Irrigation system selection in an energy-short economy

• Published in: ERS - U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Economic Research Service (USA) no. 670
• Main Authors: Benson, V.W, Everson, C.A, Sharp, R.L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.11.1981
• ISSN: 0082-9730

Extract: Selected irrigation systems for three simulated farm situations are identified to examine some of the relationships between the size and type of farm and the irrigation system selection criteria, response to rising energy costs, and power plant and irrigation system conversion potentials. The systems are: ditch and siphon, gated pipe, and autogated pipe; center pivot, side-roll, and big gun sprinkler; and drip trickle. This report provides information on the cost and energy tradeoffs that farmers must consider when selecting an irrigation system or converting an existing system, namely water use, energy use, labor use, and capital requirements. It evaluates some of the conversion alternatives considered by irrigators in response to rising energy costs