Drip irrigation boosts crop yields, slashes water use in water-scarce Ningxia.
The study focused on making farming more water-efficient in an area of China facing water shortages. Researchers examined how using drip irrigation instead of spray irrigation could save water and increase crop yields, especially for growing potatoes. They found that drip irrigation saved 720 cubic meters of water and boosted potato yields by up to 7,500 kilograms. The findings suggest that drip irrigation is a better choice for saving water and increasing crop production compared to spray irrigation. Additionally, improving sediment flow management and land use strategies showed promise for more efficient farm management.