Symposium on water security

Agriculture is one of the most insatiable consumers of dwindling water resources around the world. Food production will need to increase by about 70% over the next 35 years to meet the needs of a growing population. Crops aren’t creating the only demands; agriculture will face competition for water from cities, industries, and recreation.

With limited water and the increasing number of people depending on it, water security is tenuous. But integrated water management plans using “blue,” “green,” and “grey” water can increase water security.

The symposium “Blue Waves, Green Dreams, and Shades of Grey: Perspectives on Water” will be held on 5 November to address the issue of water security. The symposium is part of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America Annual Meetings, which is being held from 3-6 November in Tampa, Florida. The theme of this year’s conference is “Water, Food, Energy, & Innovation for a Sustainable World”. Members of the media receive complimentary registration to the joint meetings.

Blue water is found in lakes, rivers, reservoirs, or aquifers. It is used for many purposes such as drinking water, water for homes and businesses, and irrigation water for agriculture. Freshwater stores are limited, and what’s left of blue water must be protected and used sparingly.

Green water is the water available in the soil for plants and soil microorganisms. It can be absorbed by roots, used by the plants to grow, and released back to the atmosphere. The use of green water by crops must be optimised for better utilisation.

Grey water is water that has bShop Women's Boots