Everything You Should Know About Cotton and Water Conservation

Agriculture accounts for approximately 70 percent of the world’s water use; however, cotton production only accounts for about 3 percent of that. Although cotton doesn’t use up that much water, farmers, scientists and irrigation system manufacturers are doing all they can to conserve water.

Continue reading to learn more about cotton irrigation systems and water conservation.

How much water does cotton need?

Cotton plants are naturally tolerant of drought and heat, so they’re commonly grown in regions with a limited water supply. Cotton plants only need about 0.3 to 0.35 inches per day for two months out of the year.

About 64 percent of cotton acreage doesn’t need any form of irrigation system, and the remaining cotton land only uses irrigation systems when there’s a severe drought. In fact, only 5 percent of the cotton land in the United States is fully irrigated.

How are researchers improving water management?

Because water conservation is so important, researchers at organizations like the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are working hard to improve irrigation systems and understand more about cotton’s water requirements. Today’s irrigation systems monitor the weather and only deliver water when the conditions require it.

Additionally, work is being done to develop more drought-tolerant crops. These crops should be launched late this decade or early next decade.

How can you help with water conservation?

Whether the farm is big or small, every cotton grower can do their part to assist with cotton water conservation. The easiest way to help with water conservation is upgrading to a drip irrigation system.

These systems are installed underground and deliver water directly to the roots, reducing evaporation by 75 percent. A drip irrigation system is initially expensive to install, but your water bill will be drastically lower throughout the year.

See what our team can do for you!

If you’re ready to start doing your part for cotton water conservation, then call our professionals at B&M Pump Irrigation Sales & Service, Inc. These are the reasons to call us as soon as possible:

• Save your money: Since your cotton will only receive water when the ground is too dry, you’ll save a bundle on your water bills by upgrading to a drip irrigation system with water monitoring sensors. Plus, these systems can be utilized for other crops for even greater savings.
• Ensure a higher yield: A drip irrigation system can also provide a higher yield each season. Over the past few decades, cotton yields have gone up by 50 percent, while water consumption has decreased by 38 percent.
• Help the environment: Upgrading to a new irrigation system will help the environment by conserving millions of gallons of water over the years. This water can be used for crops that are less drought tolerant or to provide water for our nearby communities.

B&M Pump Irrigation Sales & Service, Inc. is your go-to company for all of your irrigation needs. Request a quote, or talk to our team to learn more about our cotton irrigation systems.

Categorised in: Cotton