Spatial analysis of blue and green water footprints of agricultural crop patterns: Turkey

Abstract

The agricultural sector is responsible for around 85% of global freshwater consumption. Spatial variations of the water footprint (WF) of agricultural products can be employed to mitigate regional and global problems concerning water scarcity. In this study, the agricultural WF of Turkey at administrative boundary level based on a diverse crop pattern was analysed. The total, per capita and per land area blue and green WFs and virtual water contents (VWCs) of 81 agricultural products were calculated for administrative boundaries. Accordingly, the national WF of agricultural production was estimated to be 107 × 109 m3, of which 56% is blue water. Cereals constitute the largest share of the national WF (57%), mostly due to the production of wheat, barley and maize. Detailed maps and quantifications of VWCs and total, per capita and per land area WFs of various crops are illustrated in this paper. To the authors’ knowledge, this study is the most comprehensive work carried out in the study area to date, with a wide range of crop patterns and administrative boundaries taken into account. This work is expected to contribute to national and international water management studies by proposing and discussing the water intensity of agricultural products at high spatial resolution.