hands catching water

The importance of water in agriculture

Water impacts all metabolic processes in living organisms

It is considered the universal solvent due to being able to dissolve in many substances.

As a solvent, it serves as a transport medium for mineral nutrients from the soil, as well as in the translocation of organic substances within the plant. It is a chemical reactant in photosynthesis and hence vital to life

Microbes in water

Agricultural crops, grasses and garden plants alike can get sick and die when factors such as drought and excess sun force them to work harder to survive.

Effective microbes enable plants to accumulate more nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. They also help plants use water more efficiently, and even produce molecules that promote plant growth and help them stay green. Gaining more root, stem and leaf mass makes plants able to store more water.

sprinklers watering agriculture crops

Irrigation

Irrigation is the application of controlled amounts of water to plants at intervals. Effective irrigation influences the entire growth process of crops from seedbed preparation, germination, root growth, nutrient utilisation, plant growth and regrowth, yield and quality. Irrigation systems should encourage plant growth while minimising salt imbalances, leaf burns, soil erosion, and water loss. 

Losses of water will occur due to evaporation, wind drift, run-off and water sinking deep below the root zone. Irrigation scheduling is the process by which you determine the timing and quantity of water to be applied to the crop or pasture.  Accurate scheduling is essential to avoid over or underwater which can create a whole host of issues from soil erosion to clogged drainage ditches.

cow drinking from a trough

Water for livestock and crops

Good quality water is a key element for livestock production.

Water is the most essential nutrient for livestock production and is needed for numerous processes, such as the regulation of body temperature, growth, digestion, reproduction, metabolism, lubrication of joints, excretion, eyesight, and more.

The water provided needs to be good quality to maintain production.

lilypads on water

Ponds and lakes

Effective microbes help develop and maintain a functioning ecosystem in all types of water by restoring balance. They improve water quality, reduce algae and sludge build up by breaking down excess nutrients and stimulating the nutrient cycle in the water.

Accumulated rotten organic matter (sludge) is indicative that the waster is in a state of oxygen deficiency. Putrefying bacteria inside the sludge produce harmful gases such as methane and ammonia. The addition of effective microbes to the pond helps oxygenate the water and the effective fermentation bacteria will start to decompose the sludge. As well as this, phototrophic bacteria consume harmful gases so foul odours are neutralised. Depending on the condition of the water, mineral support can be provided alongside effective microorganisms.