Waterwerk: Research on Water-Saving Irrigation Techniques

Water for agriculture
The Netherlands

Climate change is causing extreme weather conditions to occur more frequently. This poses challenges for agriculture: both flooding and water shortages lead to complications in the Netherlands. At the same time, the availability of freshwater is under pressure, particularly in the summer. It is therefore essential to use the available water as sparingly and efficiently as possible during dry periods. The Waterwerk project is conducting research into water-saving irrigation techniques

Key Takeaways

  • Alternative irrigation systems—surface drip irrigation, subsurface drip irrigation, and subirrigation—offer opportunities for water conservation.
  • Subsurface and surface drip irrigation are not yet easy to implement on clay soil.
  • The new irrigation techniques require a shift in thinking and behavior; agricultural entrepreneurs must begin irrigating at the very start of a dry period.
  • It is crucial to learn to think differently and plan more ahead.

Project Details

Started: 2022 – Completed: Ongoing
Ref: 221353 | Status: Ongoing
Title: Waterwerk in de Betuwe (2022 – 2026)

Background

Conventional irrigation (using a reel) results in significant water loss: an average of 25%. Furthermore, the water is distributed unevenly across the field, which does not benefit the final yield. In the Waterwerk project at Ecoboerderij de Lingehof, Acacia Water is therefore conducting research into water-saving irrigation techniques for arable farming. In addition to reel irrigation, this study analyzes three alternative irrigation systems: above-ground drip irrigation, underground drip irrigation, and sub-irrigation.

The five-year research project is being carried out on behalf of the water utility Vitens and is co-funded by the Province of Gelderland, the Hagelunie, and BO Akkerbouw. The research results from this project could serve as an important source of knowledge for other provinces looking to implement water-saving measures in agriculture.

Sensors for measuring meteorological variables.
Surface drip for irrigation of potatoes.
Tubes for measuring soil moisture.
Setup to take drain water samples.
Acacia Water colleagues conducting field work.

Activities

With above-ground drip irrigation, drip hoses are laid out on the ground each year to deliver water during periods of drought. Water distribution is more even than with a reel and requires less energy. On the other hand, the annual installation is time-consuming, and the hoses have a short lifespan.

With subsurface drip irrigation, this time-consuming task is avoided by installing the hoses below the depth of tillage, where they can remain in place for decades. Water delivery is efficient and occurs at the root zone, but it is not yet clear whether this system also works in heavier soils, such as clay.

Findings

Initial research results show that the three new irrigation techniques are not yet easy to implement on clay soil. Due to the low rate of capillary rise in heavy clay, the potential water supply to the roots is highly dependent on root depth. In addition, the new techniques require a shift in thinking and practice. For example, farmers must begin irrigating at the very start of a dry period, because the water output per application with these new irrigation techniques is significantly lower than with reel irrigation. It is therefore crucial to learn to think differently and plan further ahead.

Project Areas

The research is being conducted at the Ekoboerderij de Lingehof farm in Randwijk, Gelderland. The farm practices a broad crop rotation. The soil on the farm consists mainly of heavy to very heavy clay. A light plow pan is present in the soil, which somewhat limits the penetration of roots and water and breaks up into sharp, block-like fragments. This light plow pan is representative of the majority of arable land parcels in our country, especially on heavier soils.

Geographic scope: Local

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Ekoboerderij De Lingehof

Project location.

Downloads and Links

Waterwerk voor waterbesparende irrigatie Tussenrapportage 2022-2023

Download

In Cooperation With

Commissioned by:

Vitens Provincie Gelderland

Funded by:

Vitens Provincie Gelderland Hagelunie BO Akkerbouw

Project partners:

Acacia Water Louis Bolk Instituut Ekoboerderij De Lingehof Broere Irrigatie Topsector Agri & Food
Setup to take drain water samples.

Contact

Tessa van Hateren

Hydrologist

+31 6 27 20 86 99
tessa.vanhateren@acaciawater.com
tessa-van-hateren

Related topics

Drought, Innovation, Irrigation, Potatoes

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