Report on Agricultural Water Management in Nebraska and Colorado

Introduction: Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This report details an initiative by Nebraska Extension to provide critical crop water use data to agricultural producers in the Nebraska Panhandle and Northwest Colorado. This service is instrumental in promoting efficient water management and sustainable agricultural practices, directly aligning with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By equipping growers with precise data, the program supports the transition towards more resilient and environmentally responsible food production systems.

Key Objectives and SDG Contributions

The primary objective of disseminating crop water use data is to assist growers with irrigation scheduling for efficient water application. This initiative makes significant contributions to the following SDGs:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: By providing data for precise irrigation, the program directly addresses Target 6.4, which aims to substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals of freshwater.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: Optimized water management leads to improved crop health and yields, enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The initiative fosters sustainable production patterns through the efficient use of natural resources, particularly water.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: Effective water management is a key climate adaptation strategy, helping agricultural systems build resilience against variability in temperature and precipitation.

Data Summary: Estimated Crop Water Use

Weekly reports, compiled by Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension Water & Cropping Systems Educator, and Dr. Xin Qiao, Nebraska Extension Irrigation & Water Management Specialist, provide estimated crop water use for key agricultural areas. The data is tailored for specific regions to account for local environmental variations.

1. Nebraska Panhandle Region
2. Northwest Colorado Region

These reports are designed to guide irrigation decisions, acknowledging that actual water use will vary based on factors such as evapotranspiration (ET), crop growth stage, temperature, soil type, wind, and local precipitation.

Methodology and Data Application

The crop water use estimates are calculated using comprehensive data gathered from the respective regions. This data-driven approach empowers agricultural producers to move from conventional irrigation schedules to a more scientific method that conserves water, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes nutrient runoff. The practical application of this data is a direct implementation of sustainable resource management principles central to SDG 6 and SDG 12.

Resources for Sustainable Agricultural Practices

To facilitate the adoption of these sustainable practices, Nebraska Extension provides several key resources:

• Weekly Water Use Updates: Growers can register to receive weekly text messages containing the latest crop water use tables.
• Crop Growth Stage Charts: Online resources are available to help determine specific crop growth stages for more accurate water need calculations.
• PHREEC Irrigation & Digital AgLab Website: A comprehensive portal offering further information and tools related to irrigation and digital agriculture.

Conclusion: Advancing Sustainable Agriculture

The provision of timely and accurate crop water use data is a foundational component of modern, sustainable agriculture. This initiative by Nebraska Extension not only provides a practical tool for farmers but also represents a tangible effort to advance global sustainability targets. By integrating data-driven insights into daily farming operations, the agricultural sector can enhance its productivity while safeguarding vital water resources for future generations, thereby contributing significantly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  This goal is relevant because the article focuses on improving cropping systems through efficient water management. Sustainable agricultural practices, such as precise irrigation, are essential for ensuring stable food production and achieving food security, which is the core of SDG 2.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  The article directly addresses this goal by providing data to promote “efficient water application and use.” The primary purpose of the information is to help growers manage their water resources more effectively, which is a key component of sustainable water management.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  This goal is connected through its emphasis on the efficient use of natural resources. Water is a critical natural resource, and the article’s guidance on crop water use encourages more sustainable production patterns in agriculture by minimizing water waste.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 2.4

  Under SDG 2, Target 2.4 aims to “ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.” The article supports this by providing tools and data that help farmers implement more resilient and sustainable irrigation practices, thereby increasing the efficiency of food production systems.

• Target 6.4

  Under SDG 6, Target 6.4 seeks to “substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors.” The article’s core message is to “assist growers with irrigation scheduling and efficient water application and use,” which directly aligns with increasing water-use efficiency in the agricultural sector.

• Target 12.2

  Under SDG 12, Target 12.2 focuses on achieving “the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.” By providing detailed data on crop water use, the article empowers farmers to manage water, a key natural resource, more sustainably and efficiently.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Target 6.4 (Change in water-use efficiency)

  The article provides explicit data that can be used as an indicator. The tables showing the “estimated crop water use” in inches per day and per week for various crops (corn, soybeans, sugar beets, etc.) serve as a direct measure. Farmers can use this data to compare against their actual water application, allowing them to calculate and improve their water-use efficiency, which is the essence of Indicator 6.4.1.

• Indicator for Target 2.4 (Proportion of agricultural area under sustainable agriculture)

  While not a formal indicator, the adoption of the practices recommended in the article implies progress. The number of growers who register and use the weekly crop water use information to guide their irrigation scheduling can be seen as an implied indicator. This demonstrates the application of knowledge and technology for more sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to the goal of Indicator 2.4.1.

• Indicator for Target 12.2 (Efficient use of natural resources)

  The data on “crop water use” is a direct indicator of the amount of a natural resource (water) required for production. By optimizing irrigation to match these figures, farmers reduce their overall water consumption per unit of crop produced. This reduction in water use for agricultural production is a tangible measure of progress towards the efficient use of natural resources as outlined in Target 12.2.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: chadronradio.com