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Reducing & Optimizing Water Use on Your Farm

May. 24 2021 Lifestyle By Magnum Power

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In the United States, the agricultural industry accounts for around 80% of water consumption. This comes from processes like irrigation, applying fertilizers and pesticides, cooling crops, keeping livestock hydrated, and controlling frost. All of this usage builds up and costs farmers millions of dollars. In addition, it also decreases the available water supply and negatively affects the environment. But there are ways to combat this!

At Magnum Power, we want to help you reduce and optimize your water use on your farm. We’ve created the following guide to help you do just that. Read on to learn more, and give us a call if you want any more tips. We are located in Lawson, Missouri and are proud to serve Clay County and Kansas City!

Different Sources

There are a variety of sources that you can consider using for your farm. These sources include:

  • Surface water.
    • Pros: free to use (found in irrigation ditches, rivers, streams, canals, etc.).
    • Cons: limited in supply, so you have to manage it well.
  • Groundwater.
    • Pros: less vulnerable to pollution than surface water.
    • Cons: excessive use can deplete the water source.
  • Rainwater.
    • Pros: free to use.
    • Cons: dependent on your region’s climate.
  • Municipal water systems.
    • Pros: reliable source.
    • Cons: can become expensive over time.

Strategies

Reducing and optimizing your water usage will take careful planning. Keep reading for some strategies for making your usage more effective and less wasteful. We suggest using several of these strategies together to get the most out of a limited supply!

Drip Irrigation

One strategy to consider is using drip irrigation. These systems deliver water directly to the roots of plants as opposed to using a spraying method. This helps the crops get hydrated without wasting any supply on dry ground. When installed correctly, drip irrigation systems can reduce crop water usage by up to 80%.

Schedule Irrigation Around Rainfall

A little planning can go a long way when it comes to rainfall! Monitor the weather conditions to know when the rain will provide your crops with the hydration they need, so you don’t have to irrigate your crops yourself.

Go Organic

Organic farming can increase farm yields by up to 30%. Organic farming uses existing soil moisture and the bacteria in that soil to keep plants healthy and productive. This means you don’t need to waste water on massive amounts of pesticides. 

Are you ready to help the environment, save money, and make your farm more efficient? We hope these tips help you reduce and optimize your farm’s water usage! If you still have questions, reach out to our team at Magnum Power in Lawson, Missouri. We also proudly serve those in Clay County and Kansas City. We look forward to helping you with all of your agricultural needs!