Research
US almonds, walnuts and grapes depend on draining groundwater that isn't coming back
Phys.org ·
The Brief
- Half of the groundwater used to grow US fruits, nuts, vegetables, seeds and greens is drawn from aquifers faster than they can refill, according to a new study.
- Groundwater irrigated about 75% of produce and specialty crops between 2008 and 2020.
- The study says groundwater use helped spare farms from larger losses, but the aquifers it draws on are not recharging.
Why it matters
Heavy reliance on aquifers that are being depleted faster than they recharge puts long-term crop production at risk in regions that depend on them, which matters for anyone tracking water sustainability or food supply.
Who’s affected
- hydrologists and groundwater researchers
- agricultural planners and water managers
- #groundwater
- #aquifers
- #irrigation
- #agriculture
- #water-management
Half of the groundwater used to grow America's favorite fruits, nuts, veggies, seeds and greens is drawn from aquifers faster than they can refill, according to a new study. Irrigating 75% of produce and specialty crops with groundwater between 2008 and 2020 helped spare farms…