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Evaluating Gravity-Flow Irrigation with Lessons from Yuma, Arizona, USA

Author

Listed:
  • George Frisvold

    (Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA)

  • Charles Sanchez

    (Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Sciences, Maricopa Agricultural Center, The University of Arizona, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA)

  • Noel Gollehon

    (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA)

  • Sharon B. Megdal

    (Water Resources Research Center and the Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA)

  • Paul Brown

    (Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA)

Abstract

Many consider gravity-flow irrigation inefficient and deride its use. Yet, there are cases where gravity-flow irrigation can play an important role in highly productive and profitable agriculture. This perspective article reviews the literature on the profitability and efficiency of gravity systems. It then reviews the history of water management in Yuma, Arizona, which is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the United States. Through extensive changes in irrigation technologies, changes in production practices, and investments in irrigation infrastructure, Yuma agriculture dramatically shifted from perennial and summer-centric crop production to winter-centric, multi-crop systems that are focused on high-value vegetable crops. These innovations have led to improvement in various irrigation efficiency measures and overall water conservation. Return flows from the system, which were once characterized as an indicator of inefficiency, provide valuable environmental services to the Colorado River Delta ecosystem. Yuma’s history illustrates that innovative gravity-flow systems can be productive and water-conserving, and that a system-wide perspective is critical in evaluating irrigation systems.

Suggested Citation

  • George Frisvold & Charles Sanchez & Noel Gollehon & Sharon B. Megdal & Paul Brown, 2018. "Evaluating Gravity-Flow Irrigation with Lessons from Yuma, Arizona, USA," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-27, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:5:p:1548-:d:146119
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