The need for irrigation systems in regions with hotter climates and drier soils is obvious as delivering water to more arid zones turns areas that would be otherwise unusable into the fertile growing zones necessary to keep food production up.
Yet as seasonal rainfall becomes increasingly unpredictable, monitoring and managing farm irrigation systems become just as critical.
Sending water from Point A to Point B is possible, but only if there is water at Point A.
Texas Water Development Board – Monitoring Water Usage
The Texas Water Development Board is one of many organizations responsible for monitoring water stores and water conservation year by year.
This information should be considered essential knowledge by farmers using ag irrigation systems to keep their fields producing.
The water data collected provides an accurate picture of natural and conservation water store levels, irrigation draw, and other data that illustrates the overall condition of the state’s stored water supply and how it is being used.
It details current and historical maps on natural water storage and how water stores are being used from month to month, year to year, to help growers predict need and plan accordingly.
The Need For Texas Farmers to Conserve Water
This data should also serve as a reminder that while Texas farmers do have access to ample water stores most of the time, making the effort to conserve these natural supplies is essential.
Reserve water stores rise and fall depending on the season, with late summer and fall usually showing them at their lowest all year, and by the year depending on rainfall, average temperatures, and other conditions.
Keeping an eye on the charts is important.
Conserve Water With Efficient Irrigation Systems
How can farmers do their part to help maintain state water stores so there is always enough to keep the crops growing?
Two of the most effective things are to choose the best ag irrigation system for their specific needs and then to closely monitor them.
Farmers must learn the ins and outs of how to program their irrigation systems so they can be used most effectively, and when possible, upgrade to more advanced technology.
Also, all farm irrigation systems should be carefully maintained to ensure appropriate amounts of water are being delivered to the right places for higher yields.
Have Water When You Need It With Water Conservation
Conserving natural water stores means more than just using less water; it means using water at the right times, in the right amounts, delivered in the right ways so there is less plant waste, less water going into the ground needlessly, and higher production.
To maintain reserves of slowly dwindling water supplies in Texas, all farmers should find ways to efficiently manage their irrigation to reduce the loss of water, plants, and money.