Irrigation and Water Conservation Practices of Surface-Irrigated Croplands in West and South Regions of the U.S.

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Highlights Differences in practices and attitudes were mostly related to differences in the water supply sources (surface water vs. groundwater). Lack of financial resources and of irrigator training were the major barriers to adoption of water conservation practices and technologies. University extension was the most relied-upon resource for surface irrigation information in both regions. ABSTRACT. Surface (a.k.a. gravity) irrigated cropland area has been declining in the U.S. over the past three decades. Despite this decline, a considerable area of irrigated cropland will remain under surface irrigation methods in the foreseeable future for different agricultural, geographical, hydrological, and social reasons. Considering this fact and the generally lower application efficiencies of surface irrigation methods, a survey was conducted in two regions of the U.S. to investigate common surface irrigation practices, perceptions and approaches toward water conservation, and modifications to these practices in response to drought. The difference in source of water supply (surface water in the West and groundwater in the South) was associated with differences in water conveyance and on-farm irrigation methods, as well as the type of water conservation practices and technologies implemented. The familiarity of farmers with irrigation scheduling approaches was highly correlated with their uses. Water conservation practices were mostly similar between the two regions. The small differences were due to differences in water supply source and conveyance/distribution systems. When asked about the factors that help or hinder the adoption of water conservation practices and technologies in surface irrigation, farmers in both regions cited lack of financial resources (to pay for implementation or to compensate for potential yield losses) and lack of education and training as the main factors. The findings from this study demonstrated the importance of region-specific coordinated financial and educational programs through enhanced collaboration among state/federal agencies, industries, and land-grant universities providing extension opportunities to help surface irrigators and water managers in the U.S. Keywords: Barriers to adoption, Drought, Gravity irrigation, Irrigation scheduling.

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