ARS | Publication request: Water Savings Through Conservation Tillage

Submitted to: Extension Publications
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: July 1, 2007
Publication Date: July 1, 2007
Citation: Hawkins, G., Sullivan, D.G., Truman, C.C. 2007. Water Savings Through Conservation Tillage. University of Georgia-Coastal Plains Experiment Station Extension Publication. Ext. Circ. 916. University of Georgia Coop. Ext., Athens, Georgia.

Interpretive Summary: Through a partnership with the University of Georgia – College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service, Soil and Water Conservation Society and Resource Conservation and Development Councils to name a few, research and education programs on water savings through use of conservation tillage continues. Currently, 30 % of row-crop producers in Georgia utilize some form of conservation tillage. This paper provides an overview of the current and potential water savings associated with conservation tillage. Using experimental data and available survey data, a geographical information database was created to evaluate the water savings potential associated with conservation tillage adoption. Estimated savings ranged from 3-12 %, 5-18%, and 12-46% under the current conservation tillage adoption rate, a 10% increase in conservation tillage adoption and 100% conservation tillage adoption scenarios, respectively. Under the current conservation tillage adoption rate, estimated water savings are equivalent to 3 months – 1 year of public water use in Atlanta.

Technical Abstract: Through a partnership with the University of Georgia – College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service, Soil and Water Conservation Society and Resource Conservation and Development Councils to name a few, research and education programs on water savings through use of conservation tillage continues. Currently, 30 % of row-crop producers in Georgia utilize some form of conservation tillage. This paper provides an overview of the current and potential water savings associated with conservation tillage. Using experimental data and available survey data, a geographical information database was created to evaluate the water savings potential associated with conservation tillage adoption. Estimated savings ranged from 3-12 %, 5-18%, and 12-46% under the current conservation tillage adoption rate, a 10% increase in conservation tillage adoption and 100% conservation tillage adoption scenarios, respectively. Under the current conservation tillage adoption rate, estimated water savings are equivalent to 3 months – 1 year of public water use in Atlanta.