Proposal to restrict the use of groundwater in agriculture

Kırklareli University Faculty of Engineering faculty member Dr. Mustafa Utku Yılmaz, who conducts research in the field of hydraulics and water resources, has proposed imposing restrictions on groundwater use in agricultural production, arguing that it exacerbates drought.

Dr. Yılmaz stated that the vast majority of available water is located underground.

Expressing that the use of groundwater in agricultural areas is increasing, Yılmaz explained that this issue requires particular attention.

Yılmaz, who proposed restrictions on the use of groundwater, noted the following:

"Seventy percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water, and the vast majority of this is made up of oceans. However, only 1 percent of this amount is accessible freshwater. The vast majority of this accessible 1 percent of water is located underground.

It has been observed that water extraction from underground in agricultural regions has increased over time. As the amount of water extracted from underground increases, the onset of drought and the probability of encountering drought also increase. For this reason, limitations should be placed on groundwater extraction."

Stating that according to the United Nations Environment Programme report, the total amount of water in the world is 1.4 billion cubic kilometers, Yılmaz underlined that only 2.5 percent of this water is freshwater.''

''WILD IRRIGATION SHOULD NOT BE PRACTICED''

Drawing attention to water waste, Yılmaz said, "Importance should be given to drip irrigation. To prevent water waste, drip irrigation systems and pressurized water systems should be popularized. Wild irrigation should not be practiced."

Yılmaz noted that water savings are significantly achieved through drip irrigation systems.

Kırklareli Nature and Conservation Association President Göksal Çidem also stated that groundwater has been excessively consumed in recent years and that water resources are rapidly depleting.

Pointing to a study conducted by Namık Kemal University's Faculty of Environmental Engineering, which indicates that 85 percent of the groundwater in the region has been depleted, Çidem assessed, "Currently, groundwater in Thrace has decreased significantly. Sinkholes have started to form in Thrace. Groundwater is being consumed excessively in both agricultural irrigation and unplanned industrialization."

News Source: AA