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.
This story is from the February 2020 edition of FarmBiz.
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This story is from the February 2020 edition of FarmBiz.
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