Ever started the conversation about agricultural water conservation? Here are some interesting facts about how much water farms, livestock and produce are really using up. The results may surprise you.
Farm Water Conservation Facts
If you have a farm, it won’t be a surprise to you that we use gallons and gallons of water each day. We use it to tend to our crops and also for our livestock. It may not matter much to you if you occasionally use more than you should, but have you thought about how much water is really used up for farmlands? This infographic will show you how much water around the world is used up. I’m sure you’ll rethink your strategy and find ways to conserve water after this!
Thanks to Mother Nature Network for this infographic!
Interesting Facts About Farm Water Conservation
Irrigation has been used for thousands of years to increase agricultural production and provide protection against drought. Agriculture provides us with many goods, but it also takes away from us. Agriculture is the single largest food provider and also the largest user of global water resources.
Water Usage
The U.S. Agriculture uses 128 Billion GALLONS of Water a day. This accounts for 40% of U.S. fresh water withdrawals.
2 quadrillion gallons of rainwater and irrigation are used by global agriculture ever year. That is enough to cover the entire United States with 2 feet of water.
4% of U.S. farms use drip or precision irrigation systems which are more efficient.
85% of water withdrawals in developing countries is for agriculture.
Gallons of Water Needed to Produce Foods
- 400 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of sugar.
- 2500 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of coffee.
- 240 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of soy beans.
- 250 gallons of water to produce 1 pint of milk.
- 650 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of rice.
Most irrigated farms use 2-3 times more water than their crops need, and waste between 50%-80% of irrigation water through leaks, runoff and evaporation.
Gallons of Water Needed by Animals Daily
- 5 gallons of water for 1 hogs
- 150 gallons of water for 1 cows
- 20 gallons of water for 1 beef cattle
This includes water for drinking as well as hosing down the dairies and feedlots.
Future Challenges of Feeding a Growing World Population
- Global food production will increase 70%. Global energy consumption will increase 36%
- Global energy consumption will increase 36%.
- Water for agriculture will increase 25%.
- By 2050 the global population will grow from 7 billion to 9 billion.
- 15% to 35% of agriculture irrigation withdrawals throughout the world are thought to be unsustainable.
- Over 80% of freshwater from India, China, and Egypt is used for irrigation, as compared to nearly 1% in the U.K.
The Promise of Indoor Farming
Indoor farming promises controlled farming, cuts plant growth from 12 to 6 weeks. Various types of locations are available, and with climate control. Excess water is recycled.
So what do you think about these interesting facts on farm water usage? Let us know below in the comments!
