Your business is using too much water on irrigation. What are the best water-efficient systems to use?

Precision Watering: Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the base of each plant, minimizing water wastage. This precision allows for targeted irrigation. Water Conservation: Drip irrigation is highly efficient in water use, as it delivers water directly to the plant roots with minimal loss to evaporation or surface runoff. This targeted approach reduces overall water consumption compared to traditional irrigation methods, making it a sustainable choice, especially in regions facing water scarcity. Reduced Weed Growth: By delivering water directly to the plant's root zone, drip irrigation minimizes moisture on the soil surface. This reduces the likelihood of weed growth, as many weeds thrive in moist conditions.

To address excessive water use in irrigation, consider implementing drip irrigation and smart irrigation systems. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the base of plants, minimizing wastage through evaporation or runoff. This method is highly efficient and tailored to specific plant needs. Smart irrigation systems utilize technology, sensors, and weather data to optimize watering schedules. They automatically adjust irrigation based on real-time weather conditions, soil moisture levels, and plant requirements, preventing overwatering. Rain sensors can halt irrigation during precipitation, further conserving water. Additionally, soil moisture sensors provide accurate data, ensuring irrigation is applied only when necessary.

Overall high efficiency irrigation systems (HEIS) should be opted to reduce the significant losses in irrigation sector. Globally, around 70% of the water is consumed for agriculture sector. The ideal move will be to target Agriculture sector and promote HEIS i.e. Drip and sprinkler irrigation system to have “More crops per drop”.

Drip irrigation is a highly efficient method of watering plants that involves delivering water directly to the roots of the plants through a network of tubes and emitters. This method of irrigation conserves water, improves plant growth and yield, and reduces weed growth and soil erosion. It is also highly customizable, allowing farmers and gardeners to tailor their watering schedules to the specific needs of their plants. Overall, drip irrigation offers numerous benefits over traditional irrigation methods and can help to grow healthier, more productive crops while also protecting the environment.

There is a new underground irrigation system: the buried diffuser. *It is more efficient than drip irrigation(60 till 70% less than drip irrigation, * 50% less fertilisers than drip irrigation *no evaporation(zero), and no salt accumulation in the soil, *no weed ( no need for use herbicides) * higher yield: field data(tomatoes and pimento)showed that for the same amount of water, the buried diffuser allows to produce 2 till 3 times more, *great prolongation of time between 2 irrigations. For trees it is recommended to deliver continuously 1 irrigation per month or 1 irrigation per 3 months. *the irrigation could be using gravity: no need of pump *significant energy saving : 70 till 80% less than drip irrigation

1. **Collect Rainwater:** Set up a system to catch rainwater, like barrels or roof catchment. 2. **Choose Smart Irrigation:** Use drip or soaker hoses for direct plant watering, reducing water waste. 3. **Smart Controllers:** Invest in controllers that adjust irrigation based on weather and soil conditions. 4. **Rain Sensors:** Install sensors to skip irrigation during natural rainfall, saving water. 5. **Soil Moisture Monitoring:** Use devices to track soil moisture, helping adjust watering as needed. 6. **Mulching:** Add mulch to retain soil moisture, improving water efficiency. 7. **Pick Drought-Resistant Plants:** Choose plants adapted to your local climate for sustainable landscaping.

Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable and cost-effective way to conserve water and protect the environment. It involves collecting and storing rainwater for later use, which can reduce the demand for municipal water supplies and lower water bills. However, in some jurisdictions, large rainwater harvesting systems may be subject to taxation or regulation. It is important to check with local authorities to understand any regulations or incentives that may apply to rainwater harvesting in your area. Additionally, it is important to watch out for potential contamination from air pollutants, such as heavy metals and chemicals. Overall, rainwater harvesting is a sustainable and cost-effective way to conserve water and protect the environment.

To further cut water consumption, consider rainwater harvesting as an alternative to municipal or well water for irrigation. This method involves capturing and storing rainwater from surfaces like roofs and gutters, utilizing it to water plants or crops. Rainwater harvesting not only reduces water bills but also conserves resources and improves irrigation water quality, as rainwater is typically free of chlorine, salts, and contaminants. Integrating rainwater harvesting systems with water-efficient methods like drip irrigation enhances overall sustainability in water management practices.

Collecting rainwater for irrigation reduces reliance on traditional water sources. Advantages: Sustainable, cost-effective, and reduces the demand on municipal water supplies.

A very easy one. in addition to that you can water pans with dam liner to increase the amount of runoff water collected. Some areas received a decent 600-700m per year however very concentrated. Meaning either floods or droughts. Simple water pans, raised beds, zai pitsand simple tecniques increased water availability and collection.

Soil Moisture sensors measure soil moisture levels, allowing for precise irrigation based on actual plant needs. Advantages: Prevents overwatering, conserves water, and promotes healthier plant growth.

For advanced water efficiency, adopting smart irrigation systems that leverage technology to monitor and adjust irrigation based on weather, soil, and plant conditions is a strategic move. These systems utilize sensors, weather stations, or internet-based data to determine optimal irrigation amounts and timings for plants or crops. Automated control over valves, sprinklers, or drip emitters follows suit. Smart irrigation systems boast water savings of up to 50% compared to conventional methods, concurrently enhancing plant health, yield, and quality. This technology-driven approach elevates precision and resource optimization in irrigation practices.

I agree. One point is to increase affordability of the same especially for small scale farmers. I have seen and supported the deployment of some great solutions however more is needed.

To efficiently reduce water consumption, implement mulching and composting techniques to enhance soil quality and water retention. Mulching entails covering the soil with organic or inorganic materials like straw, wood chips, gravel, or plastic, reducing evaporation, weed growth, and soil temperature. Composting involves adding organic matter—such as leaves, grass clippings, or food scraps—to the soil, boosting fertility, structure, and moisture. These practices can save up to 25% of water compared to bare soil and contribute to improved plant growth and pest resistance. Mulching and composting offer simple yet effective strategies for sustainable water management in agriculture and landscaping.

Mulch retains soil moisture, reduces evaporation, and protects plants from extreme temperatures. Advantages: Improves water retention, suppresses weed growth, and enhances soil health.

Look at your total use of water. Also your people working for you are using water, try to reduce that. For example look at sanitation. The impact might seem low, but an average persons flushes more than 20 liter during a work shift through the toilet. Reducing that bij 50% with smart sanitation gives you a huge advantage when you’re having a lot of employees

a very easy and simple tecnique that is not only good for water retention but as well increase soil health, carbon and improve productivity.

correct. In my daily experiences we tap on academia, local authorities to prioritize local solutions and drought resistant plants. this has led to increased food security and income for farmers in the Arid and semiarid areas, especially women. My suggestion is to ground your choices based on your contect and use collaboration, especially with academia.

Design and function are equally, if not more, important than aesthetics. Xeriscaping, bioswales, and planting pollinator gardens are excellent examples of this concept. Xeriscaping mimics the desert environment and can be incredibly beautiful. Bioswales help to divert water back to the ground, and pollinator gardens are fantastic for promoting biodiversity. All of the above options are preferable to the traditional, uninspiring lawns.

Choose plants or crops adapted to your specific environment, known as water-efficient, drought-tolerant, xeriscape, or native plants. These varieties thrive with minimal or no irrigation, depending on local rainfall and humidity levels. Water-efficient plants not only reduce water consumption but also offer additional advantages, such as attracting wildlife, minimizing maintenance needs, and creating diverse and aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Whether cultivating vegetables, fruits, flowers, or ornamentals, incorporating water-efficient plant varieties is a cornerstone for sustainable water management in various business settings.

Xeriscaping: Designing landscapes with drought-resistant plants that require minimal water. Advantages: Reduces the need for extensive irrigation, conserves water, and promotes sustainable landscaping.

Efficient irrigation techniques are essential to mitigate water scarcity and climate risk. Technology can address this problem very efficiently. Systems like drip irrigation coupled with moisture sensors and even more advanced technologies such as use of artificial intelligence to monitor crop water requirement and provide the exact amount at the right time. This is being used in developed nations and even in developing countries many agritech based startups are working on this. This not only saves water, but also cuts cost on energy and reduces infestation of insect pests and diseases.

Implementing drip irrigation systems or smart irrigation technologies can significantly enhance water efficiency in agricultural practices. Drip systems deliver water directly to the plant roots, minimizing wastage. Smart irrigation utilizes sensors and data analysis to optimize watering schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels, further reducing water consumption. Additionally, adopting rainwater harvesting systems can supplement water needs sustainably.

Drip irrigation: Delivers water directly to plant roots at a slow, controlled rate, minimizing evaporation and runoff. Ideal for trees, shrubs, and row crops. Subsurface drip irrigation- Similar to drip, but tubing is buried below the soil surface, reducing evaporation and weed growth. Good for large turf areas and orchards. Micro-sprinklers: Emit low-volume water sprays targeted at specific areas, efficient for smaller landscapes with mixed plantings. Weather-based controllers: Utilize sensors to adjust watering schedules based on real-time rainfall, temperature, and wind conditions. Linear move systems: Overhead sprinklers mounted on towers travel across fields, delivering precise water distribution. Efficient for large, level fields.

I would definitely add “field observation”. There is no better method to compare and contrast data obtained from technology than a visit to the farm to be sure that the sensor is in the right position and in the correct place, with no soil disturbance, so measures are coherent to be validated.

Existem várias tecnologias e práticas eficientes em termos de uso da água na irriga??o. Irriga??o por gotejamento, por aspers?o de baixa press?o, que consistem em reduzir a press?o da água, garantindo uma distribui??o uniforme sem desperdícios significativos. Sensores de umidade do solo, sistemas de automa??o, reuso de água e aproveitamento de água de chuva s?o algumas delas.