**Preface XI**


Preface

sustainability of the whole (agro)ecosystem.

efficiency, and are therefore more likely.

Agroecosystem is defined as an interrelated functional unit of (a)biotic components (crops, livestock, microbes, soil particles/solutions/gases) with the principal aim of food production, underpinned either by natural precipitations (rain-fed agriculture) and/or artificially added water (irrigated agriculture). Rain-fed agroecosystems are experiencing more frequent and pronounced water imbalances such as water deficit (stress) as a consequence of global cli‐ mate change. Besides the substantial reduction in yield and quality, water stress in arable agricultural areas often additionally underpins numerous other environmental constraints such as salinization, desertification, soil organic matter depletion, compaction, etc. Thus, en‐ suring a stable and balanced water relationship in the soil/crop route is important for the

Implementation of irrigation practice in agriculture is one of the most effective approaches to overcome crop water stress and ensure stable and quality food production. Irrigated crop‐ ping is conducted on about 20% of cultivated land areas and generates about 40% of global food production. However, due to increasing demands and continuous competition for high-quality water resources in the agricultural/industrial/domestic triangle, it is unrealistic to expect further expansion of agricultural irrigation. Adaptations to modern challenges of irrigated cropping (e.g., more frequent droughts, global warming) aim to improve water use

This book presents a collection of 10 chapters focused of irrigation planning, designing and management, irrigation systems, and improvement of water use efficiency across the irrigated agroecosystems. The book is thus mostly dedicated to all those scientists, students, and pro‐ fessionals dealing with irrigated agriculture and sustainable natural (principally water and soil) resource management, as well to those who can find an interest in elaborated subtopics. The editor is grateful to all contributors for their collaboration, notably on considerations and acceptance of all suggestions and comments. Finally, great thanks go to Ms. Romina

> **Prof. Gabrijel Ondrasek** University of Zagreb, Croatia

Skomersic from the publishing service office on her support and help.
