Although only 7% of Canada’s land area is suitable for farming, the country is one of the largest agricultural producers and exporters in the world. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, “The size of the average Canadian farm has increased over time. At the same time, the number of Canadian farms has decreased as farmers and corporations expand their business by buying other farms. The 2016 census counted 193,492 farms in Canada. The average Canadian farm is about 800 acres (a little more than 3 km2). Some crop farms in Western Canada cover thousands of acres.”
The agriculture sector is a vital part of Canada’s economy. It not only supplies food production and processing industries, but also creates jobs: as of 2018, there were 269,000 positions in farming.
Many of those farmers rely on groundwater and nearby water sources to water their crops, operate their equipment, and provide drinking water for their livestock. While water usage in agriculture is notoriously high, water conservation is increasingly important for the sustainability of the whole industry.
As per Statistics Canada on the Agricultural Water Survey in 2022, “Canadian farmers used 23% more water to irrigate their crops in 2022 compared with two years earlier, mostly due to drier conditions in Canada. Most of the irrigated water was used for field or forage crops,” and “Canadian agricultural producers used approximately 2.2 billion cubic metres of water to irrigate their crops in 2022.”
Considering the vast amount of water usage in agriculture, it is foreseeable that many farmers are looking into methods of using water more efficiently and contributing to preserving valuable resources.
Water Conservation in Agriculture
Water management and conservation are essential practices for any farm operation and the production of agricultural crops and livestock. It is especially important to ensure there is an available water supply during the duration of the growing season, dry months, and potential water shortages.
Of course, on a large scale, water conservation in farming is also crucial for the sustainability of the agricultural industry and the environment as a whole. There are various techniques recommended by the provincial governments for achieving higher yields while using less water and energy.
In this article, we will discuss techniques such as capturing and storing water, drip irrigation, crop rotation, conservation tillage, and others.
Water Saving Methods
Irrigation System Maintenance
Consistent irrigation system check-ups and water meter monitoring for leaks can improve the flow, reduce water bills and avoid unexpected repair costs. The experts recommend looking for wet spots along the irrigation line that do not dry up between waterings.
Additionally, choosing a more efficient irrigation system, which is not susceptible to evaporation, can increase watering efficiencies. For instance, using sprinklers instead of a travelling gun can reduce water use by 5-15%. Meanwhile, using a drip system instead of a sprinkler can save up to 20% of water.
To achieve the most efficient performance, the irrigation system might require maintenance and replacement. For instance, replacing old nozzles can ensure the system runs at the designated operating pressure. Confirming that sprinklers are properly spaced can prevent over-irrigation and improve efficiency. Additionally, confirming that the pressure of the lateral line is within ±10% and does not exceed 20% variance is important to maintain even water distribution and prevent inefficient watering.
Drip irrigation
Drip irrigation is known as the most efficient way to provide crops with water and nutrients for effective growth. It is designed to deliver water and minerals directly to the root zone of each plant at the right time and in the required amount, allowing for precise and targeted application. Farmers say that by using this method, they were able to use less water, fertilizer, and energy while achieving higher yields.
Crop water requirements
By monitoring evapotranspiration and applying a crop coefficient, you will be able to estimate the amount of water removed from the soil. That is why the next irrigation should only replace that amount of moisture and avoid overwatering.
Many farmers also use a soil moisture monitoring device to determine when to water their crops. Even if the surface of the soil is dry, it does not always mean there are no water reserves in the root zone for plants to draw upon. Monitoring soil moisture levels allows for postponing irrigation by a few days, making it easier to conserve water.
Considering windy conditions
Operating water gun systems under windy conditions might be problematic. However, lowering the trajectory level and narrowing the spacing can help to achieve the best consistency possible while watering. (B.C. Sprinkler Irrigation Manual provides a detailed explanation on how to adjust the water distribution based on wind speed.)
The manual recommends refraining from irrigating during hot, windy periods. Although it might not be possible to wait to irrigate due to the difficulty of getting around the entire farm. “However, during the early and late parts of the irrigation season, there may be more flexibility in planning irrigation times. Studies in B.C. have shown that water savings can be realized during the early and late part of the irrigation season, May and June, and also in September.”
Capturing and storing water
Stormwater is collected and used for various reasons, reducing reliance on freshwater sources, especially in the drier seasons. The systems that harvest and reuse stormwater provide the benefits of reducing and preventing water quality degradation downstream and reducing runoff volume.
Irrigation system management
To ensure efficient water usage, many farmers prefer to use irrigation schedules that determine the relevant consistency and duration of watering. The irrigation system managers take into consideration methods of watering, the required timing and amount, and the frequency of irrigation.
Irrigation system managers also make it possible for farmers to monitor weather forecasts, plant conditions, and soil moisture levels to adjust the watering schedules accordingly. Such auditing helps to prevent excessive watering and dehydration of their crops. Besides, close monitoring of irrigation systems optimizes water use and ensures that crops are growing to their fullest potential with the right amount of water.
Cultivating drought-resistant crops
Drought-resistant crops are bred or selected for their ability to thrive and produce yields with minimal water, making them especially valuable for regions prone to aridity or irregular rainfall. Planting such crops can help ensure food production during droughts and reduce pressure on local water resources.
Back in 1959, the head of the Soviet Union, Nikita Khrushchev, inspired by U.S. farms he visited, launched a massive corn campaign, which largely failed due to climate and planning issues: much of the Soviet climate was too cool and short-seasoned for maize to mature properly. Corn was planted far outside its natural range, often replacing hardier staples like wheat and rye. As a result, the push for maize led to poor yields and weakened food security instead of boosting it.
To enhance crop productivity per unit of water, farmers can start by cultivating crops that are well-suited to the local climate. For instance, drought-resistant crops have more advantages in drier, hotter zones, because they can reduce the risk of loss of the crop during periods of aridity, improve overall yield, and, as a result, provide financial stability for farmers.
Choosing to plant and grow crops adapted to a particular climate zone can also help to optimize water usage and promote long-term sustainability in the agricultural industry.
Dry farming
Producing crops that do not rely on irrigation (during drought), but draw on moisture stored in the soil, is called dry farming. Based on location and climate zone, this method allows for maximizing the natural moisture content of the soil. The goal of dry farming is to achieve sustainable crop production while minimizing water usage by adapting crop choices and management practices.
Use of compost and mulch
Farmers widely use the combination of compost and mulch due to its effectiveness in improving soil fertility. Additionally, compost-enriched soil benefits from nutrients, while mulch helps conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
This method of water conservation is generally incorporated by adding compost into the soil prior to planting, with mulch applied around plants afterwards.
Conservation tillage
The term conservation tillage stands for an array of farming techniques focused on conserving water, reducing soil erosion, and enhancing crop sustainability. Unlike traditional tillage methods that disturb the soil, conservation tillage practices create a protective layer on the soil surface (to retain moisture), and maintain soil structure, its organic composition, and prevent erosion.
Cover crop practices
Crops compete with weeds for water and nutrients. That is where the crop cover method (a form of carbon farming practice) offers impressive protection for bare soil from erosion, water loss, and compaction through a protective layer that reduces the effect of water erosion and strong winds.
The protective layer also helps to reduce and control weeds and reduce the need for herbicides.
Conserving water for livestock producers
The government of Alberta recommends how to conserve water for livestock producers: “There are several things producers can do to conserve water for livestock, starting with keeping livestock out of the water sources. Livestock can contaminate water sources with feces, urine, and pathogens, which can affect the quality and quantity of water available. Livestock can also damage the banks and vegetation of water sources, leading to erosion and sedimentation. To prevent these problems, fence off water sources and provide off-source watering systems, such as troughs, tanks, or pipelines.”
Snow fencing
Snow fencing is used to control snow accumulation by slowing wind speeds and causing snow to drift into a designated area. This trapped snow later melts, contributing to surface water runoff that can replenish dugouts and provide a water source for livestock.
Rotational grazing
Rotation grazing helps to promote pasture regeneration. The process involves moving livestock across fields in a planned manner and grazing management practices that offer water-saving benefits and increase soil organic matter. Rotational grazing also increases the field’s ability to minimize runoff and absorb water, as well as improve fodder coverage, which leads to improved water retention in the soil.
Avoiding overfilling tanks
Another way to conserve in agriculture is by preventing tanks from overfilling and using float valves. Overfilling not only wastes water but can also damage the container and the surrounding area. To avoid it, farmers choose to closely monitor water containers (if they fill them manually) and supervise float-valve waterers to make sure they do not overflow a tank.
It is also worth mentioning that leaky pipelines are another serious cause for water waste. Pipelines have to be audited regularly for cracks, holes, and loose connections. While wasting money and water is a reason significant enough for a prompt repair, leaky pipelines can also reduce water pressure, cause soil erosion and damage, and contamination, or flooding.
Using cooler water
Based on the same recommendation by the Government of Alberta, cooler water helps with livestock weight gain. They recommend using insulated or shaded water tanks and underground pipelines to transport cooler water.
“Run livestock cooling equipment in a barn on a cycle instead of full-time. Livestock cooling equipment, such as fans, misters, or sprinklers, can help livestock reduce heat stress and improve comfort and performance, and reduce water consumption.”
Using proper nozzles
Running a farm requires a lot of time dedicated to cleaning, especially when dealing with livestock. Using proper nozzles, whether for washing animals, equipment, or stables, can help conserve water, energy, and time, and improve the overall hygiene and quality of the cleaning.
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