Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Arid Regions: Agrivoltaics and Solar Desalination

In arid regions, agricultural production is critically challenged by water scarcity, elevated temperatures, and high resource dependency. This study assesses an integrated water-energy-food (WEF) nexus approach tailored for small-scale farming to optimize resource use through innovative combinations of open-field, greenhouse, and agrivoltaic systems. Comparing typical farming practices (base case) with a WEF-enhanced scenario, we measured water and power consumption, crop yield, economic returns across three seasons, and conducted a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis. The WEF scenario demonstrated a 5.4% reduction in water use due to efficient irrigation techniques and produced all required power from solar energy. Crop production and profits were higher under the WEF scenario, in which the net profit per unit area was $1.1 greater. The utilization of a reverse osmosis desalination unit was pivotal in reducing water costs and enhancing economic viability. Notably, the study highlighted significant CO 2 emission reductions with the WEF approach, underscoring its potential in climate change mitigation. By maximizing land use, diversifying crop types, and extending growing periods, the WEF nexus approach presents a viable solution for enhancing sustainability, profitability, and resource security in arid environments. This research offers crucial insights for stakeholders in optimizing agricultural production within the constraints of water and energy resources.