Water’s hidden carbon footprint runs deeper than most Alberta farmers realize, consuming nearly 3% of global energy through pumping, heating, and treatment processes. Every litre pumped across our prairies carries a carbon cost – from the electricity needed to move it through irrigation systems to the energy expended in water treatment and distribution.
For Canadian agricultural operations, understanding water’s carbon impact has become crucial as we face increasing pressure to reduce emissions while maintaining productivity. Recent studies from the University of Alberta show that optimizing irrigation systems …
Your Farm’s Hidden Water Costs: How Alberta Farmers Are Slashing Their Water Carbon Footprint
Soil and Water Conservation: Preserving Alberta’s Agricultural Lifeline
Soil and water are the lifeblood of agriculture, yet these precious resources face mounting threats from erosion, pollution, and climate change. The fate of our farms, our food supply, and our planet depends on how we steward the land and the water that sustains it. Soil and water conservation is not just an environmental imperative – it is an existential necessity for farmers and for all of humanity.
Through proven practices like cover cropping, contour plowing, and precision irrigation, farmers have the power to protect and regenerate the soil, conserve water, and build resilient agroecosystems. By working with nature …
5 Surprising Ways Agricultural Water Management Boosts Yields and Sustainability
Monitor soil moisture levels regularly to optimize irrigation scheduling and prevent over- or under-watering crops. Improve water infiltration by maintaining soil organic matter, minimizing tillage, and using cover crops to enhance soil structure. Implement efficient irrigation systems like drip or micro-sprinklers to deliver water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff losses. Collect and store rainwater or runoff in ponds or cisterns for use during dry periods, supplementing …
7 Game-Changing Water Strategies for Alberta Farmers to Thrive Despite Drought
Invest in efficient irrigation systems like drip or sprinkler methods to deliver water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff losses. Implement soil management practices such as conservation tillage, cover cropping, and mulching to improve soil structure, increase water retention, and minimize erosion. Choose drought-tolerant crop varieties and native plant species that require less water and are well-adapted to local climate conditions. Recycle and reuse water wherever possible, such as capturing rainwater for irrigation or using greywater from household sources for landscaping needs.
Efficient Irrigation …