74% of water consumption is in agriculture

As Turkey experiences one of the driest summers in recent years, many dams in Izmir are drying out. The Tahtalı Dam, one of the most important sources for Izmir’s drinking water, has fallen below 10% capacity, and planned water cuts have been implemented in various districts. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Kılıç, Director of the Disaster Management and Risk Reduction Research and Application Center (EKOAYRA) at Izmir University of Economics, emphasized that 74% of Turkey’s water is consumed for irrigating agricultural land and stated that transitioning to ‘soilless agriculture’ is now a necessity. Prof. Dr. Kılıç said, “Illegal wells, pools in summer homes, uncontrolled agricultural irrigation, and unconscious use of groundwater are significantly depleting water resources.”

Prof. Dr. Gökhan Kılıç, also a faculty member in IUE Department Civil Engineering, said that it’s not just the lack of rainfall, but also human-induced factors that are deepening the water shortage crisis.

“AGRICULTURAL COLLAPSE MAY OCCUR”

Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that illegal wells and unplanned extraction of groundwater are disturbing the natural balance. He said, “In rural areas, especially by farmers, unauthorized drilling of illegal wells leads to the uncontrolled depletion of underground water reserves. This not only lowers groundwater levels but also causes soil subsidence and, in some regions, miniature desertification. Thousands of illegal wells are opened every year. At this rate, we won’t just face drought, but also a collapse in agriculture.”

“NOT AN OPTION, A NECESSITY”

Stating that dried-up dams, declining groundwater, and uncontrolled water use are pushing agriculture to an unsustainable point, Prof. Dr. Kılıç said, “The drying of dams across Izmir and Turkey is no longer just a warning; it’s a crisis requiring immediate action. Agriculture accounts for about 74% of total water consumption in Turkey. This situation shows that alternative farming methods are no longer optional, they are mandatory. At this point, soilless farming, also known as hydroponic systems, emerges as one of the most vital solutions for the future.”

“SAVES UP TO 90% WATER”

Emphasizing that soilless agriculture is the most effective solution to water scarcity, Prof. Dr. Kılıç said, “With soilless farming, water use can be reduced by up to 90%. Productivity and production speed increase, pesticide use decreases, and there are no limitations regarding farmland. In soilless farming, water is used cyclically within the system. Losses due to evaporation or leaking into the ground are minimized. Plants grow faster and yield more frequently because they receive nutrients directly and consistently. More can be produced in the same space. Closed systems significantly reduce the risk of plant exposure to pests. This results in less chemical use and healthier crops.”

“IT CAN ALSO BE DONE INDIVIDUALLY”

Prof. Dr. Kılıç pointed out that soilless agriculture can be practiced on a large scale or individually and he added, “In places without farmland, such as rooftops, balconies, greenhouses, or containers in urban areas, production is possible. This offers a major advantage, especially for urban agriculture and the food supply chain.”

“PAYS FOR ITSELF IN 3 YEARS”

Stating that infrastructure like hydroponic systems, LED lights, pumps, sensors, lighting, heating/cooling systems, and automation is required to transition to soilless agriculture, Prof. Dr. Kılıç said that such systems start to pay off within three years. He emphasized that reduced water usage, along with lower pesticide and fertilizer costs, significantly boosts operational profitability. He underlined the need to turn soilless farming into a national policy and to implement incentives in this field. Prof. Dr. Kılıç also stressed that farmers must receive comprehensive training, both theoretical and practical, along with technological and equipment-based instruction. Prof. Dr. Kılıç concluded by stating that in the long term, this system can become an economically profitable model thanks to sustainability, efficiency, and high crop quality.

WHAT IS SOILLESS AGRICULTURE?

Soilless agriculture is a farming method where plants are grown using nutrient-rich solutions or inert (non-reactive) materials instead of soil. In this system, the roots are in direct contact with water, allowing plants to absorb the necessary minerals directly. The most common methods include hydroponic, aeroponics, and aquaponics systems.