Energy and water conservation strategies in irrigated agriculture

Journal Article · Tue Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Water Resour. Bull.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-1688.1980.tb02401.x· OSTI ID:6078724

Ritschard, R L; Tsao, K

Growers in California used several energy and water conservation strategies in response to the drought conditions of 1976 and 1977. The strategies included an increased use of ground water, increased irrigation efficiencies, and shifts in cropping patterns. Drought-related losses to irrigated agriculture were minimized as a result of these modifications. Some future problems may have been created, however, by obtaining the needed water supplies for 1976-77. These problems include the effects of extensive water pumping on ground water reservoirs and ground subsidence. In addition, reduced water application by less frequent irrigation and changes in irrigation methods may affect the total salt balance for future years. Several conservation strategies that have some potential application in California were identified as: maintaining and augmenting surface water supply, increasing power use efficiencies, and improving irrigation efficiencies. Electricity savings associated with water conservation have been estimated as high as 25 percent. Specific near term actions suggested for facilitating conservation included: an expanded irrigation management system, efficient water deliveries, and a continued effort on the part of the individual growers to use resources during periods of normal rainfall as they were used under drought conditions.

• Research Organization: Univ. of California, Berkeley
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6078724
• Journal Information: Water Resour. Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Water Resour. Bull.; (United States) Vol. 16:2; ISSN WARBA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

553000* -- Agriculture & Food Technology
60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
AGRICULTURE
CALIFORNIA
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES
ENERGY CONSERVATION
GROUND WATER
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INDUSTRY
IRRIGATION
NORTH AMERICA
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
REGIONAL ANALYSIS
RESOURCES
USA
WATER
WATER REQUIREMENTS
WATER RESOURCES
WESTERN REGION