2.3 → Wasserbedarf in der Landwirtschaft

(Frank-M. Chmielewski)

2.3 → Water demand in agriculture

(Frank-M. Chmielewski)

Water demand in agriculture:

wide, agriculture is the economic sector which has the highest demand for water, which is about 70% of total water withdrawals. This amount varies from region to region. An especially high demand exists in the arid and semi-arid climates where irrigated agriculture dominates. In these regions the water requirement for irrigation rises up to 85% and more. Today 40% of all foods world-wide are already produced by irrigated agriculture.

Growing population and climate change will increase the need for water. For this reason efficient irrigation systems, regional adapted agricultural practices as well as water conserving cultivation methods will be necessary to produce sufficient food also in future.