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oa Assessment of Water Resources Needs for Irrigation Development under Climate Change in Ukraine
- Publisher: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
- Source: Conference Proceedings, 18th International Conference Monitoring of Geological Processes and Ecological Condition of the Environment, Apr 2025, Volume 2025, p.1 - 5
Abstract
This study focused on the impact of climate change on water availability and agricultural sustainability in Ukraine, emphasizing the growing challenges posed by insufficient precipitation and increasing aridization. More than half of Ukraine’s agricultural territory experiences water deficits, with the Southern Steppe zone particularly reliant on irrigation. The destruction of the Kakhovka reservoir has further exacerbated water scarcity, limiting irrigation capabilities and affecting agricultural production.The research is based on the hypothesis of river flow non-stationarity, employing analytical, statistical, GIS, and remote sensing methods. Results indicate a significant reduction in river discharge, particularly in the south, where water resources have declined by 50% over the past four decades. Future projections suggest a further 40–50% decrease in available water, making sustainable water management critical.The study highlights the urgent need for irrigation expansion, improved water conservation strategies, and adaptive agricultural practices. Climate change is shifting Ukraine’s agro-climatic zones northward, increasing drought frequency and intensifying soil erosion risks. The findings emphasize the necessity of integrating modern irrigation technologies, high-yield crop varieties, and soil protection measures to maintain agricultural productivity in the face of climate variability.
