Water Crisis Looms in Antalya: This Method Will Save Agriculture

Global warming and drought, which are becoming increasingly severe worldwide and in Turkey, are negatively affecting the agricultural sector. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nefise Yasemin Tezcan, from the Department of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation at Akdeniz University’s Faculty of Agriculture, emphasizes the urgent need to promote the use of rainwater in greenhouses.

Tezcan notes that in recent years, producers have become more aware of this issue, and modern greenhouses help reduce irrigation costs in the long term. She highlights that integrated gutter systems in greenhouses make it easier to collect rainwater, which is critical for the sustainability of agricultural production.

RAINWATER STORAGE POSSIBILITIES

Tezcan explains that certain protrusions are present on the gutters of greenhouses and shares suggestions on how producers can use these systems:

Companies installing irrigation systems assist in transporting water through closed pipes connected to the gutter protrusions.

Through pipes with diameters of 100–150 millimeters, rainwater is directed to a pre-prepared pool or artificial reservoir.

Special linings are placed in excavated reservoirs to prevent water leakage, ensuring efficient storage.

The stored water can be reused for irrigation through pump systems.

Tezcan stresses that this method can be applied in any greenhouse. She calls for the rapid adoption of such systems to ensure the continuity of agricultural production in the face of drought threats.