Water Footprint of Silage Corn, Potato, Sugar Beet and Alfalfa in Van Province

Abstract

The concept of water footprint can defined as the amount of fresh water utilized in the production or supply of the goods and services. Evaluation of a region's water footprint can provide the sustainability and efficient use of clean water resources. Water footprint helps to create better water management plans and strategies for the future oriented. In this study, we calculated blue (irrigation) and green (precipitation) water footprint of some important crops (Silage corn, potato, sugar beet and alfalfa) in Van province. The remainder of winter precipitation, precipitation and evapotranspiration in vegetation period, total crop production of the region and total area were used to calculate water footprint of selected crops. In Van province, the total water (blue + green) required a ton for silage maize, potato, sugar beet and alfalfa was 147.4, 230.3, 120.0 and 287.5 m3, respectively. Total water footprint for 2016 was determined for silage maize, potato, sugar beet and alfalfa were as 786 674, 1 537 022, 6 909 240 and 638 827 875 m3, respectively. © 2019, Centenary University. All rights reserved.