Ecology-Friendly Drip Irrigation
A Fundamental Part of the Biofuels Industry
Dr. Menachem Dinar
Senior Agronomist
The Biofuels industry will need to rely on advanced agricultural practices that will integrate the multidisciplinary fields of genetics, agronomic and economical evaluations.
Most of the "candidate crops" for energy production can be cultivated under irrigated or rain fed conditions. However, yield and production of most crops (maize, sugar cane, sugar beet and others) is nearly doubled under an optimal irrigation regime.
In cases where unstable climate conditions and low rainfall are expected,
low yield will result, causing irregular raw material supplies and deficits for industry.
The Biofuels industry will have to ensure a constant supply of raw materials with uniform quality parameters, while growers will need to base production on a reliable water supply.
Producers that focus on assuring that the right quantity and quality of plant raw materials will undoubtedly achieve commercial success.
It is a well-known fact that the threat of water shortages is growing in various parts of the globe. Furthermore, in many locations, water availability is challenged by problems of infrastructure, transportation and water storage.
The future of "Biofuels crops” in industry will depend on a regular water supply where environmental protection is balanced with improved agricultural practices.
The Environmental Drip Irrigation platform is based on the uniform application to the active root system zone, of precise amounts of water and fertilizers, combined with rational agricultural knowledge of the plant’s water needs.
Environmental Drip Irrigation is directly linked to the reduction of pesticide application and optimal use of fertilizers. Drip irrigation teamed with the rational application of pesticides prevents fertilizers from accumulating in the soil and in groundwater. Using monitoring and models for predicting disease development and understanding plant mineral demands - are substantial factors in minimizing environmental damage.
Environmental Drip Irrigation is extremely economical both in saving water and preventing dissipation of water resources. Furthermore, it is an effective solution against soil erosion, and also significantly reduces energy usage compared with most other irrigation methods.
In conclusion, Environmental Drip Irrigation integrates agricultural and ecological concerns at their most optimized levels. The Biofuels industry, by adopting the Environmental Irrigation concept, would be a great deal more effective in meeting two all-important goals: to assure regular supplies of raw materials needed by the industry and to help correct growing imbalances in our environment.
For further information please contact us at: Biofuel@netafim.com
Netafim Biofuel Energy Solutions
 Ethanogation™ - Irrigation for Ethanol Crops Brochure
Netafim Sugarcane website:
| 
