Definition
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the land or soil.
CO2 emissions can be reduced with effective irrigation by increasing yields and crop residues which can enhance carbon sequestration. (Smith et. al., 2008).
Introduction
Irrigation is sufficiently common that little description is required. Suffice as to say that all types of irrigation, such as flood, sprinkler, surface and sub-surface drip, can all enhance crop yields with subsequent increases in crop residues and enhanced carbon sequestration. Eighteen per cent of cropped areas are currently irrigated. If additional areas can be put under irrigation, then additional carbon sequestration can occur. Prominent (adaptation) technologies in this area are:
- Irrigation
- Sprinkler irrigation
- Drip irrigation
- Fog harvesting
- Rainwater harvesting
- Rainwater harvesting from rooftops
- Rainwater harvesting from ground surfaces
Feasibility of technology and operational necessities
The adaptation technologies listed above also have positive mitigation effects. For more information about the operational necessities, see the individual technology articles.
Status of the technology and its future market potential
For information about the status of the technologies, see the individual technology articles.
Financial requirements and costs
For information about the costs of the technologies, see the individual technology articles.
References
- Smith P, Martino D, Cai Z, Gwary D, Janzen HH, Kumar P, Mccarl B, Ogle S, O’mara F, Rice C, Scholes RJ, Sirotenko O, Howden M, Mcallister T, Pan G, Romanenkov V, Schneider U, Towprayoon S, Wattenbach M and Smith JU (2008): Greenhouse gas mitigation in agriculture. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B 363:789-813.
