What are some of the proven ways to reduce irrigation water use in agriculture?
In most cases, upgrading irrigation systems increases water use efficiency and uniformity but does not necessarily reduce consumptive use. Consumptive use or reduced ET occurs when: 1. Irrigated acres are decreased. 2. Crop selection is changed from a summer crop to a cool season crop. 3. Crop selection is changed to one with a shorter growing season. 4. Deficit irrigation is practiced, applying some amount less than full ET over the growing season. 5. Evaporative losses from the field surface are reduced as a result of conservation tillage, mulching, and or drip irrigation.
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