Irrigation System Selection in an Energy-Short Economy

Verel W. Benson, Curtis A. Everson and Rodney L. Sharp

No 330146, Miscellaneous Publications from United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service

Abstract: Low pressure center pivot irrigation was the most energy efficient sprinkler irrigation system of the four sprinkler irrigation systems simulated for three representative types of Nebraska farms. Given 1978 and 1980 energy prices, natural gas was the least expensive fuel for powering the systems. Although an autogated pipe irrigation system proved most efficient in simulation, it is untried and is limited to fields adaptable to surface irrigation. Increased energy costs may force some irrigators to switch to dryland farming, convert to a less energy-intensive system, or irrigate with the present system and forego replacement if salvageability is too low

Keywords: Crop Production/Industries; Labor and Human Capital; Land Economics/Use; Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies; Resource/Energy Economics and Policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 82
Date: 1981-11
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:uersmp:330146

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.330146

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