The scarcity of water is presently one of the primary challenges that farmers encounter in the arduous task of working the land. A couple of weeks ago, we discussed the alternatives available for the low island, specifically focusing on the planning project intended to alleviate this issue. Meanwhile, we are still awaiting reflections on the proper utilisation of water in agricultural settings and its optimisation. Habit or unawareness sometimes leads to the loss of this precious resource, making it worthwhile to explore the options provided by the Office of the Inger, established in 2020, with its headquarters in Garachico.
This insular centre, overseen by Osvaldo Renz, delivers training and endorses irrigation techniques for more effective and sustainable water usage. “La Plataanera accounts for a quarter of the total water consumption of Tenerife, making it strategically crucial to work in this area and enhance irrigation efficiency. However, our focus is not limited to this crop; the office also supports the cultivation of potatoes and avocados, among others,” Renz states.
Less Water Than Provided
“When we consider the cultivated areas in Tenerife along with its climate, we find that on average, crops require 20% less water than is supplied. To improve this figure, it is essential to understand water consumption patterns,” he explains. According to Renz, “the first half of this excess water consumption stems from unnoticed leaks within the irrigation sectors, whereas the other half pertains to excessive volumes that are unnecessarily applied due to deep-seated practices.”
System to monitor irrigation water usage. | Ed
This information arises from studies conducted over three years in approximately 600 irrigation sectors, which represent about 10% of the insular agricultural area. In each farming operation, the actual water usage is compared with the expected water based on the irrigated area. “Gathering this data is challenging, as the current irrigation model involves multiple stakeholders, making it nearly impossible for the administration to ascertain the actual water consumption of each agricultural enterprise, calling for much-needed changes,” Osvaldo adds.
Understanding Water Use
Undoubtedly, to pivot this trend, knowledge about proper water utilisation is essential. “Through the training of farmers, we impart fundamental concepts and practices for efficient irrigation, including the establishment of normal flows and rainfalls in their irrigation systems. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that farmers are cognizant of their water usage efficiency.”
Recent studies indicate that the water footprint of bananas in Tenerife is 325 litres per kilogram, with some farms reaching as high as 650 litres per kilogram. The ideal water footprint for bananas in Tenerife, considering that nearly all are irrigated through a drip system, should range between 150-200 litres per kilogram, which we aspire to achieve for both the sector and the island,” states Renz.
The Ingor Office also conducts assessments of farm irrigation systems. Utilising portable equipment fitted with sensors that are deployed on farms during the evaluation period, farmers receive guidance on watering procedures based on the data provided by the technology. This advanced approach allows for the monitoring of irrigation and its impact on soil. It ensures that water distribution is uniform, that irrigation timings and frequencies are adapted to different soil types, calculates leak or shut-off indices, and confirms that irrigation volumes align with recommendations.
Approximately 2,000 Euros
The reference norm typically results in farmers acquiring their own equipment, which approximately costs around 2,000 euros and comes with subsidies from the Agriculture Ministry of the Canary Islands Government. Over the next three years, apart from collaborating on various irrigation research projects with CSIC, ICIA, ULL, and Iter, a project focused on potato and vineyard cultivation is being implemented to align with sustainable development goals and address hydraulic emergencies.
The project will train farmers and assess their predominantly sprinkler irrigation systems, examining the adaptability of drip irrigation tapes in various substrates.
Ultimately, Valentín González, Minister of the Primary Sector and Animal Welfare of the Cabildo, highlights, “the work of the Ingor Office is fundamental and vital, especially in a context of severe and prolonged drought in Tenerife. We need all agents involved in the water cycle to continue implementing water management and control measures regarding modulation in each region, improving irrigation efficiency and reducing losses, while also progressing in the digitisation projects of water tanks and irrigation networks that will enable better performance and demand control. The results are already becoming evident; for instance, from January 1, 2024, Balsas de Tenerife [Balten] will cease generating new water supply contracts.”
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