Abstract: The water footprint of maize production serves as a comprehensive indicator, encompassing both direct water use for crop yields and indirect water use, including virtual water trade. This indicator provides insight into the total water required throughout the production process, making it essential for understanding water sustainability in agriculture. The main objective of this research is to expand the understanding of how climate variability affects agricultural practices, focusing on promoting sustainable water use in crop production. Specifically, the study emphasizes the assessment and analysis of both green water (rainfall) and blue water (irrigation water) used in maize cultivation in Northern Bulgaria.
The study draws upon several key data sources, including climatic information (such as air temperature, and precipitation) and agricultural and statistical data from local authorities and farmers (covering crop parameters, yields, and irrigation practices). The water footprint for maize cultivation was calculated and assessed using Cropwat software. This analysis determines the irrigation needs across different crop management strategies. The investigated period was 1961-2022, with a specific focus on the water footprints during the extremely dry and wet years. The findings highlight critical areas of water usage and scarcity. Understanding the water footprint and its connection to climate and agriculture can aid in managing water resources and addressing the environmental and economic challenges associated with water scarcity and drought.