How to save water for paddy fields

Question

Anurag Gupta · Answer

Paddy fields require a significant amount of water for cultivation. Here are some ways to save water in paddy fields:

Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) Technique: This technique involves allowing the soil to dry partially between irrigation cycles, rather than keeping it continuously flooded. AWD can reduce water use by up to 30% without affecting crop yield.

Direct Seeding: Direct seeding of rice reduces water use compared to traditional transplanting methods, as it eliminates the need for seedling nurseries and reduces the amount of water needed for transplanting.

Use of Sprinklers or Drip Irrigation: Installing sprinklers or drip irrigation systems can help reduce water use by delivering water directly to the roots of the plants, minimizing evaporation and runoff.

Field Leveling: Ensuring that the field is properly leveled can help prevent water stagnation and reduce the amount of water needed for irrigation.

Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for irrigation can reduce the reliance on groundwater or surface water sources.

Optimized Irrigation Scheduling: Using weather data and soil moisture sensors to schedule irrigation can help ensure that water is applied only when needed, avoiding over-irrigation.

Use of Water-Efficient Varieties: Planting water-efficient rice varieties can help reduce water use while maintaining or even improving yield.

By implementing these water-saving techniques, farmers can reduce the amount of water used in paddy fields while maintaining or improving crop yield.