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The economics of irrigation with nonuniform infiltration
Author(s) -
Feinerman E.,
Letey J.,
Vaux H. J.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/wr019i006p01410
Subject(s) - irrigation , infiltration (hvac) , water balance , environmental science , irrigated agriculture , agricultural engineering , yield (engineering) , agriculture , crop yield , farm water , deficit irrigation , irrigation management , agricultural productivity , productivity , production (economics) , water conservation , water resource management , agronomy , economics , materials science , geology , geotechnical engineering , biology , ecology , macroeconomics , engineering , metallurgy , composite material
Economic implications of nonuniform water infiltration in irrigated fields can be assessed with a simplified hydrologic balance model linked to an economic optimization model through a crop water production function. The effects of nonuniformity are derived by using two production functions that differ in terms of the sensitivity of yield to applications of water greater than that needed to achieve maximum yield. Where crop yield is sensitive to excess water, productivity and optimal levels of water application are lower in nonuniform fields than in uniform fields. If crop yield is not sensitive to excess water, outcomes depend on the price of water relative to crop income net of water costs. The conclusions, then, depend crucially on the form of the production function. An example is used to demonstrate that irrigation technology and management that increases the uniformity of infiltration may increase both productivity and the levels of agricultural water use.