UK – A new study from Netafim has shown the significant environmental advantages of using drip irrigation for potato farming.
The research highlights how this method can reduce global warming potential (GWP) and conserve water, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional irrigation methods.
The Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), conducted in collaboration with Potato Solutions and Drip UK, took place in Norfolk, East Anglia, from March to October 2022.
It compared the environmental impacts of drip irrigation and rain gun irrigation for both fresh and processed potatoes.
Max Moldavsky, Director of Innovation and Climate Solutions at Orbia Netafim, emphasized the urgency of adopting sustainable practices.
“In the fight against climate change, drip irrigation technology emerges as a powerful ally. Amidst mounting environmental pressures, sustainable growing is not just a choice but a necessity to meet these demands and safeguard our planet’s future,” he stated.
One of the standout findings is that drip irrigation significantly lowers the GWP of potato farming. For fresh potatoes, the GWP is reduced by 54% compared to rain gun irrigation.
This reduction highlights the potential of drip irrigation to contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.
The study also found that drip irrigation uses 40% less water per ton of processing potatoes than rain gun systems.
This substantial saving underscores the technology’s ability to preserve water, a crucial resource in agriculture.
Tim Kitson of Potato Solutions noted the reliability of drip irrigation, especially in regions with 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,” Kitson added.
By leveraging precision irrigation technologies, Orbia Netafim aims to help farmers grow more with less, benefiting the environment and communities worldwide.
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