Recent research utilizing remote sensing and artificial intelligence by UC Santa Barbara and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory highlights potential for significant water savings in California's agriculture through crop substitution. The study suggests a theoretical reduction in water usage by approximately 93% if water-intensive crops like almonds and alfalfa were replaced with less thirsty options such as grains and hay. However, the lead author, Anna Boser, emphasizes the economic challenges of such a transition, citing the higher economic viability of more water-intensive crops in the state.
The research also explores more feasible strategies for reducing water consumption. By fallowing merely 5% of the fields currently cultivating the most water-demanding crops, a reduction of water usage by over 9% could be achieved. Further savings of 10 to 11% are possible through enhancing water efficiency and partially shifting cultivation from the most to moderately water-consuming crops. This approach could entail transitioning from crops like kiwis and almonds to corn or sorghum, especially in water-stressed regions like Tulare County.
Despite the potential for water savings, the economic implications pose significant challenges, particularly given the high value and global demand for California's specialty crops such as pistachios, almonds, and grapes, which are major contributors to the state's agricultural employment and revenue.
Source: calmatters.org