Home 
Learn The Environment
Learn The Environment | Farm Water and the Environment |
|
|
|
| Thursday, 20 March 2008 | |
|
California agriculture provides valuable environmental resources such as open space and habitat. Irrigated agriculture is committed to protecting wildlife while maintaining farming operations. California farms provide important environmental benefits, such as habitat for wildlife and migratory waterfowl. Additionally, agriculture often serves as an important food source for many species as harvesting typically leaves some product behind in the field. Crops such as rice and alfalfa have traditionally been criticized for their water use. However, these crops actually provide benefits to the environment. Cultivated agricultural lands cleanse the atmosphere through photosynthesis. For example, according to the California Rice Industry Association, Sacramento Valley rice fields produce enough oxygen each year to sustain the entire population of Los Angeles. Each acre of rice "scrubs" about 23,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. That is the same amount produced by a typical automobile in a year. Alfalfa provides valuable habitat and serves as the base of the food chain. Alfalfa fields attract many beneficial insects and provide an important food source for birds. Because it is a perennial, alfalfa fields are often home to rodents, rabbits and other herbivores. This activity attracts foxes, hawks and other hunters to the fields in search of their food source, thus completing the chain. Agriculture is a major planter of trees in California, with approximately 150 million trees currently in the ground. When grapevines are added to this figure, the total number increases to about 520 million. These environmental benefits occur while farmers continue to use water wisely. In addition, to the benefits to wildlife, the aesthetic benefits of agricultural open space contribute to the overall quality of life in the Golden State. |
Newsflash
|
From News Line, a daily compilation of farm water news distributed to CFWC members and others upon request. To receive News Line, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and submit your request. Farmers, cities negotiate Calif. water swap
Competing
farm, city districts try to strike water deal Coalition viewpoint...This exchange helps reduce the potential of Westlands farmers from losing a share of next year's water supply that could flow to the ocean instead of farms. It provides Metropolitan with water they can use now and possibly reduce the likelihood of more severe shortages next year. This is an excellent example of the water user community working together to bring some flexibility back into the system that has been hobbled by questionable environmental restrictions in recent years. |
|
|
