Abstract
Because Oman relies entirely on irrigation for crop production, water conservation is a national priority. At 1990 estimates, groundwater reservoirs will be depleted at higher rates than previously thought, which will result in increased soil salinity due to saltwater intrusion. Water-conservation measures being implemented include: soil amendments to increase water-holding capacity, the use of salt- and drought-tolerant crop-breeding techniques and improved agronomic management, and the adoption of modern irrigation systems that reduce water loss and runoff. Water-augmentation options involve the expansion of desalination plants, crop irrigation with wastewater and saline water, rainfall harvesting, and fog collection. The Ministry of Water Resources has issued several guidelines and rules for conserving water. The most important of them are presented.