Finding Significant Benefits of Drip Irrigation for Potato Cultivation
July 11, 2024 Netafim, a global leader in precision agriculture solutions, has announced the findings of a comprehensive Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) that demonstrates the significant environmental benefits of using drip irrigation for potato cultivation, particularly in reducing Global Warming Potential (GWP) and water consumption. GWP is a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time period, relative to carbon dioxide. The LCA study focused on the environmental impacts of drip versus rain gun irrigation systems for both fresh and processed potatoes.
Conducted in partnership with Potato Solutions and Drip UK, the trial took place in Norfolk, East Anglia, from March 2022 to October 2022. The key findings underscore the efficiency and sustainability of drip irrigation over irrigation by rain gun for potato production.
• Potatoes grown with drip irrigation exhibit a 54% reduction in GWP for fresh potatoes to those irrigated with rain guns.
• Drip irrigation for processing potatoes requires 40% less water per ton of potato than rain gun systems, highlighting the technology’s ability to conserve one of our most precious resources.
“In the fight against climate change, drip irrigation technology emerges as a powerful ally, paving the way for a more sustainable agricultural landscape,” says Max Moldavsky, Director of Innovation and Climate Solutions at Orbia Netafim. He added, “Amid mounting environmental pressures, farmers and companies are confronted with urgent calls to mitigate their impact, sustainable growing is not just a choice but a necessity to meet these demands and safeguard our planet’s future.”
Tim Kitson, of Potato Solutions, highlighted the adaptability and efficiency of drip irrigation, especially in regions facing water scarcity. “Even under ever-changing conditions and the looming threat of water scarcity, drip irrigation has shown remarkable reliability and resilience, ensuring water preservation and effective energy management.”
For more information, visit Netafim.com.
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