Soil water relations and plant water use is studied in order to improve water use efficiency. Crop growth models are developed or modified to mechanistically quantify the components of the soil water balance. These models are used for real time management and long term scenario studies. Causes and remediation of soil erosion, crusting, salinity and physical soil deterioration are researched. Heavy metal pollution from fertilizer sources, and the effect of irrigation with polluted mine waters on crop, soil and groundwater resources are studied. Rehabilitation of open-cost mine lands receive special attention.