Farmers have long been focused on using the least amount of resources possible. As a result, they are very dedicated to water conservation. In today’s changing climate, farmers continue to come up with innovative approaches to conserving water. As they do so, modern agriculture is working to provide them with the tools necessary to do the job.
Around the world, agriculture is responsible for an estimated 70 percent of freshwater consumption. Drought is becoming more common in some regions, population growth continues to increase demand for water, and many other industries also need to use water. This has led to more pressure on water resources. As a result, modern agriculture is driven to find innovations that help farmers make better use of rainwater, as well as ones that help them irrigate in the most precise manner possible.
Around the world, agriculture is responsible for an estimated 70 percent of freshwater consumption. Drought is becoming more common in some regions, population growth continues to increase demand for water, and many other industries also need to use water. This has led to more pressure on water resources. As a result, modern agriculture is driven to find innovations that help farmers make better use of rainwater, as well as ones that help them irrigate in the most precise manner possible.
Where available, next-generation innovations in seed and sensor technology are already used by early adopters on farms around the world. Based on investment patterns and the number of start-ups in the agricultural technology sector, this trend is expected to continue. As with other segments of the industry, these tools have the potential to provide economic and environmental benefits, helping farmers save money while reducing their water use.
Fortunately, farmers concerned with water conservation have sophisticated tools available. The first is the seeds themselves. In recent years, seed producers have introduced seeds with improved drought tolerance and resilience in response to shifting rainfall patterns. In an era when drought is more frequent and rainfall is less predictable, breakthrough seed technology can help farmers optimize water use.
An additional innovative approach involves using these drought-tolerant hybrids1, which can better withstand periods without rain and still produce a healthy crop, in combination with techniques like no-till farming, which has demonstrated an improved ability to help soil retain moisture.
Another option for farmers facing drought and changing weather patterns is a new wave of agricultural technology, including sophisticated sensors and software platforms. Farmers can take advantage of forecasting tools that will combine robust data collection with advanced analytics software. This can enable farmers to make informed and precise decisions about irrigation frequency, translating to financial savings and natural resource savings.
A small but growing group of early-adopter farmers are currently using a new crop of digital tools, including soil sensors and thermographic sensors. These tools and other imaging devices have the potential to provide growers with vital information about soil moisture and plant moisture levels. These sensors are capable of providing a glimpse inside the soil and the growing crops, which means farmers know more precisely when plants need attention. In climates and regions where access to water is limited, this information can help make difficult choices about irrigation a little bit easier.
A small but growing group of early-adopter farmers are currently using a new crop of digital tools, including soil sensors and thermographic sensors. These tools and other imaging devices have the potential to provide growers with vital information about soil moisture and plant moisture levels. These sensors are capable of providing a glimpse inside the soil and the growing crops, which means farmers know more precisely when plants need attention. In climates and regions where access to water is limited, this information can help make difficult choices about irrigation a little bit easier.
Since the dawn of agriculture, farmers have dealt with the unpredictable nature of the weather. A new generation of seeds, sensors, and digital tools can help reduce that variability. As we move into a new age of climate challenges, water conservation is likely to remain one of the highest priorities. In response, modern agriculture is committed to providing farmers what they need to lead the way.
Related Articles
When it comes to making crop protection decisions on their farms, growers have a lot of options. Starting with the scarecrows first used by ancient Egyptians, these practices have evolved over time to become more efficient than ever. So what’s in today’s crop protection toolbox?