3 ways to reduce water consumption on the farm
Crop scouting: aerial imagery
Water conservation has always been a con- cern for farmers in drought-prone regions. However, the worsening impacts of climate change have exacerbated the problem worldwide. Here are three ways to reduce water consumption on your farm. 1. SOIL MANAGEMENT Incorporating proper soil management techniques can drastically conserve water on your farm. For example, practicing zero tilling, usingmulch and planting cover crops can all help the soil retain more moisture. 2. WATER RECYCLING Many parts of North America see a lot of rain in the springtime, which can cause significant water drainage from fields. A drainage water recycling system will capture this excess water in a pond or reservoir. The system will store it temporarily until it’s needed to water crops later in the growing season.
3. DRIP IRRIGATION If you already irrigate your crops, you may want to consider investing in drip irrigation. These systems reduce runoff and evaporation, saving up to 80 per cent more water than traditional spray systems. This type of watering allows moisture to penetrate deeply into the soil, leading to better growth.
Ultimately, conservation
incorporating
water
into agricultural practices is one of the most critical tools available to ensure a safe and reliable food supply. your
Aerial imagery is a crop scouting technique that helps farmers manage their fields and detect stress anddisease in their crops. Here’s an overview of the three main types of ae- rial imagery used in agriculture. 1. Drones or unpiloted aerial vehicles (UAVs) deliver clear image resolution be- cause they’re equipped with high-quality cameras that can fly at very low altitudes. For instance, drones can capture the fine details of individual rows and plants. Some drones provide a live video feed so you can immediately take corrective ac- tion if necessary. One of the most significant disadvan- tages of using a drone is its limited bat- tery life, which can impact productivity. provide high-quality aerial imagery without the time commitment or overhead costs of owning a drone. 2. Human-crewed aircraft
However, this method involves a lot of preparation, making it difficult to capture images in certain weather conditions or specific times of the day. It often takes a few days to receive the aerial photos, which could be detrimental to your crop if there’s a pressing need to be addressed. 3. Satellite imagery is the most affordable aerial imagery on the market and covers the most expansive field of view. Howe- ver, it offers the lowest resolution. One of satellite imagery’s most signifi- cant drawbacks is that weather and cloud cover often hinder it. For example, sup- pose there are several overcast days in a row; you might miss a desirable image of your crop at a specific growth stage. Be sure to consider your crop scouting needs and the type of information you want to gather before choosing an imagery source.
ST-ISIDORE 613-524-2079 1-800-465-4927 www.propanelevac.ca PERTH • KINGSTON KAZABAZUA, QC
613-527-2859 • www.bourdon.ca melissa@bourdon.ca
Francis Drouin Député, MP Glengarry - Prescott - Russel l
« L ’agriculture est le moteur de notre économie. » « Agriculture is the heart of our economy. »
Joe Bartuccio 613-880-4970 | 613-487-4171 1891, ch. Russell, Bourget Réparation de camions et équipement lourd Soudure - Réparation d’a/c - Camion remorque
1-800-990-0490 francis.drouin@parl.gc.ca
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