Importance of Water

Importance of Water

Water is an essential production factor in agriculture, both for crops and for livestock.Climate change will have a significant impact on agriculture in terms of water quantity and quality. This will be exacerbated by the increasing demand for food worldwide as population and real incomes increase.European agriculture is already dealing with the consequences of extreme events such as floods, storms and drought, which might imply excess water or scarce water availability, that are 

likely to become more frequent as a result of climate change. European farmers, who manage more than 50% of land in the EU 27, are essential players in ensuring that water resources are sustainably managed. They have and will continue to adapt their practices to manage water more efficiently. For centuries, farmers have controlled the water cycle locally, either through irrigation or drainage. As an integral part of the climate system, the hydrological cycle can be positively influenced by using adapted agricultural practices. Solutions allowing greater production using less water are a critical future priority. If European agriculture is to continue to deliver social, environmental and economic benefits, access to adequate water supplies is essential.

Water is an essential production factor in agriculture. The 

production of biomass is inextricably linked to the need for 

fresh water, and livestock depends on water to drink. 

Plants capture water in their biomass and put it back to the 

atmosphere by means of transpiration - a process which 

positively influences micro-climatic conditions. Plants are 

able to convert “blue” water into “green” water captured 

in the biomass. Soils covered with plants have higher 

infiltration and soil moisture rates, and thus reduced runoff. On abandoned land, especially if desertification occurs, 

the capacity to retain water is much lower and completely 

lost once the soil is sealed.

Agriculture depends on the climate and on natural 

conditions. Changing climatic conditions lead to imbalances 

between rainfall and crop needs during vegetation and have 

a strong impact on yields and the quality of agricultural 

products. The increased frequency and severity of extreme 

weather conditions will increase the vulnerability of the 

European farming sector .