Green, Blue and Grey Water Footprints of Primary Crops Production in Nepal

    Authors

    S. Shrestha; V. P. Pandey; C. Chanamai;D. K. Ghosh

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Water Resour. Manag.

    Keywords

    Nepal; Primary crops; Virtual water; Water footprint; VIRTUAL WATER; RIVER-BASINS; TRADE; RESOURCES; CONSUMPTION; NATIONS; FLOWS; Engineering, Civil; Water Resources

    Abstract

    This study aims to estimate the green, blue and grey water footprints (WFs) of nine primary crops production in 75 districts, 5 developmental regions and 3 physiographic divisions of Nepal using local meteorological, agronomical and irrigation data at high spatial resolution. The estimates are based on the framework prescribed by the guideline of the Water Footprint Network. The green and blue WFs are calculated using a water balance model whereas the grey WF is estimated as the volume of freshwater needed to dilute nitrate pollution to an acceptable level. WF varies across different crops considered, different districts, development regions and physiographic divisions. WF of potato and wheat in Nepal is comparable to the world average; but paddy, barley and pulses have higher while sugarcane and maize have lower values compared to the world average. WFs of paddy, maize, potato and wheat are lower in Terai than the Hills and Mountains due to the accessibility of irrigation system and higher crop yield. Millet, pulses, oilseeds and barley have lower WFs and are suitable for Mountains. Similarly, sugarcane is suitable for both Terai and Mountain divisions because of its lower WF. Crops in Far Western Development Region generally have higher WFs due to the low crop productivity, and higher fertilizer use.

    Journal Title

    Water Resources Management

    Volume

    27

    Issue/Number

    15

    Publication Date

    1-1-2013

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    5223

    Last Page

    5243

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000328338300014

    ISSN

    0920-4741

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