Water is one of a farmer’s most vital resources, and you should have a system in place for conserving it as effectively as you can. In the long run, water conservation is a good option for the environment as well as your bottom line as a business owner.
Here is how to do it:
Capturing & Storing Water
the first step is to capture and store all water that is already available to your farm or homestead. These sources include rivers and streams, but you must gather water in accordance to your local laws.
You can also collect rain water on your property, diverting it into a dedicated storage system. These systems take time and investment to properly install, but will drastically lower your water usage.
Drip Irrigation
Another useful technique at your disposal is to limit the amount of water you use for irrigation. This is easier than it may seem, and can be done without jeopardizing the quality of your crops. This is done by so-called drip systems, which allow plants to be irrigated by targeting the root of the plants directly.
Irrigation Scheduling
It is also key to focus on watering only when crop irrigation is necessary. This is achieved by scheduling your watering carefully; using soil analysis to keep track of moisture levels.
When scheduling irrigation, there are two main features to take into account: air humidity, and soil humidity. By having a clear idea of each, you’ll be able to better predict when watering is necessary.
Using the Right Crops
It is also crucial to use the right crops in order to mitigate the overuse of water. You’ll need to make sure that you have a market for the crops you’re trying to grow, and that said crops are likely to thrive in your environment.
Once these conditions are met, you should look closely into how much water the plants you choose require. Focusing on crops that are drought-resistant will naturally reduce the water you need to use.
Rotational Grazing
Grazing is another farming activity that requires quite a lot of water, as water is needed to help the plant life recover once it has been depleted by cattle. Rotational grazing is an ancient practice, focused on changing which plot of land is used for grazing, so that the land has time to recover.
Composting & Mulch
Comporting is also helpful in cutting down water usage. Ensuring there is enough mulch around trees and other plants will give the soil extra moisture, thus requiring less water. However, you must have a system in place for obtaining/creating compost.
Conclusion
Farms should focus heavily on water conservation, as water is a vital resource. Making changes to your irrigation and grazing systems are two of the most effective conservation methods.