Sustainable irrigation practices for farmers, homeowners

MOSES LAKE – As concerns about climate change and water scarcity continue to grow, agricultural experts are turning their attention to innovative irrigation techniques aimed at enhancing sustainability in farming. A recent report from the Department of Global Ecology at the Carnegie Institution for Science highlights the potential of “green irrigation” methods in addressing these pressing challenges.  

Irrigated agriculture accounts for nearly 90% of global freshwater consumption, occupying only 22% of cultivated land while contributing 40% of world food production, according to the report. Expanding irrigation on currently underperforming rainfed croplands is critical to meet future food demands without further encroaching on natural ecosystems, experts said. 

The concept of green irrigation revolves around utilizing water responsibly and effectively, according to the report. With the goal of ensuring that consumption does not exceed local renewable water supply and does not impair aquatic ecosystems. Lorenzo Ros, a lead author on the report emphasized the importance of this approach, noting that “sustainable irrigation indicates sustainability from a water quantity perspective and the necessity to preserve environmental flows.” 

Lad Irrigation started using Advanced Pivot Control and mechanized solutions for improved water management and control in 2010, according to Randy Gubler, president and general manager. The technology has continued to advance allowing for less water use for the same amount of irrigation access.  

“Well simply put, water is finite. Earth may be mostly water but less than 3% of that is freshwater, and almost 70% of that is locked in glaciers and ice caps,” Gubler said. Agriculture accounts for most of the water usage in the U.S., with some western state agriculture taking in more than 90% of usage. These numbers get only minimally smaller across other countries. For many, freshwater seems like an infinite resource. But the sources that feed our irrigation systems are not limitless.” 

Gubler explained that Lad Irrigation uses solar power to manage the irrigation system, digital technology to manage the system to ensure no water is wasted, and drip and micro sprinklers that deliver smaller amounts of water over a longer period of time. 

“Using modern irrigation systems, and keeping them maintained and properly functioning, is one of the best things farmers can do to aid in water conservation,” Gubler said. “Drip irrigation systems use consistent small amounts of water to keep crops moist but not overwatered. Farmers can control when, where, and how water flows from a single control panel, so crops get the necessary amount of water.” 

The report said that while irrigated land has expanded significantly in the last six decades, much of this growth has not occurred sustainably. Approximately 50% of global irrigation water consumption is deemed unsustainable, depleting freshwater stocks and threatening biodiversity in freshwater ecosystem according to the report. The study said that sustainable irrigation practices can avert the expansion of agricultural lands into natural habitats, thereby helping to conserve biodiversity.  

One of the findings of the research is that about 35% of water-stressed rainfed croplands have the potential for sustainable irrigation expansion. The application of this method could enable the sustenance of 1.4 billion people without compromising water resources, according to the research.  

While exploring the biophysical potential of green irrigation, the report also delves into socioeconomic aspects, noting that millions of agricultural areas currently face economic water scarcity due to institutional and financial barriers. Ros said that addressing these barriers could pave the way for sustainable advances in irrigation. 

The research highlights several other implications tied to the expansion of sustainable irrigation practices, including enhancing nutrient management and energy use efficiency, improving water quality, and mitigating soil salinization risks—all crucial factors for long-term agricultural success, the report said. 

As climate change continues to alter weather patterns and intensify extreme events, experts are urging immediate action to embrace greener irrigation practices. The urgency is underscored by the fact that current trends show that rainfed agriculture—responsible for producing 60% of the world’s food—will face increasing challenges, posing risks to food security, particularly in vulnerable regions, according to the report.  

“Water is not infinite, and we should treat it as such,” Gubler said.