Farming in water scarcity

Wetter autumn and winter seasons in the past allowed for the refill of ground water levels, soil moisture increases and waterbodies to replenish. In the latest report from SEPA on groundwater levels for Scotland the levels fall between the low to normal range on average, however, there are some particularly low levels being observed in the Fife area[3]. With this in mind, land managers may want to try to find mitigation options available to their business, which could help improve water availability on farm for potentially drier periods over the summer. There are different paths that can help sustain water availability on farm, but they need to be planned and right for your business. 

In uncertain climates, being resilient to the constant demands on the land, while farming and being financially viable, is a huge task. Where do you start and what do you focus on? 

Water Situation Report 

Regularly check the Water Situation Report from SEPA, which is distributed weekly through spring to the end of summer. The report covers water availability across Scotland and highlights areas moving towards drier conditions. This foresight can help you prepare for times when available water may be limited and abstraction, even with a licence, may need to be put on hold.  

Water Usage 

Monitor your water use - can you find ways to reduce water consumption? Using a water calculator to estimate your water demand can be really helpful in understanding your business needs and where you may need to find paths to supplement your water supply. 

Increase soil organic matter 

Soil can retain water and nutrients critical to crop growth. The increase in soil organic matter on farm will increase water retention, improve soil health and functionality.  Farming and Water Scotland have produced a podcast on the importance of soil organic matter and the benefits to the farm business. Through this conversation SEPA and Scottish Agronomy discuss what farmers need to know to help improve this valuable resource. In addition Valuing Your Soils has key information available to help understand and focus on improving organic matter within the soil. 

Maintain equipment 

Keep equipment in working condition – fix the leak. It might sound simple but don’t ignore a leaking tap. Scottish Water have reported that a leaking tap can result in a loss of 5,500 litres of water annually. If you see any equipment which needs repaired fix as soon as possible as small leaks all add up. 

Root depth 

Drought resistant crop varieties and seed mixes with variant root depth can all help to reduce vulnerability. On farm could you find ways to incorporate crops/ buffer strips with differing root depths? The use of one crop with only one root depth results in nutrients and water demand at one level and can leave the soil vulnerable in unseasonal weather.  Include a buffer strip, hedgerow and grass seed mix with plants of differing root depth allows the plants to harness, hold and utilise (and replenish) different aspects of the soil and the wealth of resources within. Having a variety of root depths can provide resilience to soil structure and in times of extreme weather increase soil resilience to reduction of water availability. 

Irrigation techniques 

Could you change the time of day that you irrigate to avoid the hottest part of the day? Consult weather reports and have conversations with your neighbour, could you work out a schedule to reduce pressure on the surrounding water availability by timing your abstraction at different times?  

Would moving to a drip-fed irrigation system work for your farm? See our advice on the different irrigation options available - changing the method you use to irrigate could make big water savings on the farm and increase water efficiency.   

Storing water 

Offline storage 

Incorporating an area on farm where you can store water throughout the year can be of huge potential to the business. By having the water on farm, you can lessen the pressure on the surrounding catchment in times of water scarcity. Currently AECS has funding available for standalone irrigation lagoons (until 22 April 2025) and has the option to include irrigation lagoons within wider AECS applications until 12 June 2025. Information on Irrigation Lagoons and how they can be included within the farm can be found in this article on Securing your Water Supply with Boreholes and Lagoons. The video below shown how a farm in East Lothian has benefited from having a lagoon on farm.