On-farm water management
Definition / description
OFWM can be defined as the manipulation of water within the boundaries of an individual farm, farming plot, or field. For example, in canal irrigation systems, OFWM starts at the farm gate and ends at the point where drainage water is discharged into a public watercourse, open drain, or sink. OFWM generally seeks to optimise soil–water–plant relationships in order to achieve the desired yield of agricultural products. Farmers usually seek to achieve this yield by minimising inputs and maximising outputs so as to optimise profits.
To accomplish this, water must be managed skilfully through practices covering the areas of soil and water conservation, water application, drainage, soil amelioration, and agronomy. All of this must be undertaken within the context of the socio-economic environment of the community and the farmer’s personal circumstances.
Reference: [Wolff and Stein, 2003]
Publications / information
- Wolff P. and T.-M. Stein, 2003:
Improving On-farm Water Management - A Never-ending Challenge. -
Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics, Volume 104, No. 1, 2003, pp. 31-40.
VL reprint under:
VL Irrigation & Hydrology - vl_ref_id_x_0022
Reference
-
Izuno, F.T., 1987: (Revised 2011)
Principles of on-farm water management.-
AE59, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).