Groundwater depletion threatens crop yields

USAgNet - 01/16/2024

Three decades of data inform a Nebraska-led study highlighting the threat of groundwater depletion to crop yields, particularly in the face of drought and changing climates.

The study emphasizes that groundwater depletion can reduce crop yields even when the aquifer appears to have sufficient water for irrigation. The loss of agricultural productivity intensifies as aquifers diminish in thickness, impacting crops like corn and soybeans more significantly.

Researchers stress the importance of policymakers, resource managers, and farmers reevaluating the availability of groundwater for crop irrigation, especially in regions prone to frequent droughts.

The study draws its conclusions from an analysis of data from the High Plains Aquifer, the largest in the United States, spanning eight states, including Nebraska. Over the past decades, some areas of this vital aquifer have considerably diminished due to extensive irrigation.

The study's findings underscore the critical role of irrigation in ensuring food security, especially in the context of extreme conditions like drought and climate change.

The researchers considered aquifer thickness, county-level corn and soybean yields, and meteorological data. They discovered that well yield, or the amount of groundwater available for irrigation, significantly influences crop resilience.

Areas with thick aquifers (approximately 220 to 700 feet) maintained high irrigated yields even during severe water deficits. However, regions with thinner aquifers (30 to 100 feet) experienced declining yields when water deficits reached 400 millimeters, a common occurrence in the Midwest.

Reduced irrigation in areas with thinner aquifers exacerbated agricultural losses. The study highlights that as aquifer thickness decreases, resilience to climate challenges rapidly diminishes.

The study's insights stress the urgency of managing aquifers sustainably and implementing policies that safeguard groundwater resources. Addressing these issues proactively is crucial to ensure long-term food security and resilience against climate change.


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