It's Time To Be Smarter About Our Water Usage
Water.
Nearly every aspect of our lives depends on it. It's one of the foundations of existence here on Earth. It's also one of the core components of the Farm from a Box system. With water access, farmers are able to grow fresh produce to feed their communities. Selling this produce generates income, and farmers in turn gain economic freedom.
All of this together - access to healthy food and reliable income - paves the way to independence and communal wellbeing. What a beautiful ripple effect.
One of the first steps towards effective irrigation is understanding how water exists within soil. Simply put, the spectrum of soil moisture ranges from very wet to bone dry. There are three thresholds along this spectrum that are important when thinking about plant growth:
The "sweet spot" for crops is the range between field capacity and permanent wilting point and is referred to as plant-available water. To keep soil moisture within this range, growers typically irrigate their field until the soil reaches its field capacity.
But what you could avoid watering your entire farm to field capacity, thus using less water, protecting your local ecosystem, and saving you money? What if you could improve crop health and increase yields at the same time? Drip irrigation makes this a reality!
It's the most environmentally and economically efficient irrigation system. It irrigates only the root zone instead of the entire field surface, optimizing the soil water content. By directing water and nutrients directly to plants' root zones, in the right amounts, at the right time, each plant gets exactly what it needs, when it needs it.
Maximize your yields
- Increase your yields by up to 50%
- Efficiently apply fertilizers and soil amendments
- Reduce weed growth and prevent disease by minimizing water contact with leaves, stems, and flowers
Boost your profits
- Raise your crops' market value by growing healthy, nutrient-dense, disease-free produce
- Irrigate uniformly in any soil type and extend your growing season
- Save money on water utility bills, fertilizers, and labor costs
Protect the environment
- Use up to 60% less water than sprinkler or flood irrigation
- Lessen your need for synthetic fertilizers and reduce soil salinity from excessive fertilizer application
- Prevent soil erosion and fertilizer and pesticide runoff
As we navigate new climate-fueled weather patterns, the way we use water is increasingly important. Water-efficient technology that helps us increase our yields while conserving resources can build our resilience to extreme weather and lessen agriculture's water footprint, an important step in mitigating climate change.
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