Optimal water usage means that potential water loss is minimised, while plants still receive the water they need for optimal growth. This article discusses types of water loss, measures that can be taken to use water more efficiently and methods of small-scale irrigation.
Evaporation losses
As much as 50% of water can be lost to the atmosphere. In the presence of heat and wind, water that is sprayed or held in water bodies such as ponds, reservoirs or swimming pools, evaporates into the atmosphere. In order to minimise evaporation losses, irrigation should be scheduled early morning or late afternoon.
Micro- and sprinkler irrigation systems should be operated at the correct pressure to minimise wind drift of spray mist, which occurs when the pressure is too high. Water bodies should preferably be covered to minimise evaporation losses.
Unnecessary evaporation loss occurs from bare soil surfaces or in cases where the leaf canopy does not cover the soil sufficiently. This loss could be as much as 3mm on a hot day. For example, if 3mm soil surface is irrigated, the loss is 100%, and if 10mm is irrigated, the loss equates to 30%.
This loss can be minimised by placing a layer of organic mulch on the bare patches and by irrigating late afternoon or at night. Using indigenous trees to provide partial shade for ornamental gardens or a shade net structure for vegetable gardens, can also limit evaporation.
Preventing run-off losses
Run-off occurs when the application rate of irrigation exceeds the rate at which water can infiltrate the soil. It is evident in cases where an emitter or irrigation system irrigates the same spot for too long.
Bu hikaye FarmBiz dergisinin February 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye FarmBiz dergisinin February 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Hauling In A Full Net: Reaping The Benefits Of Processed Fish
As local and global governments deal with the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, producers are now more than ever searching for new options for expanding their businesses. That said, farming and value addition to produce does not have to be limited to landlocked food sources.
Grow Produce Year-round With Tunnels And Greenhouses
Climate change is an inescapable reality and can wreak havoc in open-field production systems that rely on the right weather patterns to produce good yields. For this reason, many producers worldwide have turned to growing crops in tunnels or greenhouses. These production systems offer protection from changing weather patterns, allowing them to grow crops throughout the year.
Saving Soil: Harnessing The Microbiome
We live in unprecedented times.
Summer Grain Production: A Producer's Perspective
The 2020 planting season for producers in the summer rainfall areas is here and most of them are looking forward to the first summer rains so that they can plant their crops. FarmBiz spoke to Jaco Minnaar from the farm Uitsny near Henneman about the new season. Jaco is vice-chairperson of Agri SA and currently serves on the Senwes board.
Electronic Auctions: The New Normal?
The South African livestock industry has suffered a tremendous setback with challenges posed to physical auctions. However, the industry is nothing if not resilient. The first ban on livestock auctions was imposed during the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in 2019.
Oxygen Types That Damage Crops In Extreme Weather Conditions
Oxygen is best known as a life-giving gas without which life as we know it, would not be possible.
Asia's Maize Imports Likely To Grow
In 2019, the Asian maize market was finally on the rise to reach US$204,4 billion after two years of decline. The total consumption indicated buoyant growth from 2009 to 2019. Its value increased at an average annual rate of 5,1% over the last decade.
Cultivated grazing: Fertiliser is the key to success
Nowadays everything in agriculture has to be done on a larger scale. Cultivated grazing has also become a science, with producers forced to think bigger to get more out of their grazing – all at the most economical cost.
Industry Giants Comment On Special Adjustment Budget
Prof Johan Willemse, an independent agricultural economist, says the supplementary budget delivered by the minister of finance on 24 June was a real shocker. According to him, the government is spending an additional R145 billion on the COVID-19 issue. The real issue, however, is a record budget shortfall due to the economic meltdown, with wrong policy choices and corruption on the cards.
Rethinking The Conversion Process Of Poultry Litter To Biogas
The poultry industry is generally comprised of broiler chicken production, egg production, day-old chick suppliers and other poultry. While micro-enterprise businesses are gaining prominence as a means to address the challenges of job creation, economic growth and equity, the industry has future challenges concerning poultry litter management.