Water For Agricultural Needs

A high percentage of countries worldwide are made up of large agricultural fields. Rice, corn, wheat, fruits and vegetables are all major crops which are products of farming. To feed the planet, these crops must grow well. As such, they must receive adequate amounts of sunlight, clean air, fertile soil and most especially water. However, this fact is a clear picture of how the agriculture sector relies heavily on water for crop growth and population sustenance. Considering the many land allotted for farming and the growing population relying on it for food, the question for the sufficiency of water is put to test.

            The global scarcity for water has given a huge impact for farmers and their agricultural lands. They have to deal with the inadequacy and make sure that every water withdrawal is effectively spent on crops. This is very important not only because they will be receiving less income, but most importantly there will be lesser produce for people.

            The water insufficiency is not only persistent in low-income countries. In Spain for instance, a long standing drought has brought a big problem for farmers and townspeople. About 14000 hectares of land where artichokes, broccolis, olives, lemons, fruits and vegetables were robbed off by long periods of severe lack of rainfall, falling levels of reservoirs, drying rivers and high cost of water supply. This phenomenon forced farmers to leave the traditional modes of irrigation in exchange of more efficient ones. They do this in line with their failing livelihood. The ancient method of irrigation was inefficient and labor intensive. A team of about 20 to 30 people have to operate hundreds of valves, hydrants, wells, pumping stations and reservoirs manually. Many vehicles are also required for transportation. The modernized and automated system used a highly effective trickle irrigation. With the help of technology, water is pumped through pipes from wells or waste water treatment plants. The water is then trickled onto every crop for optimal irrigation. The result was survival amidst the heavy drought and cost cuts in water and energy consumption. Other irrigation systems even use remote terminal units that utilize cable, radio or wireless technology for hydrant, well and pipe control and monitoring.

            Technology can indeed help counter irregularities in water for growing crops. But more than devising ways to improve water supply, it is important to conserve water during those times when it is still abundant. Moreover, water safety must be ensured so that waste or toxic filled water will not be used to water crops. This can kill the plants very fast. As such, the EPA has set standards on irrigation water.