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Chapter 9: Problem 2

What are some of the reasons that farmers must be aware of the "downstream" effects of their use of irrigation?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Farmers must be aware of the downstream effects of their irrigation practices due to the following reasons: water scarcity, water quality, soil erosion, impacts on aquatic ecosystems, and social and economic impacts. These factors are important because they affect the availability of water for other users, maintain good water quality, minimize soil erosion, protect aquatic habitats, and ensure the well-being of communities and the environment downstream. By being conscious of the potential impacts of their irrigation practices and adopting sustainable measures, farmers can contribute to the well-being of communities and the environment downstream.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Concept of Downstream Effects

Downstream effects refer to the consequences or impacts of an action in a particular area on other areas located further downstream. In the context of agriculture, this mainly concerns the effects of irrigation on the environment and people living in areas located downstream of agricultural lands.
02

Reason 1: Water Scarcity

One of the main reasons farmers must be aware of the downstream effects of their irrigation practices is water scarcity. Excessive or inefficient use of water for irrigation may reduce the availability of water for other users and purposes downstream, such as drinking water supplies, industrial use, or support of aquatic habitats. Farmers need to ensure that their irrigation practices do not lead to decreased water supplies downstream.
03

Reason 2: Water Quality

Another reason is maintaining good water quality. The improper use of irrigation could cause the leaching of agricultural chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides, into the soil and subsequently into the groundwater or nearby surface water sources. This can lead to the contamination of water sources downstream, causing severe environmental damage and risks to human health. As a responsible farmer, it is crucial to be aware of such possible consequences and work to prevent them.
04

Reason 3: Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is the process of soil particles being detached, transported and eventually deposited in a different location. Poorly managed irrigation practices, such as overwatering and improper erosion control measures, can lead to increased soil erosion from agricultural lands. This soil then gets carried downstream, potentially causing sedimentation in water bodies, which affects water quality and aquatic habitats. Farmers need to be aware of this issue and implement measures to minimize soil erosion.
05

Reason 4: Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems

The downstream effects of irrigation can also have significant impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Excessive water withdrawal for agricultural purposes can result in lowered water levels in rivers and streams, altering the natural flow and temperature regimes, and reducing available habitat for aquatic species. In addition, pollutants from agricultural runoff can lead to toxic algal blooms and the occurrence of “dead zones” downstream, where the oxygen levels become too low to support most forms of life. Farmers must be informed about the potential effects of their irrigation practices on aquatic ecosystems and take necessary steps to mitigate the impact.
06

Reason 5: Social and Economic Impacts

Lastly, farmers must be aware of the social and economic impacts of the downstream effects of their irrigation practices. Water scarcity and poor water quality can lead to conflicts between different users over dwindling resources, as well as have detrimental effects on the livelihoods and health of people who depend on the water sources downstream. By being conscious of the potential impacts of their irrigation practices and adopting sustainable practices, farmers can contribute to the well-being of communities and the environment downstream.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

In rainfall-deficient regions, the lack of soil moisture for crop production can be dealt with in two ways: (1) developing crops or cropping systems that are adapted to the low levels of moisture or (2) introducing irrigation to overcome the water deficit. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?

A period without rainfall long enough to create moisture stress in the soil, or a period of waterlogging long enough to create limiting conditions of anerobiosis in the soil ecosystem, can help control pest populations and diseases in the soil that might otherwise cause crop loss. When these natural events are removed from a particular soil system, what alternative pest and disease management strategies could be employed?
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