The use of water for agricultural irrigation

This paper summarizes the present position of agricultural spray irrigation in England and Wales, providing (a) national statistics and regional information, (b) the reasons why farmers irrigate, (c) the place of agriculture in the economy, and (d) the value of irrigation. A review of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food irrigation surveys highlights the important crops in terms of area and volume of water used, sources of water and storage, and application methods. The predictions for the future, including the effects of climate change are reviewed with examples of how farmers, the EA, and the agricultural industry, are helping to overcome problems.