Opportunities and Limitations of Adaptation to Saline Water in Agriculture (Case Study in the Mehowlat-Feyzabad Study Area)

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Water Science and Engineering, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Given the challenges posed by population growth, climate change, and freshwater scarcity, the use of saline water as a sustainable solution for meeting water demands in arid and semi-arid regions—such as the Feyzabad-Mahvelat plain—has gained attention. Hydrogeological studies in this area indicate that the electrical conductivity of groundwater (1.3 to 6.4 dS/m) allows for the economically viable use of saline water in salt-tolerant agriculture (e.g., adapted crops) and aquaculture (cultivating resilient species). This research consists of two parts: the first examines the application of saline water at the farm level, while the second prioritizes saline water utilization strategies using Grey Relational Analysis. The results of the first section are presented as an agricultural-aquaculture production matrix, contributing to sustainable economic and environmental development in the region. The findings of the second section include a priority table of expected strategies for developing saline water-based agriculture.



Keywords: Saline water, Feyzabad-Mahvelat plain, Aquaculture, Sustainable development.

Keywords

Professional Promoting Scientific Journal of Aquifer
Volume 20, Issue 1
February 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 14 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 08 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 24 July 2025

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