Spatial and Temporal Changes of Ecological Water Footprint and Virtual Water Trade in Irrigated and Rain-fed Almond Production at Iran

Estimating the ecological water footprint and the virtual water trade in different agricultural crops in arid and semi-arid regions can help better manage the limited water resources.This research calculated temporal and spatial ecological water footprint of rain-fed and irrigated almond production in national and provincial scale using during 2008 to 2014. The results show that annual average water footprint in rainfed almond is 9.2 m3/kg, which the share of green and grey water is 72% and 28%, respectively which Ilam and Kohgiloyeh & Boyerahmad have a largest share in green water footprint with 91% and 90%, respectively. In adition to, in irrigated almond, the annual average water footprint is 11.4 m3/kg, which the share of green, blue and grey water is 0.19%, 71% and 10%, respectively. Sistan & Balouchestan, Khuzestana and Hormozgan have the highest share in blue water footprint. The total volume of water footprint of rain-fed and irrigated almond production is 1923 and 8242 MCM, respectively. Also, results show that about 92 percent of the total volume virtual water (equivalent to 9343 MCM per year) in almond production, has been exported to other countries through the virtual water trade.