Sustainable Management of Water in Vegetable Production Systems
2011
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
Project Media
Water is one of the most essential resources necessary for crop production and its stewardship is becoming more critical with continued population growth and shifts in land management. Agriculture, or food production, is responsible for 70 to 80% of the water consumption across the landscape. Even in Wisconsin with annual precipitation in excess of 30” on average, sustainable water use is becoming more critical. Increasing number of irrigation pivots and more acres of irrigated vegetable production across Wisconsin have led some to believe that increased irrigation pumping is impacting depth to groundwater. Declines in water table can have adverse effects on surface waters and lakes.