Water as a factor of production in agriculture

Factors of production in agriculture (water)

Water is a crucial factor in agricultural production. Without an adequate supply of water, crops cannot grow and thrive. As students, it is important to understand the significance of water in agriculture and the various ways in which it impacts the production process.

Please read on land as a factor of production in agriculture here.

Water for agriculture can be obtained through a variety of  ways. Below are some of the ways through which farmers obtain water for agriculture:

• From rainfall.

• Wells dug in farmlands.

• From nearby water bodies like rivers, lakes, ponds and lagoons.

• From canals constructed in irrigation schemes, where dams are built to make water available for farming.

• From treated municipal sewage or industrial wastewater. These are sometimes referred to as reclaimed water.

• Through cisterns. These are built to store rain water and irrigation water.

• Surface runoff water from mild erosion.

• Please read on soil erosion here.

Agricultural production system may be classified according the usage of water. For instance, an agricultural production system where farmers depend only on rainfall for water is termed rain-fed agriculture. This system of agricultural production (rain-fed) is typically practiced by small farmers in rural areas. Since rainfall may become very little during certain planting season, farmers practicing rain-fed agriculture will attempt to obtain water from other sources.

Another type of agricultural production system is the irrigated agriculture. Here, water from irrigation canal is supplied to crops and farm animals. This is a better system of agricultural production since their is always an availability of water for the growth of crops and animals respectively.

You can attempt Len Academy agric questions for JSS1 here.

One of the primary roles of water in agriculture is to provide hydration to plants. Just like humans, plants need water to survive and grow.

Water is absorbed through the roots of plants and transported to different parts of the plant, including the stem and leaves.

However, some of these water is eventually lost through the leaves of plants via a process termed transpiration. In this regard, water is utilized by plants to carry out essential functions such as photosynthesis and nutrient absorption.

Please read more on autotrophic nutrition and photosynthesis here.

In addition to hydration, water also plays a vital role in the transportation of nutrients within plants.

Nutrients present in the soil are dissolved in water, allowing plants to absorb them through their roots (via an active transport process). These nutrients (termed as mineral salts) are then transported to different parts of the plant, ensuring proper growth and development.

Without water, the transportation of nutrients would be severely hindered, leading to stunted growth and reduced crop yields.

You can read on soil explained with its composition here.

Another important aspect of water in agriculture is irrigation. In many regions, rainfall alone is not sufficient to meet the water requirements of crops.

Irrigation is a term that refers to the artificial application of water to agricultural fields, ensuring that plants receive an adequate supply of water throughout their growth cycle.

There are various methods of irrigation, including surface irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and drip irrigation. Each method has its advantages and is suited to different types of crops and soil conditions.

Please read on agricultural tools and their uses here.

Water is not only essential for plant growth, but also for the maintenance of soil health.

Adequate water supply helps in maintaining the moisture content of the soil, preventing it from becoming too dry or too waterlogged. In this regard, the right moisture balance is crucial for the survival of beneficial soil microorganisms and the availability of nutrients to plants.

Please read on clay soil explained with its characteristics here.

• Moreover, water helps in the breakdown of organic matter in the soil, facilitating nutrient release and improving soil structure.

Water management in agriculture is also important from an environmental perspective.

Proper water management practices, such as efficient irrigation techniques and water recycling, can help conserve water resources and reduce its adverse impact on natural ecosystems.

Excessive water use and inefficient irrigation methods can lead to water scarcity, degradation of water quality, and loss of biodiversity.

As students, it is crucial to be aware of these issues and advocate for sustainable water management practices in agriculture.

Please read on the ways to prevent soil erosion here.

Once again, it is noteworthy to reiterate that water is a critical factor in agricultural production. It serves the following functions in agriculture:

1. It is essential for plant hydration.

2. It is required in nutrient transportation.

3. Water is the source of irrigation to farmlands.

4. Water is a vital component in maintaining soil health.

5. Water is a crucial part of aquaculture. Aquaculture involves the rearing of fish and other aquatic organisms. Without water, aquatic organisms cannot thrive.

6. Livestock such as poultry, cattle and pigs require drinking water to maintain their health. Therefore, an adequate supply of water is essential for livestock production.

7. Pesticides and fertilizers are often mixed with water during their application, thus ensuring their effective distribution throughout the farmland.

8. Water is sometimes used for crop cooling, especially during hot temperatures. This is achieved via techniques like evaporative cooling to prevent heat stress on plants.

9. Water cycle ensures environmental sustainability.

10. Water is important in the maintenance of cell turgidity in plants.

11. Water may be applied to crops in order to form a protective ice layer which protects them from frost damage. This is often called frost protection, and is practiced during cold seasons.

12. Certain plants may grown in nutrient-rich water. This is termed hydroponics. In some instances, fish farming can be combined with hydroponics to form a symbiotic aquatic system.

13. The cleaning of equipment, vehicles and other farm facilities are done with water. In this regard, water is crucial for maintaining good hygiene and consequently preventing the spread of diseases.

You can read on how to start a home based fish farming here.

As students, it is important to recognize the significance of water in agriculture and promote responsible water management practices. By understanding the role of water in agriculture, we can contribute to the sustainable growth and development of the agricultural sector.