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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #69576
Title: MSIDD ON-FARM SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

Author
item Clemmens, Albert
item DEDRICK, A - 5344-20-05
item CLYMA, W - COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
item WARE, R - USDA, SOIL CONSERVATION

Submitted to: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Systems
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Agricultural irrigation is frequently in competition for water with municipal, industrial, and environmental users, and therefore agricultural users need to manage irrigation water efficiently. However, in the interest of agricultural sustainability, potential changes in irrigation systems and practices that conserve irrigation water must be examined within the context of the irrigated agricultural setting. A holistic methodology, the Management Improvement Program (MIP), was demonstrated in an area in central Arizona, USA, to improve the performance of the irrigated agricultural system, both on- and off-farm systems, and then involving the stakeholders in planning and implementing positive change. The first phase of the three-phased MIP, the Diagnostic Analysis (DA), is an interdisciplinary study that identifies areas of both high and low performance, in terms of both technical and nontechnical factors. This paper describes the results of the DA related to on-farm soil and water management and interactions with the irrigation district and government support and regulatory agencies. The results point to the need for the appropriate application of technology, continuing farmer education, and coordination of farm and district operations and agency programs. Although this study was done in the state of Arizona in the USA, the methodology and some of the conclusions are applicable to other locations, both within and outside of the United States. This study would be useful to farmers, consultants, and organizations that support and regulate irrigated agriculture.

Technical Abstract: A detailed Diagnostic Analysis (DA) was performed on an irrigation district in Central Arizona as part of a Management Improvement Program (MIP). The DA was conducted by an interdisciplinary team who focused their findings on performance areas rather than on disciplines. This paper reports on the findings related to on-farm management. Specific findings are presented relative to farm water use, soil sustainability, the interactions between the farm irrigation system and the water delivery system, and the adoption and transfer of new irrigation technology. The results point to the need for the proper application of technology, continuing farmer education, and coordination of farm and district operations and agency programs. The interdisciplinary nature of the DA team was essential for properly assessing performance. While this study was done in the state of Arizona in the USA, the methodology used and some of the general conclusions are likely applicable to other locations, both within and outside the United States.