Farmers water usage preferences and their attitude towards excessive irrigation

Abstract

One of the biggest risks that the world will face by 2050 is water scarcity. This problem is not only the main problem of underdeveloped and developing countries, but also of developed countries. Considering that the agricultural sector uses 70% of the global fresh water drawn from rivers, lakes and other sources, water waste in agricultural areas should be prevented and water should be used effectively. This research aims to determine the water usage preferences of the producers in the agricultural sector where water usage is the highest. For this purpose, a face-to-face survey was conducted with 412 producers residing in the rural areas of Bursa, Turkey. The data obtained as a result of the survey were analyzed with SPSS 25. 0. When the analysis results are examined; It is seen that 36.2% of the producers determine the amount of water they will use for irrigation according to their estimations, they have very little (50.2%) information about the useful water capacity of the soil, and 47.8% do not use drip irrigation, but they plan to use it. Although studies have been carried out to prevent water waste, the expected benefit has not been achieved. Extension service should be provided to the producers that excessive irrigation does not increase the yield.