The future of water in agriculture: efficient management and use in times of drought

Today, water has become an increasingly scarce resource, and at the same time, essential for the survival and development of human activities. Agriculture, in particular, is one of the areas most affected by water scarcity, as it directly depends on water to maintain its productivity. However, climate change and poor management practices have made this resource increasingly difficult to obtain and, therefore, its use must be optimized to ensure future sustainability.

In this context, water management and efficient water use are emerging as key strategies to address the challenges posed by agriculture in times of drought.

Water scarcity and climate change

One of the main factors contributing to the water crisis in agriculture is climate change. This phenomenon has altered precipitation patterns, affecting both the amount and distribution of water in different regions of the world. Droughts, once a cyclical phenomenon in certain areas, have become more frequent and prolonged, compromising the water sources available for irrigation and, therefore, reducing the ability of farmers to maintain their crops.

Rising temperatures have also had a direct impact on the evaporation of water from soils and surface water bodies, further aggravating the situation in regions already affected by drought. This scenario raises the urgent need to implement water management strategies that can mitigate the negative effects of climate change on agriculture.

Water management in agriculture has become a central issue on the agenda of countries that depend on this economic activity for their livelihood. Given the competition between different sectors for this resource, the need for efficient management has become more evident. Globally, agriculture uses the majority of available freshwater, which means that any improvement in its use can have a significant impact on the availability of this resource for other sectors and for the environment.

However, water management in agriculture is not a simple task. It requires an understanding of water cycles and the particularities of each region in terms of its water sources and climate. A comprehensive approach is also needed that considers the quantity and quality of water, as well as the infrastructure available for its distribution and storage. It is in this framework that the need arises to adopt new technologies and practices that allow for more efficient use of water in agriculture.

Innovations in water use

One of the most promising solutions to address water scarcity in agriculture is the adoption of technologies that optimize its use. Precision irrigation is one of the main innovations in this field. This technique allows water to be applied more efficiently, reducing waste and improving crop productivity. Through the use of sensors, drones and advanced control systems, farmers can monitor soil moisture and weather conditions in real time, allowing them to adjust the amount of water applied according to the specific needs of each crop.

Drip and micro-sprinkler irrigation systems have also proven highly effective in reducing water use in agriculture. These methods deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff losses, which are common in traditional irrigation systems. They also allow for more precise control over the amount of water applied, which in turn contributes to improved water use efficiency.

Another important development is the use of treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation. In many regions, especially those facing serious water shortages, this practice has become a viable alternative for supplying crops. Although its adoption requires adequate infrastructure and treatment processes that guarantee its safe use, water recycling can be a key solution to reduce the pressure on freshwater sources.

Adapting to times of drought

Agriculture, as an activity highly dependent on climate, has had to adapt to the changing drought conditions affecting many regions. One of the main strategies being adopted is the selection of crops that are more resistant to drought. Research in biotechnology has allowed the development of new varieties of plants that are able to survive with less water, while maintaining acceptable levels of productivity. This innovation is essential to ensure food security in a context of increasing water scarcity.

Crop rotation and diversification are also agricultural practices that contribute to better water management. By alternating different types of crops, soil structure and its ability to retain water can be improved, which in turn reduces the need for constant irrigation. Diversification also reduces the risk of losses from extreme weather events by distributing water demands among different types of plants.

Another strategy is water storage and capture. In many drought-affected regions, farmers have begun to implement techniques that allow them to make better use of the water available during the rainy seasons. The construction of small-scale reservoirs and the installation of rainwater harvesting systems are examples of these practices, which aim to ensure water supply during dry periods.

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The impact of climate change and integrated management

Climate change will remain one of the main challenges for agriculture and water management in the coming years. Projections indicate that, in addition to an increase in the frequency of droughts, extreme rainfall is also likely to occur, further complicating water planning and management. To meet these challenges, a comprehensive approach is needed that considers both water scarcity and excess.

Integrated water resources management is a strategy that seeks to balance the needs of all water-using sectors, including agriculture, industry, domestic and environmental sectors. This approach promotes the sustainable use of water resources, while ensuring that the needs of current generations are met without compromising those of future generations. It is essential that this integrated management includes the modernization of water infrastructure, to reduce water losses and improve its distribution.

International cooperation is also key in water resource management, especially in those regions where water sources are shared between several countries. In these cases, it is essential that governments work together to establish agreements that guarantee an equitable distribution of water and avoid conflicts over its use.

The future of agriculture depends largely on the ability of countries to efficiently manage their water resources. In a world where climate change and increasing water demand pose new challenges, it is imperative that innovative solutions and sustainable practices are adopted to ensure that agriculture can remain a viable and productive activity.

The path towards a sustainable future in agriculture is marked by the need to find a balance between water demand and its availability. The implementation of practices and policies that promote a more rational and efficient use of water will be essential to ensure that this resource remains available for future generations.

Grupo Ruiz is a business conglomerate based in the province of Tucumán, Argentina. Founded in 1994 with the creation of Paramérica SA, in a decade it has positioned itself as a world leader in the export of black beans and lemons.