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History Of Field Water Analysis
Field water analysis is vital for understanding and managing water quality across various sectors, especially in agriculture. It allows for better water use efficiency, supports sustainable practices, and ensures that crops grow in optimal conditions. The evolution of field water analysis has enabled farmers to make informed decisions, protect soil health, and safeguard the environment, making it a cornerstone of modern agricultural practices and environmental conservation.

Often a problem that exists in growers’ blind spots, water quality can inadvertently tie up soil nutrients every time the water is turned on or continually feed toxins to the plant in the form of salts or other excessive elements.  When this happens, soil nutrients become de-mobilized and unable to be accessed by plants roots.

By analyzing field water at both the source and the point of contact with plant roots, points of failure in production can be identified and mitigated such as high NO3, Na, Iron, Bicarbonates, and more.

Early 20th century

Farmers began to realize that the quality of irrigation water (e.g., salinity, pH, or dissolved salts) directly influenced crop yields, soil health, and the overall sustainability of farming practices.

Mid 20th Century

With the development of more sophisticated laboratory tools and equipment, field water analysis became more accessible. New techniques allowed farmers to measure a broader range of parameters such as pH, salinity, electrical conductivity (EC), and specific ions like nitrate, calcium, magnesium, and chloride.

Early 21st Century

The availability of more advanced technology, including handheld meters, sensors, and digital analysis tools, revolutionized field water analysis in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. These tools allow for precise measurement of multiple water quality parameters in real time.

Modern day

Remote sensing technologies, such as satellites and drones, provide a broader, more comprehensive view of water quality across large agricultural areas. Satellite images and aerial imagery can monitor water levels, detect water stress in crops, and assess the presence of pollutants in water bodies.

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