Page 14 - Griffin Gazette Issue 1 - 2022
P. 14
water scarcity
AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
By Erica Hernandez, CEA GGSPro Technical Specialist
Drought concerns have plagued America for years. Data from previous years (NOAA) shows that these concerns
are simply intensifying. In 2021, about 19% of the contiguous United States was affected by severe to extreme
drought conditions, while a further 17% suffered from moderate to severe drought. That makes up an entire third
of the United States under damaging, dry environments. With the spread of extreme drought into previously
unaffected areas, farmers in the field and in protected agriculture and horticulture should be aware of the
potential scarcity of water. Water scarcity can be somewhat mitigated through the use of targeted water-saving
strategies. This article serves as a broad overview of some options growers have utilized successfully.
