Scotland's farmers and growers are being urged to prepare for water shortages in the coming years as climate change leads to longer and more frequent periods of dry weather.
The call comes from the Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW), a Scottish Government-funded centre based at The James Hutton Institute, which facilitates exchange of expertise between researchers and Scotland’s water policy makers.
With climate change disrupting rainfall patterns and causing longer periods of water scarcity, water can no longer be taken for granted as a consistently plentiful resource in Scotland. This places added pressure on farmers and growers, as well as freshwater habitats and wildlife.
Dr Miriam Glendell, Director of CREW, said, “Farmers are already seeing the impacts of climate change in their day-to-day practice. Research has shown that by 2050, we can expect to see drought affecting river flows twice as often than we are used to. It’s therefore important for businesses and individuals to prepare for these more frequent dry periods and plan for resilient water supplies.”
To help farmers prepare for this growing issue, CREW published Planning for Water Scarcity – a booklet of practical guidance for Scottish famers and growers – earlier this year.
Developed in partnership with SRUC, The James Hutton Institute, the University of Aberdeen and SAOS, the guide brings together vital information on the changes to water availability across Scotland, as well as options for alternative and supplementary water supplies which can be used to support agriculture.
It also helps farmers assess their own exposure to water scarcity and understand their personal level of risk while explaining the steps that can be taken to protect both livestock welfare and crop yields.
The practical advice on water use and irrigation included in the guide is supported by real-life case studies, and explains how farms are already improving water storage, strengthening management practices and building resilience.
Finally, the guide includes tools to help users develop their own drought risk profile and create a tailored weather resistance plan for their farms.
The guidance is referenced in the Scottish Government’s “The Code of Practice on Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture.”
To access the guide, visit the Publications section of the CREW website and look for: Planning for Water Scarcity: Practical guidance for Scottish farmers and growers.
In addition to this guidance, CREW has previously issued predictions of water scarcity in coming years and how it may affect crop producers, livestock producers and distilleries.
The predictions suggest that there is likely to be an increased deficit in rainfall across eastern Scotland during the summer months, with uncertainty in how April and September will be affected. Additionally, the number and duration of surface water drought events are likely to double by 2050, and questions exist about the resilience of groundwater supplies – especially in areas with low storage and decreasing potential recharge.
The publication, which can also be accessed on the CREW website, includes recommendations to improve our understanding of the different dimensions of water scarcity and ways to improve the uptake of the available adaptation measures.