Irrigation, as the biggest water user in most regions of the world is facing significant challenges in balancing social, economic and environmental needs for water.

These proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Sustainable Irrigation and Drainage: Management, Technologies and Policies provide examples of how irrigation and drainage can become more sustainable, while acknowledging that the concept of sustainability is a goal that continues to change as our knowledge of the biophysical realities alters. In that sense moving towards sustainability is an ever evolving journey.

A focus is made on the implications for improving sustainability, whether this is drainage, irrigation technologies, economic modelling, governance studies for irrigation management, reuse of water or any other aspect.  

Topics covered include: Irrigation management; Irrigation modelling; Irrigation systems and planning; Economic incentives; Groundwater issues; Water contamination and remediation; Drainage systems; Drainage modelling; International issues; Water reuse; Climate change effects; Water trade; Economics of irrigation; Socio-economic benefits.