Explain the concept of evaporative demand. Analyse the factors driving its recent rise across Indian agro-ecosystems. Evaluate its implications for sustainable water resource management.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.
Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.
Q2. Explain the concept of evaporative demand. Analyse the factors driving its recent rise across Indian agro-ecosystems. Evaluate its implications for sustainable water resource management. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Reference: TH
Why the question Recent rise in extreme thirst waves and evaporative demand trends, highlighted in Earth’s Future (2025) and Indian basin-level studies, has sharpened concerns over water stress in Indian agriculture. Key Demand of the question To explain the concept of evaporative demand, analyse key factors behind its rising trends in India’s agro-ecosystems, and evaluate its impact on the future of sustainable water resource management. Structure of the Answer Introduction Briefly define evaporative demand and its growing importance under climate change. Body Concept and measurement of evaporative demand — explain its meaning, metrics, and relevance for crop water use Factors driving rise — rising temperatures, humidity changes, wind patterns, radiation, and land use change Implications — increased irrigation demand, groundwater stress, altered crop calendars, need for efficient irrigation and regional adaptation Conclusion Highlight the importance of integrating evaporative demand into water governance and climate-resilient agriculture planning.
Why the question Recent rise in extreme thirst waves and evaporative demand trends, highlighted in Earth’s Future (2025) and Indian basin-level studies, has sharpened concerns over water stress in Indian agriculture.
Key Demand of the question To explain the concept of evaporative demand, analyse key factors behind its rising trends in India’s agro-ecosystems, and evaluate its impact on the future of sustainable water resource management.
Structure of the Answer Introduction Briefly define evaporative demand and its growing importance under climate change.
• Concept and measurement of evaporative demand — explain its meaning, metrics, and relevance for crop water use
• Factors driving rise — rising temperatures, humidity changes, wind patterns, radiation, and land use change
• Implications — increased irrigation demand, groundwater stress, altered crop calendars, need for efficient irrigation and regional adaptation
Conclusion Highlight the importance of integrating evaporative demand into water governance and climate-resilient agriculture planning.