Crops that benefit the most from solar-powered irrigation systems are typically those that require consistent and efficient water supply, especially in regions with limited or costly access to electricity and water. Solar-powered irrigation is particularly advantageous for:
- High-value vegetables and leafy greens such as radishes, which rely on precise and regular watering to maintain quality and yield. Solar-powered irrigation systems help reduce water and energy use, supporting sustainable production of such crops.
- Small-scale staple crops in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where solar pumps provide cost-effective irrigation that can close the irrigation gap, boost food production, and improve nutrition. These include cereals and legumes grown by smallholder farmers who benefit greatly from affordable, reliable water access.
- Crops grown in greenhouses or controlled environments, where solar energy powers advanced systems that regulate temperature, humidity, and light to extend growing seasons and protect against harsh weather. These environments improve the productivity of various fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops by optimizing growth conditions year-round.
Overall, solar-powered irrigation is most beneficial for:
- Crops requiring precise, frequent irrigation for optimal growth (e.g., vegetables like radishes).
- Small-scale food crops in water-scarce regions benefiting from affordable water pumping.
- High-value or sensitive crops grown in solar-powered greenhouses or under precision agriculture systems, where controlled irrigation significantly enhances yield and quality.
In addition to water savings and energy cost reductions, solar irrigation supports sustainable farming by enabling targeted watering through smart systems and improving crop productivity through optimized resource use.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-types-of-crops-benefit-the-most-from-solar-powered-irrigation-systems/
