How To Optimize Water Use On Your Farm

Water use costs farmers millions of dollars every year, making it a valuable and expensive resource. The agricultural industry also takes up about 80% of the United States' water consumption. Whether you want to save money or reduce your environmental impact, reducing your water consumption is a noble goal.

But it's not enough to simply want to use less water. You need access to tangible ways to implement less water use. That's why we created the following guide. Below you'll find strategies for altering your approach so that your farm can need less water. If you want more tips or want to explore farming equipment for sale, head over to Cliff Jones Mahindra Tractor. We are a farm equipment dealer that is based in Sealy, Texas, and we also serve those in Houston and Victoria.

Utilize Drip Irrigation

A first easy step is to start relying more on drip irrigation. This approach goes beyond simply spraying water onto the field. Instead, it is able to target water directly at the root of the plants. All of your crops will get the valuable hydration they need, but no water will be wasted on dry grounds.

Those who make the switch can reduce water usage by significant amounts—even up to 80%! This is a huge impact for a simple switch. You may even end up with higher crop yields due to an improved hydration system. Double check that your farming equipment is in good condition. There will be a big harvest waiting for them soon!

Let The Weather Inform Your Irrigation Schedule

You are likely already monitoring the rain so that you can be sure your farming equipment is stored somewhere dry. But following weather patterns is also useful for water reduction. When you notice an upcoming rainfall, take note. If there's a decent downpour, you can end up skipping crop watering that day. It's a little redundant to water your crops once Mother Nature already did, after all. Save yourself some water by paying attention to the weather and adjusting your chores accordingly.

Make Your Operation Organic

Organic farming tends to require reduced water. Part of this reduction is due to the lack of pesticides. Traditional farming requires large amounts of pesticides, which require large amounts of water in their application. No pesticides? No pesticide-related water usage. Making the switch to organic can have a favorable impact in your water consumption. You'll also be helping recharge groundwater supplies while also keeping them free of toxic pollutants.

If that's not enough reasons for you, switching to organic can also increase your farm's output. Farmers who make the switch can see an increase in yields up to 30%. Take advantage of the existing soil moisture and bacteria in the soil to promote healthy crops.

Plant Dry Farm-Friendly Crops

Some crops require less water than others, such as millet, pomegranates, some legumes, and sorghum. Some may be drought tolerant while others only need the moisture found already in the soil. Planting these types of crops helps you use less water while still enjoying a good harvest. 

We hope you found this guide to water optimization useful. For more ideas or to shop farming equipment for sale, head over to Cliff Jones Mahindra Tractor. Our friendly staff can help you find the perfect model for your budget and needs. We also offer parts replacement and service department appointments to keep your farming equipment running smoothly. Whatever you need, you can find with us. We are a farm equipment dealer located in Sealy, Texas. We also proudly serve those in Houston and Victoria, Texas.