Strategies for the Use of Brackish Water for Crop Production in Northeastern Brazil

Agriculture in the Brazilian Northeastern region, particularly in semi-arid climates, depends on scarce water resources. This has promoted interest in the use of marginal quality waters for crop production. In Northeastern Brazil, the occurrence of brackish and saline water sources is common and their use in agriculture without adequate management can reduce crop productivity and negatively impact soil properties. Long-term strategies that ensure the socioeconomic and environmental sustainability of agricultural systems are required. We present an overview of water sources in Northeastern Brazil and several management strategies evaluated in this region, including: salt tolerant crops, soil and water management, appropriate cropping systems, application of mineral and organic amendments, and plant x microorganism interactions. Two case studies on the application of on farm-strategies are presented, highlighting the technical feasibility of using brackish water in irrigated agriculture. These results also underscore the need to use management strategies, which allow the use of these water sources with less impact on crops and soils. We conclude that the use of marginal quality water is an important alternative for agricultural production in Northeastern Brazil. The simultaneous application of several strategies may be the most convenient approach.