Little difference in watering during the day or at night

There are hardly any visible differences between watering during the day and at night, according to new research by KNMI and Wageningen University. The results of the study are a reason for LTO Noord to meet with the water boards to prevent pointless irrigation bans.

For a long time it was thought that watering at night would cause much less water evaporation. However, new research by KNMI and Wageningen University now shows that there are hardly any differences between watering at night and during the day. For the interest organization LTO Noord, this is a reason to reconvene with the water boards.

Hours ban appears to be ineffective
Since, according to the researchers, there is hardly any less water evaporation when irrigated at night, a ban on hours appears to be ineffective. "Introducing a ban on irrigating during the day appears to be of little benefit to limit water losses, but it can cause major damage to the crops," says Trienke Elshof, director at LTO Noord.

"That is why we want to be involved in the decision-making process regarding irrigation bans from now on," continues Elshof. According to the LTO administrator, the choice of irrigation depends on the amount of precipitation, the type of soil and the crops that the farmer or horticulturist grows. "A careful consideration has to be made and a 'one size fits all' approach therefore makes no sense." According to Elshof, farmers understand very well that they have to be very economical with water during days of extreme heat. "They take that responsibility."

Additional research
The researchers from KNMI and Wageningen University have announced that further research will be carried out at a later date into all aspects of irrigation. 

Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

k.baker @boerenbusiness. Nl

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