Mitigating drought risk in agriculture through automated water management solutions

Agriculture uses approximately 70% of the world’s fresh water¹, yet significant inefficiencies exist. It’s estimated that a mere 10 – 20% of the water provided to many crops is transpired back into the air.² As drought contributes to the growing number of natural disasters, the resulting threats to crop yields highlight the need for innovative solutions that enable farmers to make the most of their water.

Research funded by Nationwide through the Ag-Tech Innovation Hub – a collaboration with Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences – is exploring Automated Drainage Water Management (ADWM) to mitigate the risks posed by drought on water availability and agricultural productivity.

What is Automated Drainage Water Management?

ADWM is a cutting-edge approach that provides farmers with real-time data and predictive analytics to optimize water levels in their fields. Unlike traditional drainage water management systems that rely on manual operations, it uses automated systems to control water flow, ensuring the optimal levels for crop growth and helping reduce loss of nutrients through tile drainage.

Put simply, ADWM allows farmers to more precisely bank unused water that can be used later during dryer periods of the growing season. It provides a practical solution for farmers to protect their livelihoods from the increasing threat of drought while making their operations more efficient.

“An investment in ADWM today can help farmers and their fields be more certain in the face of increasing drought risks and future climatic variability.”

– Dr. Steve Lyon, Professor of Hydrology and Water Resources

About the research

The research conducted by The Ohio State University employed a rigorous, multidisciplinary approach to develop and assess ADWM systems. It began with a comprehensive review of existing drainage practices and water management techniques, followed by the design and implementation of pilot projects on two Ohio farms.

Throughout the study, researchers collected extensive data on soil moisture levels, crop performance and water flow dynamics, utilizing advanced analytics to refine the ADWM technology. By collaborating closely with local farmers, the team ensured the solutions developed were practical and tailored to meet the real-world challenges of drought-prone areas.

Learnings

• Increased soil moisture and photosynthesis capacity: The project found that automated drainage water management retained higher soil moisture and increased photosynthesis capacity compared to the control site based on one season of continuous observations.
• Potential alleviation of water deficit: Most crops in northwest Ohio, where the study was conducted, face about 5 inches of natural water deficit during the growing season. ADWM has the potential to alleviate about 1 inch of that – a 20% reduction. This could be even greater in drier years.
• Enhanced benefits through active management: Active management can further enhance benefits by conserving more water during the early parts of the growing season. It can also reduce nutrient losses by retaining water in the field.

ADWM and farm insurance

For independent agents specializing in farm insurance, understanding ADWM’s role in drought risk reduction can be impactful. Here’s how you can use learnings from the research:

1. Reduce risk: ADWM provides a tangible method for farmers to reduce drought risk, which can lower insurance claims related to crop failures due to water scarcity. Educate your clients about the benefits of investing in ADWM as a proactive measure.
2. Improve insurability: Farmers who adopt ADWM systems may become more attractive to insurers due to their reduced risk profile. By promoting these systems, you can help your clients become better candidates for favorable insurance terms.
3. Demonstrate specialized expertise: Sharing insights into emerging ag technologies like ADWM can help you exemplify a deeper understanding of the ag industry and show genuine care for your client’s success. This knowledge helps strengthen your relationship with them as a trusted advisor.

Financial assistance for ADWM

If your clients are interested in implementing ADWM, financial assistance may be available to support their transition to this technology. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which typically covers between 50% and 75% of planning, design and implementation costs.

Harnessing innovation for weather resilience

Incorporating ADWM into farming practices offers a promising path for reducing drought risks and enhancing crop yields. For independent insurance agents, this presents an opportunity to provide specialized protection to their farm customers and support operational efficiency.