Crop Diversification for Water Optimization: An Agroecological Lever

About this Research Topic

Background

In light of the accelerating pace of climate change in recent years characterized by drought, rising temperatures, and irregular precipitation patterns, scientists are increasingly called upon to develop innovative, ecological, and accessible solutions. A key area of focus is the sustainable management of water resources in agriculture, which integrates emerging technologies with agroecological approaches. Among the most promising practices are mulching, the use of living cover crops, reduced tillage, agroecological fertilization, contour farming, and rainwater harvesting. These methods aim to optimize water use within agroecosystems and align with the broader goals of sustainability and resilience in the face of climate-induced stressors. One particular axis that has drawn increasing attention is crop diversification, which involves growing a variety of plant species within a single agricultural system to enhance water-use efficiency. Intercropping, a prominent form of diversification entails the simultaneous cultivation of multiple crops in the same field, thereby promoting complementary resource utilization. Crop rotation, on the other hand, is based on the sequential cultivation of different crops on the same land over seasons or years, enhancing soil structure and fertility. Agroforestry systems, which integrate trees with crops, offer additional benefits such as shading, reduced soil water evaporation, windbreak effects, and natural enrichment of organic matter. These agroecological practices contribute to improved water productivity through several mechanisms: i) Diverse crop water requirements help reduce overall water consumption. ii) Increased soil organic matter enhances water retention capacity. iii) Improved soil health supports greater fertility and reduces water pollution. iv) Integrated pest and disease management minimizes water losses associated with crop damage. The involvement of early-career researchers in the scientific development and dissemination of agroecological options strengthens research capacity and stimulates innovation in the quest for sustainable agriculture. This special issue aims to encourage multidisciplinary contributions from both young researchers and established scientists, in order to deepen our collective understanding of water use efficiency and agroecosystem resilience.



The aim of this research topic is to explore agroecological solutions for sustainable water management in agriculture in the face of the effects of climate change, particularly drought, rising temperatures, and irregular rainfall. The aim is to identify and evaluate practices such as crop diversification and agroforestry that improve water efficiency while increasing the resilience of farming systems. Drawing on recent advances, this work aims to propose accessible, ecological, and sustainable approaches that are suited to the current and future challenges facing agriculture.



This research theme is part of the sustainable management of water resources in agricultural systems, in relation to the challenges posed by climate change. It aims to promote innovative, accessible, and environmentally friendly agro-ecological approaches capable of strengthening the resilience of agro-ecosystems to drought, extreme temperatures, and unstable rainfall patterns.



Specific topics to be covered:

- Agro-ecological techniques to optimize water use (combined crops, rotation, etc.),

- Crop diversification and water efficiency,

- Integration of agroforestry in water management,

- Simple and innovative technologies for collecting and conserving water,

- Adapting traditional practices to current climatic constraints,

- Case studies of resilient farming systems,

- Impacts of sustainable practices on productivity, soil quality, and biodiversity,

- Participatory approaches and co-construction of knowledge with farmers.



Types of manuscripts expected :

Original research articles,

Targeted literature reviews

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Agroecology, Sustainability, Water management, Crop Diversification, Resilient agriculture

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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