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THE STATE OF SCOTLAND'S FARMED ENVIRONMENT 2005

8. FRESHWATER

Scotland has over 90 per cent of the volume and 70 per cent of the total surface area of fresh water in the UK , with more than 30,000 lochs and 6,600 river systems. Scottish agriculture depends on freshwater for livestock waterings and, whilst most pasture and crop systems are rain-fed, there is localised freshwater abstraction for irrigation of high water demanding crops (e.g. potatoes, field vegetables). Agricultural land and buildings generally drain to surface and groundwaters and impact upon them. Artificial drainage is a feature of improved agricultural land in Scotland . Point source and diffuse pollution, and localised soil erosion are associated with arable agriculture principally in lowland Scotland, whilst erosion has been associated with livestock grazing in the hills and uplands. Flooding frequently causes damage and loss of crops.

Irrigation >>