Beyond scarcity: Science-based solutions for water and agriculture in the Western United States

As the western United States confronts ongoing drought along with increasing strain on water supplies, solutions that can sustain agriculture while reducing its water consumption are urgently needed. In this special issue, we present fourteen contributions to this effort from across the region. The articles in this collection are situated within a broader trend of shifting away from supply-focused solutions to water scarcity and increasing focus on demand management. The contributions address topics including alternative crop choices to reduce water needs, use of cover crops for soil moisture conservation, precision irrigation and managed deficit irrigation, and managed aquifer recharge. Several contributions also address the interplay of irrigation technology, crop choice, and policy frameworks that shape farmer decisions. Together, this collection makes a case for science-informed management of water resources that sees agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience as mutually compatible goals. The solutions discussed in these pages can provide a starting point for dialog and exchange with other parts of the world facing similar challenges.