Disasters can strike anytime. It’s the element of surprise and unpreparedness that creates the most damage. Many such circumstances are out of your control when it comes to farming and can ruin all your hard work. However, being prepared for the unexpected is often what saves you at the end of the day.
One of the obstacles that farmers often face is a drought. Since water is a crucial element in farming, the lack of it can leave you with nothing. Smart farmers of today use multiple water conservation practices that help them optimize their yields as well as help them stay prepared if disaster hits.
Here are some of the most popular farm water management practices that farmers of today should follow:
Rainwater Harvesting:
Rainwater is one of the most accessible water sources available to an individual. By collecting rainwater on rooftops, makeshift pits, and more, you can store water whenever there is a lack of it. Tackle unpredictable conditions by being well-prepared.
Drip Irrigation:
Even if you are mindful about the amount of water that you use to water the crops, a good percent of it does not reach the soil due to evaporation. Rectify this by switching to drip irrigation. With drip irrigation, a small amount of water is fed directly to the root to avoid water loss.
Choice of Crops:
Living in a hot area and planting crops that require a lot of water is not the smartest plan. Be mindful about the kind of crops you choose. Make use of drought-tolerant crops to save water and still get high yields.
Rotational Grazing:
If you have cattle, this is a zero-expense way of conserving water. Instead of having cattle graze from one part, move them around to have an even pasture regrowth. This helps reduce the water that is runoff and increases soil absorption.
Black Plastic and Mulch:
One of the important parts of water conservation is ensuring that the little water you use is utilised fully by the crops. This means no water runoff, no evaporation, and no overwatering. Mulching the crops with dry leaves, grass, wood chips and more will improve the soil’s water-holding capacity. Using black plastic as a covering on the soil will reduce the growth of weeds and reduce the evaporation of water.
Land leveling:
Buying high-quality tools and machinery to get your land leveled uniformly is a great investment. A properly leveled land allows uniform distribution of water.
Agroforestry:
The practice of planting trees among crops has a multitude of benefits. Most importantly, this practice reduces soil erosion and water loss.
Following many simple yet effective practices can help you make the most of your farming while preparing you for a crisis. During this time of unpredictable climate change, agriculture needs special attention. In sustainable agriculture, farm water management is a crucial aspect that allows you to save water and optimise the yield.
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