Irrigation Principles | Water Productivity
Water productivity
Mitigation of water risks in agriculture
Improving water productivity means equal or better yields are achieved whilst using less water.
This also reduces dependency on unpredictable water sources (e.g. precipitation or groundwater).
This also reduces dependency on unpredictable water sources (e.g. precipitation or groundwater).
High resilience to climate change
As we enter this era of ‘water bankruptcy’, moisture deficits will increase; water productivity helps secure yields by maximizing output from each drop of water.Prioritizing the crops or techniques that ensure the highest harvest per unit of water is required, e.g. drought resistant crop varieties and precision irrigation.
Increased food security
Creating more food from existing resources instead of increasing farmland and water usage.
More socio-economic benefitsHigh water productivity often sees lower costs (less water and energy for irrigation) and higher revenues.Job creation to cope with expanding agricultural output.In water scarce regions, improving water productivity can make agriculture viable where is wasn’t, having an abundance of benefits on the community.
Reduced International Financial Institutions’ risks in investment
By not underestimating water limitations and making water productivity a priority, investors can reduce the risk of project failure as yields are less likely to be overestimated.
Guide modernization of existing irrigation systems
Water productivity helps see where upgrades will have the largest impact; by giving priority to areas with low benefits from water, funds can directly boost yields.
Intersectoral transfer of water
In some places, agriculture cannot be the priority when water usage is competing with drinking water, industrial production or ecosystem restoration.
Proper indicator to express success of projects
When projects use only yield increase as an indicator for success, this can lead to unsustainable practices; water productivity is a better metric as it encompasses both productivity and sustainability as success.
There are 5 levers we can draw on to improve water productivity:
On-farm irrigation efficiency
a. Align water application with crop water requirement
b. Reduce non-consumed water (runoff, percolation and ponding)
c. Prevent over-irrigation by keeping soil moisture within certain preferred limits (the band of easily usable water/ plant available water)
Soil water capacity enhancement
a. Increase soil infiltration and water holding capacity
b. Promote green cover, biodiversity, and organic matter content
c. Encourage deeper root systems for more water storage
non-beneficial evaporation reduction
a. Keep non-essential soil areas dry through mulching and drip irrigation
b. Recommend land levelling and sub-surface drainage
c. Control weed growth
water reuse and recycling
a. Reuse drainage water and groundwater for a second irrigation
b. Reduced withdrawals from lakes, rivers and aquifers
photosynthesis enhancement
a. Select planting date according to maximum solar light capture
b. Optimize row and plant spacing leading to closed canopies
c. Improve crop nitrogen status
summary
Water productivity isn’t just about using less water, it’s about getting more value from every drop. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to farm, invest and secure food systems in a water-constrained world.
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