irrigation efficiency

Irrigation efficiency measures how well water applied to crops actually reaches the plants' roots and contributes to their growth. It is expressed as a percentage, comparing the water used by the plants to the total water applied through irrigation. High efficiency means most of the water is effectively used by the crops, with minimal loss due to evaporation, runoff, or deep percolation. Improving irrigation efficiency reduces water waste, lowers costs, and conserves vital water resources, especially important in areas facing water scarcity. Techniques like drip irrigation or scheduling watering based on crop needs can help achieve higher efficiency.