How much water does the Australian cotton industry use?
At least 80% of the Australian cotton-growing area is irrigated using gravity surface-irrigation systems. This review found that, over 23 years, cotton crops utilise 6–7 ML/ha of irrigation water, depending on the amount of seasonal rain received.
Which crop uses the most water in Australia?
In 2019-20, 3.8 million megalitres were applied to crops (67% of all water applied): 1 million megalitres for fruit and nuts (up 7%) 886,900 megalitres for sugar cane (up 1%) 469,300 megalitres for grapevines (down 1%)
What percentage of Australia’s irrigated agricultural value does cotton make up?
Cotton is a major commodity, representing 30 – 60% of the gross value of the total agricultural production in Australian regions where it is grown (source: Australian Grown Cotton Sustainability Report, 2014).
What percentage of Australia’s water usage goes towards agriculture?
Irrigated agriculture uses about 60% of the water available for human use. Irrigated crops make up about 30% of the value of Australia’s agricultural production. Drought and bushfires have had a dramatic effect on Australia’s irrigated agriculture.
Why does cotton use so much water?
Production and processing of cotton uses a large amount of water. Some experts contend that cotton is the largest user of water among all agricultural commodities. Surface and ground waters are often diverted to irrigate cotton fields, leading to freshwater loss through evaporation, and inefficient water management.
How many Litres of water is needed to produce 1kg of cotton?
2,400 litres
Based on industry water use data and production data, Australian cotton growers can grow 1kg of fibre with about 2,400 litres of water.
Does cotton use the most water?
How does this compare to other irrigated crops? Rice requires more water than cotton to produce a crop (12.6 megalitres per hectare), while fruit and nut trees are not as thirsty (requiring 5.6 megalitres per hectare), and cut flowers and turf use 4.9 megalitres per hectare.
Is cotton water intensive?
Cotton Water Requirements. Despite being known as a water-intensive crop, each cotton plant is estimated to need about 10 gallons of water to maximize its yield.
How is cotton irrigated?
For the greatest yield and highest fiber quality, drip irrigation in cotton crop is the way to go. This method, which is sometimes called “precision irrigation,” waters the plant’s roots and not its canopy.
How much money does the cotton industry make for Australia?
Australia has the highest cotton yields in the world, exporting $2.7 billion of cotton each year. We’ve contributed to this success through plant breeding and improvements in crop, pest and post-harvest management.
Which state is the biggest water user in Australia?
During fiscal year 2020, over 41 million megaliters of water were consumed by industry, while around 36 thousand megaliters were consumed by households in the Australian state of Tasmania. While New South Wales had the highest household consumption of water, Tasmania had the highest consumption from industry.
What is the percentage of water in Australia?
Surface water: 8,073 GL or 89% of the total. Groundwater: 573 GL or 6% of the total. Sea water for desalination: 385 GL or 4% of the total.
How does water affect the cotton industry in Australia?
Access to water is an important issue for the Australian cotton industry, because without water, we cannot grow a crop. Water management is tightly regulated in Australia and the cotton industry operates within the framework that is in place.
What is the average irrigation requirement for cotton in Australia?
Cotton’s average irrigation requirement is 6-7 megalitres per hectare. Australia’s cotton industry is one of the most water efficient industries in the world. Water-use productivity by Australian cotton growers improved by 48% since 1992.
Is cotton farming sustainable in Australia?
“The vast majority of cotton farmers around Australia do the right thing and follow environmentally sustainable practices with water and other aspects of cotton farming including soil health and pesticide use. That’s why we have achieved significant improvements in water, pesticide use and yields over the past 30 years.”
How much water does it take to grow cotton?
Cotton’s water use Cotton’s average irrigation requirement is 6-7 megalitres per hectare. Australia’s cotton industry is one of the most water efficient industries in the world. Water-use productivity by Australian cotton growers improved by 48% since 1992.