The book Water Management – Theory and Practicals is the result of sustained engagement with teaching, research, and the pressing challenges of efficient water use in agriculture. It embodies a collective commitment to strengthening scientific knowledge, enhancing practical skills, and promoting sustainable approaches to water management for future agricultural professionals. Recognizing water as the most critical and increasingly scarce resource in farming systems, the volume emphasizes its judicious, efficient, and equitable use as essential not only for crop productivity but also for ecological balance and long-term food security. The text goes beyond irrigation techniques, presenting water management as a broader philosophy of conservation, optimization, and integration of natural resources. Drawing from diverse strategies across India and the world—ranging from traditional water-harvesting structures and indigenous practices to modern innovations such as micro irrigation, precision scheduling, automation, and sensor-based tools—the book provides a structured, comprehensive, and application-oriented resource aligned with the ICAR Sixth Dean’s Committee syllabus. Designed as both a textbook and a practical manual, it covers fundamental concepts of soil–water–plant relationships, crop water requirements, irrigation methods, water-use efficiency, drainage, and water-saving technologies. Practical exercises are integrated throughout to foster hands-on learning, problem-solving abilities, and real-world understanding of water management challenges. Each chapter is enriched with examples, illustrations, and references to ensure conceptual clarity and experiential learning, making this volume a valuable guide for students, researchers, and practitioners in agricultural water management.

1. Introduction to Irrigation and Water Resources
2. Soil-Water-Plant Relationships
3. Plant-Water Relationships and Crop Water Need
4. Water Management in Crop Production
5. Methods of Irrigation
6. Water Use Efficiency and Scheduling
7. Irrigation Water Quality and Drainage
8. Irrigation Practices for Important Crops
9. Climate Change and Water Management