Agriculture & Water

Chemigation is a term used to define the practice of applying chemicals to a crop through an irrigation system. In agriculture the type of chemicals applied are generally fertilizers to promote crop prioduction and plant growth. Available from the Irrigation Industry Association of BC is a valuable Guide which provides information on the practice of applying chemicals to a crop through an irrigation system.

This Guide encourages long-term commitment to a sustainable, environmentally-sound and economically-viable agriculture industry. The Guide was written by staff of the Resource Management Branch of the BC Ministry of Agriculture and published by the Irrigation Industry Association of British Columbia.

Trickle irrigation is the frequent, low pressure application of water placed near, or directly into, the plants' root zone. Water is generally applied at a low flow rate but in an amount sufficient to replenish the crop water requirement on a daily basis. Available from the Irrigation Industry Association of B.C. is a manual which assists the producer in designing a trickle irrigation system to match soil conditions, crop characteristics, field shape and topographies; selecting the right types of components based on a knowledge of emitter performance; and installing the system accurately as per a plan.

An excellent sprinkler irrigation design manual which provides information for designing agricultural irrigation systems in British Columbia is available from the Irrigation Industry Associaton of British Columbia. This manual was prepared by the Sustainable Agriculture Managment Branch of the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture. It was published in partnership with the IIABC.

The province of British Columbia has taken a lead role in drought management, providing water supply monitoring and forecasting, effective communication, and tools and templates.

This Soil Management Handbook provides information on the types of crops suited to the soils and climate of the Lower Fraser Valley area of British Columbia. Soil and Water Management information is provded for each crop type with details for irrigation, water conservation and drainage.

This Soil Management Handbook provides information on the types of crops suited to the soils and climate of the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys of British Columbia. Soil and Water Management information is provided for each crop type with details for irrigation, water conservation and drainage, on both uplands and lowlands.

Agriculture is a major water user in the province of British Columbia. The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands has a dedicated website for various drought strategies.

The Drainage Management Guide is is one of the supplementary documents to the Environmental Farm Planning program prepared to assist British Columbia farmers and ranchers to improve their farm operations and implement beneficial management practices.

This factsheet outlines options for basic outdoor livestock water troughs used in Summer conditions. Many photos and drawings are provided in this informative publication.