How do waterwheels benefit the farming process?

Waterwheels can significantly benefit the farming process in several ways. They are traditional agricultural tools that harness the energy of flowing water to perform various tasks. Here are some benefits:

1. **Irrigation**: Waterwheels can lift water from rivers or streams to irrigate crops, providing a reliable water source for farming, especially in areas where rainfall is insufficient.

2. **Increased Efficiency**: By automating water lifting, waterwheels save labor costs and time, allowing farmers to focus on other agricultural activities.

3. **Fertilization**: Some waterwheels can be used to mix nutrients into the water, which can then be distributed over crops, enhancing soil fertility.

4. **Grain Milling**: Waterwheels can also power mills, allowing farmers to grind grain into flour efficiently, which supports food production and processing.

5. **Animal Husbandry**: The water provided by these systems can be used for livestock, ensuring animals have access to clean drinking water.

6. **Sustainability**: Using waterwheels reduces reliance on fossil fuels and electricity, promoting eco-friendly farming practices.

In summary, waterwheels are valuable tools that enhance agricultural productivity through efficient irrigation, labor-saving automation, and by supporting additional processing functions.

To fill in the blank in your sentence:

How do **waterwheels** **contribute** to agricultural **productivity**?