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Nebraska becomes a global reference with the construction in the USA of one of the most innovative and sustainable agricultural infrastructures ever seen.
In the vast and almost endless fields of Nebraska, in the United States, an unusual landscape catches the eye: perfect circles of irrigated land that look like something out of a science fiction film. This image, which combines technology and nature, is the largest irrigation system in the world.
Thanks to the construction of the world's largest irrigation system in the United States, Nebraska has transformed from an arid region into one of the world's greatest agricultural powerhouses, supplying global markets with corn, soybeans and other essential products.
How did the world's largest irrigation system come about?
The revolutionary idea began to take shape in the 1930s, when farmers faced a combination of severe drought and unproductive soils. The solution came from soil and water: tapping the Ogallala aquifer, one of the biggest underground reserves of fresh water on the planet. But the big leap only happened in 1940, with the invention of the central pivot irrigation system by Frank Zybach.
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This technology has made it possible to irrigate large areas in a uniform and sustainable manner, revolutionizing local agriculture. Today, Nebraska has around 55 center pivots, many with radii greater than 1 km, responsible for transforming arid lands into productive fields.
Construction in the USA: challenges and innovations
The project faced technical and environmental barriers. How do you manage a finite resource like the Ogallala Aquifer? The answer came with water conservation practices, moisture sensors, and automated technologies that ensure precise water use.
The construction of the world's largest irrigation system required meticulous planning, soil studies and major investments in infrastructure. Metal towers, resistant pipes and powerful pumps were installed to ensure the system's efficiency, overcoming challenges such as storms and constant maintenance.
Global impacts and lessons for the future
The construction of the world’s largest irrigation system in the United States has positioned Nebraska as an agricultural giant, supplying not only the United States but also international markets. In addition to increasing global food security, the project has created jobs, boosted the local economy and transformed rural communities.
On the other hand, the intensive use of the Ogallala aquifer raises concerns about long-term sustainability. To mitigate the risks, the state continually invests in conservation technology and sustainable management of water resources.
A model for the world
The story of Nebraska and the world's largest irrigation system is more than an example of technical success: is a lesson in resilience and innovation. At a time when food security and environmental sustainability are global priorities, the North American model inspires other regions, such as Brazil, which faces similar challenges in the Northeast.
Meanwhile, Nebraska continues to move forward, balancing agricultural development and environmental preservation, and showing that it is possible to transform natural adversities into global opportunities.
And here in Brazil, we have a bunch of imbecile environmentalists who are against it!!
I worked as a consulting geologist in hydrogeology in Guarda Mor and Paracatu, Minas Gerais, for four years. I managed 200 tubular wells for irrigation. Our project was the subject of all kinds of obstacles from the environmental agency IGAM and NGOs. Although we demonstrated the sustainability of irrigation in light of the responsible management of the aquifer, the water use permits were never fully granted, leaving producers in legal uncertainty. We finally withdrew from the project in 2020.