How to save water with planting and irrigation techniques

Saving water on farms begins with smart planting and irrigation techniques. Planting shade trees around your crops can protect the soil from drying out and keep the crops cool, reducing their need for water. Some trees have deep roots that pull water from underground, making it easier for nearby plants to thrive.

Planting crops close together is another way to conserve water. When crops are spaced closely, they create shade over the soil, helping it stay moist. The air trapped between these plants also holds moisture, preventing the crops from wilting. This can be done with green manure or by planting a variety of crops together in the same field.

Strip-cropping can also help conserve water effectively. This means planting different types of crops in strips along the natural contour lines of the land to help crops share moisture. A ground-cover crop is planted uphill from the contour line, and a crop that gives only a little ground cover is planted below it. This way, the uphill crop captures water, which then flows downhill to help the lower crops grow.

For irrigation, drip systems are very effective. These systems use pipes with small holes placed on or just under the soil. Water drips slowly and directly to the roots of plants, reducing waste and keeping the soil moist without washing it away. Drip irrigation uses far less water than traditional watering methods and is gentler on the soil.

Sources

• Audiopedia ID: En3109