Water conservation methods in farming
Mulch - We cannot overemphasize the importance of mulching. Mulch is something laid on the surface of the soil to protect the soil from the air, water and the sun.
To mulch, first weed the soil then spread a thick layer of organic mulch on the soil. Examples of organic mulches are:
Chopped leaves
Straw
Grass clippings
Wood chips
Shredded bark
Pine needles
Mulching helps save time and labour as it discourages weeds and pests and conserve water through reduced evaporation.
Irrigate early morning or dusk - At the hottest and driest time of the year it is most efficient to water your crops in the morning or in the evening. This avoids water loss from evapotranspiration (water evaporating from the land and leaves of plants). Evaporation happens most in the midday sun.
Don’t over-water - It’s a common misconception that plants would be happy with lots of water all of the time. But often farmers are over-watering crops unnecessarily. Save water! Plants will only take what they need and then all that extra water goes to waste through evaporation, run-off or infiltration.
Check for leaks and damage - If you’ve already invested in an irrigation system, make sure you’re not losing any water before it reaches the crops. Irrigation pipes and equipment can become damaged or blocked which causes leaks. Thoroughly check your equipment for leaks and repair them so that all the water you have gets to the crops.
Drip Irrigation - Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to a plant’s roots, reducing the evaporation that
happens with spray watering systems. Timers can be used to schedule watering for the cooler parts of the day, further reducing water loss.
Importance of water conservation in farming
It minimizes the effects of drought and water shortages. By reducing the amount of water we use, we can better protect against future drought years.
It helps to preserve our environment. Reducing our water usages reduces the energy required to process and deliver it to homes, businesses, farms, and communities, which, in turn, helps to reduce pollution and conserve fuel resources.
It helps to preserve our environment. Reducing our water usages reduces the energy required to process and deliver it to homes, businesses, farms, and communities, which, in turn, helps to reduce pollution and conserve fuel resources.
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