Conservation Practices

Water supplies are finite and essential for agricultural success. On this page, find information on water for agriculture, including water supply and conservation practices. Tips on drip irrigation, cisterns, riparian buffers, well maintenance, and adjusting water pH and alkalinity are available.

Water for Agriculture – Protection and Conservation

Whether raising livestock or growing crops, agriculture requires large quantities of water. In fact, the agricultural industry consumes more water than any other industry. Agricultural water needs, including irrigation, are often supplied by surface water and groundwater.

In Pennsylvania, surface water resources involve 2.5 trillion gallons of water from streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds. What’s more, groundwater aquifers store over 80 trillion gallons below the surface.

Though water supply appears to be plentiful, many groups, including agricultural users, place a great demand on PA water resources. Water conservation is vital for preserving natural resources, producing healthier crops, and avoiding soil erosions.

One of the best ways to protect the health of waterways is by adding a riparian buffer of trees, shrubs, or meadow plants. Riparian buffers can help protect the water from land activities and, in turn, improve water quality and wildlife habitat.

Protecting Surface and Groundwater

Many farms rely on surface and groundwater, though some activities can potentially contaminate drinking water sources. On-farm water contamination typically occurs in water wells, barnyards, milkhouses, and septic system drainage areas.

Farmers can obtain information and recommendations on best farmstead practices through the Pennsylvania Farm-A-Syst worksheets. The worksheets are designed to determine which farmsteads are managed in an environmentally sound way that ensures protection and conservation of water. In addition, they aim to raise awareness of exiting practices that pose a threat to the quality of water.

Worksheets are available to evaluate, among other practices, water well construction and condition, household wastewater treatment systems, pesticide handling, and animal waste land application.

Drip Irrigation Systems

Over the past years, drip irrigation practices have increased in popularity among fruit and vegetable producers. As they require less water than sprinklers, drip irrigation systems can decrease evaporation, achieve high levels of water-use efficiency, and ensure water gets to the plants’ roots. Additionally, watering with drip irrigation allows for extensive automation, reducing labor and operating costs.

Penn State Extension’s resources are available to anyone interested in utilizing a drip irrigation system. Discover the basics of drip irrigation and access information on the importance of pH and alkalinity. Information on operating a garden drip irrigation system and installing drip irrigation for tree fruit orchards is available, as well.

Saving Water on the Farm

To optimize the water usage on your farm consider growing crops native to your region, implementing an irrigation schedule, and capturing and reusing water.

Capturing and storing rainwater and stormwater runoff is one of the more common water-saving practices. The water is collected in containers (cisterns), including rain barrels and steel tanks, and roof-catchment cisterns. Capturing water runoff can further reduce the quantity of stormwater discharged from the property. The collected water can be reused as a source for the irrigation of crops and watering animals.

Estimating farm water needs prior to constructing a cistern or any water system, is important for ensuring an adequate water supply. Note that the farm water system needs to be designed to include sustained yield and storage from one or more sources.

In this section, access additional information on agricultural water conservation and supply. Find tips and advice on saving water outside the home, managing wells during drought, and helping your community learn how to conserve water.