37.14. Water Use Efficiency (WUE)

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define Water Use Efficiency.

   Hint

   Think about what the term 'efficiency' means.

2. 2.

   Name a technique that can improve WUE.

   Hint

   It delivers water directly to the plant.

3. 3.

   What is Water Use Efficiency?

   • The relationship between labor and crop yield
   • The ratio of crop yield to water used
   • Yield per unit of fertilizer

   Hint

   Focus on how water relates to crop production.

4. 4.

   True or False: Higher Water Use Efficiency is always beneficial for the environment.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the implications of using water more effectively.

5. 5.

   A farmer uses drip irrigation and achieves a yield of 3,000 kg of carrots using 1,200 m³ of water. Calculate the WUE and discuss if this is an efficient method of irrigation compared to traditional systems that would use 1,800 m³ for the same yield.

   Hint

   Use the WUE formula to compare the two methods.

6. 6.

   Evaluate the impact of switching from traditional watering methods to mulching in terms of WUE, considering factors such as soil moisture retention and labor input.

   Hint

   Think about how reducing water needs can also mean less overall labor.