Crop Diversification for Water Optimization: An Agroecological Lever

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.