What is Agricultural Water？

Agricultural water refers to the water used in the agricultural producting process, mainly including planting irrigation, forestry, animal husbandry, fisheries and drinking water for animals, among which planting irrigation accounts for more than 90% of agricultural water consumption.

Agricultural Irrigation:

Agricultural irrigation, in simple terms, introduces water into farmland in various ways to replenish soil moisture and meet the water needs of crop growth. In agricultural irrigation, choosing the right irrigation system is also very important. Common irrigation methods include flood irrigation, drip irrigation, spray irrigation and so on.

① Flood Irrigation: When the water is flooded, it flows on the ground and infiltrates the soil by gravity, which is a more extensive irrigation method.

② Drip Irrigation: According to the requirements of crop water, through the low-pressure pipeline system and special irrigator, the water and nutrients required for crop growth are uniformly and accurately transported directly to the soil near the roots of the crop with a small flow rate.

③ Sprinkler Irrigation: The pressure of water is sprayed into the air through a pipe equipped with a nozzle to form water droplets, and the irrigation method is sprinkled into the field.

Animal husbandry:

Animal husbandry water mainly involves the daily drinking water of animals, feed processing and cleaning, as well as the cooling and cleaning of breeding facilities. All of these activities require a lot of water, especially in hot seasons or in dry areas, where the need for drinking water is more urgent. So an adequate water supply is crucial for livestock farming.

Hydroponics and Aquaculture：

Hydroponics and aquaculture systems use water as the primary medium for plant growth. In hydroponics, plants grow in nutrient-rich water, while in aquaculture, fish farming is combined with hydroponics to form a symbiotic system.

Where does agricultural water come from?

Agricultural water comes from a variety of sources, mainly from surface water, groundwater, artificial reservoirs and water source projects, rainwater and so on.

Surface water: also known as land water, refers to the surface of the earth's crust, exposed to the atmosphere of water, is the general term for rivers, glaciers, lakes, swamps four kinds of water bodies, it is one of the important sources of water for human life, the main component of water resources in various countries, but also one of the main sources of agricultural water.

Groundwater: Water in various states widely buried below the surface, collectively referred to as groundwater. Atmospheric precipitation is the main source of groundwater. Groundwater is usually water extracted from underground livestock reservoirs by Wells or boreholes, mainly for irrigation and livestock use. However, excessive use will lead to a series of problems such as the decline of groundwater level and water quality.

picture from https://www.dnr.wa.gov/geology-groundwater#the-water-cycle

Precipitation: The right amount of precipitation can directly provide the water needed for crops, especially in arid or semi-arid regions, where precipitation is the main source of agricultural irrigation.

Artificial reservoirs and water projects: Some farms may build Wells or ponds to store and supply water. These sources are often used for livestock drinking and short-term irrigation. At the same time, cisterns were built to store rainwater or irrigation water. These ponds are often used for small-scale agricultural production.

Why we need to monitor agricultural water?

The main reasons for monitoring agricultural water use are as follows:

Ensure water quality safety: agricultural water use is directly related to the quality and safety of agricultural products. By monitoring water quality, problems such as chemical pollution and microbial pollution can be detected and treated in time to ensure that irrigation water meets safety standards, thereby protecting crops from pollution.

Improve agricultural productivity: Monitoring water quality can help farmers understand the suitability of irrigation water, such as dissolved oxygen, pH and other key indicators. Through these data, farmers can adjust irrigation strategies, optimize irrigation methods, improve the utilization efficiency of water resources, and thus improve the yield and quality of crops.

Promote sustainable agricultural development: By monitoring and managing agricultural water use, it can effectively prevent over-exploitation and pollution of water resources, protect soil and ecological environment, and promote long-term sustainable development of agriculture.

Water conservation: Real-time monitoring of agricultural water use can help farmers better grasp the use of water resources and achieve water conservation. This will not only help to alleviate the problem of water shortage, but also help to reduce the water consumption of agricultural production.

How to monitor agricultural water? What are the main parameters to monitor for agricultural water use?

Various sensors are used to monitor water quality parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and ammonia nitrogen levels. These sensors can be placed in the water source or at critical points in the irrigation system.

Monitoring agricultural water use involves checking multiple parameters to ensure its quality and suitability. Key parameters monitored include:

pH: Optimal pH is critical for nutrient supply and plant growth.

Electrical conductivity (EC) : This measures the salinity of water and can affect soil structure and plant health.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) : Adequate levels of dissolved oxygen are important for aquatic organisms in irrigation systems.

Nutrients: Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels are critical for plant growth.

Pesticides and herbicides: Monitoring these chemicals ensures that they are within safe limits.

Pathogens: Bacteria, viruses and protozoa can contaminate water and pose health risks.

Optimal range of water quality monitoring standards for agricultural water use

picture from https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Water-quality-for-agricultural-uses_tbl2_275649280

Conclusion

Water is a fundamental resource in agriculture, and its efficient and sustainable use is critical for the sector's future. By understanding the various uses of agricultural water, where it comes from, and how to monitor its quality, farmers and agricultural managers can make informed decisions that benefit their operations and the environment. As we move forward, the continued focus on water management will be essential for ensuring the resilience and productivity of agriculture worldwide.

Yosemitech provides water quality probe/sensor, level measurement, temperature measurement and etc. that can help farmers monitor and treat water quality, use water more efficiently, avoid waste, and improve the efficiency of irrigation. Feel free to contact us.