Water Technologies That Aid Farmers Amid Drought

The state of California has been experiencing yet another year of arid temperatures that are taking a toll on both cities and farms, which use an average of 80 percent of the water supply annually. With water cuts along the way, farmers are looking into utilizing the following water technologies, not only to maintain agricultural production but also to contribute to water conservation in the state.

Sensor Networks

With the use of soil tension sensors, along with data on the day’s weather, humidity, and temperature, the state can manage smarter irrigation systems for farmers. These sensors consequently aid farmers in finding better ways and more efficient times to use water for irrigation.

Biotechnology

Some companies are utilizing sophisticated genomics and the latest breeding techniques to produce drought-resistant and water-efficient crops and seeds. For instance, gene stacking has been used to create different forms and types of water-efficient sorghum, a grass typically used for biofuel, brewing, and animal feed.

Reverse Osmosis and Water Purification

Though water purification and desalination has been around for decades, farmers in California still find these methods very useful—especially since this method has been effective in curbing the water problem of more arid countries like Israel. Among the most popular technologies used for water cleaning is reverse osmosis, wherein minerals and other waste materials are removed from wastewater and saltwater to produce cleaner, mineral-free water liquid for agriculture.