Netafim: Significant Environmental Benefits of Using Drip Irrigation for Potato Cultivation

The results of an extensive Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) that shows the major environmental advantages of adopting drip irrigation for potato farming, especially in lowering Global Warming Potential (GWP) and water use, were recently released by Netafim.
The IPCC uses GWP to assess the science of climate change. It is a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere during a certain period, compared to carbon dioxide.
There is a record level of demand for potato goods, and growers are under increasing pressure to lower production costs and increase water efficiency. The LCA study concentrated on how different irrigation methods—drip versus rain gun—affect the environment when it comes to fresh and processed potatoes.
The trial, which was carried out in cooperation with Potato Solutions and Drip UK, was held in Norfolk, East Anglia, from March to October 2022. The main conclusions that follow highlight the benefits of drip irrigation for potato cultivation over rain gun irrigation in terms of sustainability and efficiency.
When potatoes are cultivated with drip irrigation, their fresh potato GWP is 54% lower than when they are irrigated with rain guns.
Drip irrigation for processing potatoes requires 40% less water per ton of potato than rain gun systems, highlighting the technology’s ability to conserve one of our most precious resources.
“In the fight against climate change, drip irrigation technology emerges as a powerful ally, paving the way for a more sustainable agricultural landscape. Amidst mounting environmental pressures, farmers and companies are confronted with urgent calls to mitigate their impact, sustainable growing is not just a choice but a necessity to meet these demands and safeguard our planet’s future,” Max Moldavsky, Director of Innovation and Climate Solutions at Orbia Netafim, mentioned.
Tim Kitson, of Potato Solutions, highlighted the adaptability and efficiency of drip irrigation, especially in regions facing water scarcity.
“Even under ever-changing conditions and the looming threat of water scarcity, drip irrigation has shown remarkable reliability and resilience, ensuring water preservation and effective energy management,” Kitson added.
This study not only reaffirms Orbia Netafim’s commitment to sustainable agriculture but also highlights the importance of innovative irrigation solutions in addressing global challenges such as climate change and water scarcity. By leveraging precision irrigation technologies, Orbia Netafim continues to drive forward its mission of growing more with less, benefiting farmers, the environment, and communities worldwide.