What Plant Uses the Most Water?

Water is essential for the survival of all plants, and some species require more water than others to thrive. When it comes to the plants that use the most water, there are a few types that stand out above the rest.

1. Rice

Rice is a crop that is highly dependent on water. It is known for being grown in flooded fields, where the water helps to control the growth of weeds and pests. Because of this, growing rice requires a significant amount of water. In fact, it is estimated that it takes around 3,000 liters of water to produce just 1 kilogram of rice.

2. Sugarcane

Sugarcane is another crop that requires a lot of water to grow. It is often grown in humid, tropical areas with high rainfall, but it still needs to be watered regularly. This is because the plant is very tall and has a large surface area, which means it loses more water through evapotranspiration than other crops. One study found that sugarcane requires around 1,500 liters of water per kilogram of sugar produced.

3. Cotton

Cotton is a plant that requires a lot of water to grow, especially during the flowering and boll development stages. It is estimated that it takes around 1,200 liters of water to produce just 1 kilogram of cotton. Additionally, cotton is often grown in arid regions where water resources are limited, which can make it difficult to grow the crop sustainably.

4. Corn

Corn is a crop that is widely grown around the world, but it also requires a lot of water to thrive. It is estimated that it takes around 900 liters of water to produce just 1 kilogram of corn. However, there are some varieties of corn that are more drought-tolerant and can be grown with less water.

5. Coffee

Coffee plants are known for requiring a lot of water to grow, especially during the flowering and fruit development stages. It is estimated that it takes around 1,700 liters of water to produce just 1 kilogram of coffee beans. However, there are some coffee varieties that are more resistant to drought and can be grown with less water.

Overall, these are some of the plants that require the most water to grow. While they can be grown in regions with ample water resources, it is important to consider the sustainability of growing these crops, especially in areas with limited water. Efforts are underway to develop more drought-resistant varieties of these crops and to improve water management practices to ensure a sustainable future for agriculture.