing short- and long-term agricultural practices on Earth,\u201d the authors wrote, warning that the agriculture sector utilizes around 70% of available freshwater annually to irrigate only 25% of the arable land.
\nAccording to the researchers, traditional irrigation practices are increasingly unable to cope with climate variability.
\nIn contrast, precision irrigation systems adjust water application based on real-time temperature, soil moisture and plant needs, helping crops maintain healthier physiological activity during periods of extreme heat.
\nThe study found that properly regulated micro-sprinkler irrigation improves the cooling environment around plants by lowering air and leaf temperatures, which supports photosynthesis that is often suppressed when temperatures exceed optimal levels. The diagram shows how field sensors send real-time data to a cloud platform, enabling remote monitoring and control of smart irrigation systems.
\n\u201cPrecision irrigation methods have appeared as game-changers in the traditional agriculture sector for efficient water utilization and management,\u201d the authors said, adding that such systems can significantly enhance water-use efficiency while reducing environmental footprints.
\nSpeaking to Gwadar Pro, Dr. Imran Ali Lakhiar said the findings are particularly relevant for Pakistan, where heat stress and water scarcity are increasingly affecting both open-field and greenhouse farming. \u201cIn Pakistan, rising temperatures and inefficient water use are major challenges for farmers,\u201d Lakhiar told Gwadar Pro.
\n\u201cIf precision irrigation systems like these are adapted to local conditions, they can help farmers cool crops during heatwaves, reduce water losses and protect yields.\u201d Lakhiar said modern pressure-driven irrigation systems are far more efficient than conventional methods.
\nHe said the study reported water application efficiencies of 50\u201370% for furrow irrigation, 40\u201360% for border irrigation and about 40% for basin irrigation, compared with 65\u201395% for drip irrigation and 50\u201390% for sprinkler systems. According to him, the pilot projects and field-scale trials would be an important next step before wider adoption in Pakistan, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
\n\u201cThese systems are flexible and scalable,\u201d he said. \u201cThey can be applied in greenhouses, small farms or larger commercial operations, depending on local needs and resources.\u201d \u201cAs the water scarcity problem intensifies due to climate change and population growth, precision irrigation is poised to play a critical role in optimizing and modernizing water usage,\u201d the researcher said while quoting their study\u2019s conclusion.
\nHe added that the climate-responsive irrigation technologies could support sustainable agricultural development, improve food security and help farmers adapt to long-term climate impacts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD Pakistani and Chinese agricultural researchers have developed a temperature-responsive irrigation approach that could help protect crops from rising heat while improving water efficiency, according to a peer-reviewed study published in the international journal Irrigation Science, Gwadar Pro reported on Thursday. The research was conducted by a joint team from China and Pakistan, including Pakistani […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":525859,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-525832","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n