Compared to people who live in the mountains or the Tahoe Basin, those who live in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas may enjoy slightly better weather and a longer growing season for farming and gardening. Therefore, you may believe that a greenhouse is not necessary. However, from the perspective of water sustainability, a greenhouse is necessary.
Particularly in the drought-stricken Western United States, water is a valuable resource. Without it, crops may suffer serious harm. Because there just isn't enough water for everyone, several areas of the state even have stringent water restrictions. Giving the food you're growing exactly the proper amount of water—and no more—is what you want to do when you're farming or gardening.
Rainfall usually occurs exclusively in the winter. As a result, we are not as able to use rain barrels as other locations, but surprisingly, greenhouses are a great tool for anyone looking to contribute to water conservation.
Water use is decreased by greenhouse farming because:
- The rate at which water evaporates is slower than when it is outdoors.
- Usually, crops are planted closer to one another, which minimizes water waste.
- The greenhouse's water use efficiency is increased by drip irrigation.
- In a greenhouse, the crop cycle is typically shorter, resulting in reduced water consumption throughout the growing season.
Water Conservation, Technology, and Greenhouses
The tools that farmers can use to counteract the negative consequences of climate change are becoming more and more apparent as the phenomenon intensifies. When combined with these technologies, greenhouses have the potential to revolutionize water saving.
Among the technologies that are accessible are climate-based irrigation, drip irrigation, water reuse, soil moisture sensors, sub-irrigation, rainwater capture, and micro-irrigation. Drip irrigation technology, for example, can provide your crop precisely the right amount of water. Neither more nor less. This device is saving water by making sure plants aren't overwatered.
