Repair Worn or Broken Irrigation Components

Both sprinkler and drip irrigation systems should be checked regularly for broken components for leaks that may otherwise go undetected. Examples are clogged nozzles, worn nozzles, tilted sprinkler heads and heads in the same zone with varying output rates. Also look for signs of leaky valves in your control box, such as water continually oozing around sprinkler heads. Correcting these problems often reduces water waste by 20%.

 

Learn to recognize plant drought symptoms

 

Under drought foliage may lose its luster, shrivel and droop. Turf will hold a footprint. Overtime plant growth is reduced. Stems and twigs toward the outer parts of the plant begin to defoliate and may eventually die. Finally, the entire plant may die if water is not provided. Ideally, irrigation should be applied before plants show pronounced systems.

 

 

Video: Why the Fertilizer Crisis Won’t End When the Iran War Does

The fertilizer crisis didn’t start with war — it revealed a system already under strain.

Seed World U.S. Editor Aimee Nielson breaks down what’s really happening in global fertilizer markets and why the impact on farmers may last far longer than current headlines suggest. Featuring insights from global fertilizer expert Melih Keyman and industry leaders Chris Abbott and Chris Turner, this conversation explores:

Why fertilizer supply was already tight before geopolitical disruption

What the Strait of Hormuz and global trade routes mean for input availability

How rising nitrogen prices are crushing farmer margins

Why this crisis could affect seed choices, crop mix and acreage decisions

The hidden risks around phosphate and sulfur supply

Why experts say this situation may get worse before it gets better

Even if tensions ease, the underlying issues — supply constraints, investment gaps and purchasing behavior — are still in play.

Watch to understand what this means for farmers, the seed industry and the future of global food production.