Thursday Top of the Scroll: New study – California’s farm belt sees thirstier crops, pressure on water supply
Climate change is driving up the thirst of crops significantly in California’s San Joaquin Valley, new research shows, adding to the critical water challenges faced by one of the world’s leading agricultural regions. The total water demand of orchards, vineyards and row crops in the area is up 4.4% over the past decade compared with the prior 30 years because of hotter, drier conditions, and it’s likely to continue growing, according to a federally funded study published this week. In 2021, the water demand of crops was up an astonishing 12.3%, the study shows. While the warming atmosphere has long been known to dry out plants and soil, the new research identifies the impact specific to the San Joaquin Valley.
Related articles:
- The Hill: ‘Invisible’ water losses in California’s agricultural heartland now match volume of giant reservoir: Study
- Courthouse News Service: Climate change takes a hidden toll on California water supplies
- Newsweek: California’s Water Needs for San Joaquin Valley Crops Keep Growing
- Action News: Water releases benefiting some Northern California farms
- Ag Alert: Research farm seeks help as income falls
- Ag Alert: Farms cut tomato acres, await price as planting starts