Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Work on this project focused on the development of a simulation/mathematical programming model of irrigation water demand in northeastern Colorado. The model was formulated to develop an original concept in agricultural economics, namely, derived demand for consumptive use of water. Conventional demand functions for water deliveries were also developed for comparison. The model was used to determine the effect of hypothetical water price increases on both consumption and delivery. Findings indicated that demand elasticity estimates are quite sensitive to model specification, and consumptive use demand tends to be significantly less price-responsive than delivery demand. This would indicate that price incentives for water conservation purposes are likely to have only limited impacts on basin-wide consumption and will not make much additional water available for emerging demands.
Impacts
Strategies have long been proposed to implement water pricing scales designed to promote more efficient use of water in agriculture. However, heretofore, models to test such strategies using actual data from operating irrigation districts, with appropriate constraints on the technological and economic limits affecting the flexibility of grower adoption/employment of improved irrigation water management systems, has not been conducted. This research provides a valuable tool and important insight from model simulation, to test these water pricing policies prior to implementation. The impacts in terms of saving money and resources in both the government and grower sectors from policies not likely to be succesful, are incalculable but expectedly great.
Publications
- S.M. Scheierling, R.A. Young and G.E. Cardon. 2004. Determining the Price-Responsiveness of Demands for Irrigation Water Deliveries versus Consumptive Use. J. of Agric. and Resource Econ. 29(2):328-345.
|
Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
The primary focus for research under this project continued to be the correlation of direct and indirect methods of soil salinity measurement in the Arkansas River Basin, Colorado. Laboratory analysis and field measurements are being conducted on approximately 200 cooperator fields in two large reaches of the Arkansas River. Lab samples are being analyzed for saturated soil electrical conductivity (ECe) and soil texture. Samples (in one-foot increments, down to four feet) have been taken in the upstream reach (35-mile reach from Manzanola, CO into western Bent County) in the Spring and Fall every year since 1999, and were first taken in the downstream reach (30-mile reach from Lamar to the Colorado-Kansas border) in 2002. Field data includes soil temperature, moisture content, and vertically- and horizontally-oriented electromagnetic induction meter (EM) readings. All lab analysis for ECe has now been completed for the upstream reach (years 1999 through 2003) and
downstream reach (years 2002 and 2003). Soil texture analysis is underway on a few remaining samples from the 1999 upstream study sites. In 2003, sampling for soil bulk density was undertaken on a large scale. Triplicate undisturbed soil cores using a hydraulic insertion probe were collected from approximately 40 upstream sites. Bulk density will be collected on all up- and downstream sites over the course of the next two years. This data will allow expression of water content data on a relative saturation basis, thereby normalizing water content information in correlation analysis with field salinity probe data. Correlation analysis between direct lab and indirect field salinity measurements is now fully underway. Correlation analyses are expected to be completed this year. In addition to correlation analysis, the extensive ECe database for the Arkansas Valley will be used in detailed economic studies currently underway. These studies will determine the extent and severity of the
crop economic losses due to salinity in the region. Laboratory salinity data will be used as input for EPIC and other models, to evaluate overall enterprise budgets for the region, and investigate the economic impact of alternative water and crop management strategies in the region.
Impacts
Once calibrated, the EM probe will offer a reliable method of monitoring the management of soil salinity throughout this important agricultural region. Estimates of crop yield reduction due to salinity average 10 to 30%, resulting in millions of dollars of annual loss to this fragile rural economic region.
Publications
- Cardon G.E. 2003. Salinity Issues in Colorado. In: Berrada, A. and T. Houten (eds), Proceedings of the Third Annual Four Corners Irrigation Workshop. Colorado Agric. Exp. Station, Limited Technical Bulletin LTB03-1. pp 27-32.
- Wittler, J, C. Cooper and G.E. Cardon. 2003. Calibration of Electromagnetic Salinity Probes in an Irrigated, Gypsum-Dominated System. Poster Presentation. American Society of Agronomy annual meeting, Nov 2-6, 2003, Denver, CO. Agron. Abstracts. ASA, Madison, WI.
|
Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Research under this project included an irrigation management study for drip-irrigated alfalfa in the Full Service Area (FSA) of the Dolores Irrigation Project in southwestern Colorado. The primary crop of the region is alfalfa (81% of acreage). The individual allocation of water in the FSA is less than 0.56 m, about two thirds of the alfalfa water requirement. In 1996, 74% of growers used more water than allocated. Extra water has historically been available because some acreage in the FSA is yet undeveloped. In the future, extra water will not be available, and significant changes in crop selection and water management will be required. Drought in the region is also a significant concern to the continued use of district-wide alfalfa production. The current drought in Colorado is the worst in recorded history, and prospects for it to continue into the 2003 growing season are high. Water levels in McPhee Reservoir (the body of water that serves the FSA) dropped to
record low levels in 2002, raising the concern for reduced irrigation water supplies in the future. To address these issues, a sub-surface drip irrigation demonstration project was initiated at Colorado State University's Southwestern Colorado Research Station. Progress to date includes the construction of the irrigation system, and design of the alfalfa plot layout. Early work with the system revealed a number of construction flaws that were worked out during the season which allow adequate control for growth and yield analysis in coming years.
Impacts
Sub-surface drip in other studies on alfalfa grown in arid regions, has been shown to minimize soil evaporation and maximize water use efficiency. A reduction in alfalfa water requirement may be obtained using this type of irrigation system, providing growers in the FSA an effective means of maintaining alfalfa production with reduced future water supply.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Research under this project was centered on an irrigation management study in the Full Service Area (FSA) of the Dolores Irrigation Project in southwestern Colorado. The study is composed of four main aspects: 1) a mail survey; 2) a calibration of various irrigation management equipment for use in the FSA; 3) the use of the irrigation management equipment in an in-situ analysis of performance; and 4) field demonstrations of new irrigation systems. The mail survey was completed by 44% of the growers in the FSA. Key information from the survey includes: 1) a list of the crops grown, the associated acreage, and the type and acreage covered by the various irrigation systems; 2) the configuration of irrigation systems in the FSA (pump capacity, discharge rates, etc.); and 3) an inventory of grower water management techniques and the type and source of information used to guide decision making. The Watermark resistance-type soil moisture sensor, and the ETgauge atmometer
were chosen for calibration in the FSA. The Watermark sensor had a high correlation with water content in the primary soil type of the FSA (r-square = 0.96). The ETgauge atmometer had a very high correlation (r-square = 0.98) to weather station ET (Kimberly-Penman method). Several cooperators allowed us to place these devices on their fields to monitor conditions, and evaluate their water management practices compared to a model-determined optimum. The model used was CROPFLEX. Under grower management, soil water kept up with crop demand only through the first cutting of alfalfa. The Watermark sensor reflected soil moisture conditions better than water balance calculations. Best results for optimizing water application came from the use of atmometer ET estimates and soil moisture sensors together. A significant water management issue from this study is the need to reconcile current cropping preferences with future water supply. The primary crop of the region is alfalfa (81% of
acreage). The individual allocation of water in the FSA is less than 0.56 m, about two thirds of the alfalfa water requirement. In 1996, 74% of growers used more water than allocated. Extra water was available because some acreage in the FSA is yet undeveloped. In the future, extra water will not be available, and significant changes in crop selection and water management will be required. To address this issue, a sub-surface drip irrigation demonstration project was initiated at Colorado State University's Southwestern Colorado Research Station. Sub-surface drip has been shown to minimize soil evaporation and maximize water use efficiency in alfalfa. A reduction in alfalfa water requirement may be obtained using this type of irrigation system, providing growers in the FSA an effective means of maintaining alfalfa production with reduced future water supply. The irrigation system has been built, the alfalfa planted, and data collection will begin in Spring 2002.
Impacts
Alfalfa in the Dolores Project, on average, represents a $10 million dollar (gross) industry. Active interstate markets, high quality hay, and good prices over recent years have contributed to the focus that local growers have given this crop in their rotations. Efforts to help maintain the competitive niche that these farmers now enjoy is critical to the economic well-being of the region and individual enterprises within the project. This work has been an effort to give growers important information on effective water management tools and practices that will help sustain current farm success and provide for water conservation and use efficiency.
Publications
- Berrada, A., Stack, M.W., and Cardon, G.E. 2001. Assessment of Irrigation Water Management and Demonstration of Irrigation Scheduling Tools in the Full Service Area of the Dolores Project: 1996-2000. Part I: Survey Results. Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station Technical Report Series, TR01-6, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO.
- Berrada, A., Hooten, T.M., Cardon, G.E., and Broner, I. 2001. Assessment of Irrigation Water Management and Demonstration of Irrigation Scheduling Tools in the Full Service Area of the Dolores Project: 1996-2000. Part II: Calibration of the Watermark Soil Moisture Sensor and ETgauge Atmometer. Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station Technical Report Series, TR01-7, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO.
- Berrada, A., Hooten, T.M., Broner, I., and Cardon, G.E. 2001. Assessment of Irrigation Water Management and Demonstration of Irrigation Scheduling Tools in the Full Service Area of the Dolores Project: 1996-2000. Part III: Monitoring of Irrigated Alfalfa Fields Using the Watermark Moisture Sensor and ETgauge Atmometer. Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station Technical Report Series, TR01-8, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO.
|
Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
The primary research focus under this project was centered in the Arkansas River basin, primarily in Otero and Bent county, Colorado. The management of water and salinity in this basin has, in many areas, reached levels above the tolerance thresholds of the main crops of the region, thus, demanding immediate attention. However, the extent and severity of the problem has not been adequately evaluated and it is unknown how the salinity of the river and shallow groundwater may affect agricultural sustainability and interstate compact concerns on the Arkansas River. The objectives of the study are to extensively inventory the extent and severity of soil salinination and ground and surface water salinity in this region, and to obtain the hydrologic data necessary to model and predict possible changes over time as various water and soil management practices are put into place. Sample sites have been monitored for two years on over 70 cooperator grower fields, covering about
50,000 irrigated acres in the region, as well as over 150 surface water sampling points on the mainstem, tributaries and canals in the system. The primary results of the monitoring project reveal salinity conditions, on average, which result in an estimated 25% crop yield reduction from optimum conditions over the entire sampling region. The modeling phase of this work, which is now underway, will allow us to test remedial options and formulate recommendations for practices tailored to individual regions within the basin based on their soil and hydrologic characteristics.
Impacts
The ramifications of the yield reductions estimated by this research, for the two main crops of the region, are about 1,100,000 bu of corn, and 30,000 t of alfalfa in Otero county alone. This converts to an estimated economic loss of $4 million to $5 million dollars in annual gross crop receipts.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
Efforts under this regional USDA-CSREES project were directed to four main projects in 1999. The first is a cooperative, multi-state project between Colorado, New Mexico and Texas designed to look at possible responses to extended drought in the Rio Grande River basin. The study was undertaken to develop a comprehensive model of the river hydrology as affected by competing and shifting demands between agriculture and municipal/industrial users. Crop-water production functions were developed for reduced water quantity, and shifts in the timing of water delivery on crop yield for the Colorado portion of the study area. These functions are useful in evaluating the possible cropping pattern changes that would occur under extended drought in the region. A Ph.D. thesis on the Colorado portion of the study revealed that aquifer/stream interactions play a major role in determining the effect of water-short periods on farm production. Use of the highly developed shallow
aquifer in the San Luis Valley allows producers to weather significant drought with minimal impact on net returns as long as aquifer supplies persist. The major finding suggests that for policy analysis of interstate allocation to cope with severe drought, simple single-period optimization models will understate the value of irrigation water in Colorado. Preliminary findings on the basin-wide modeling effort indicate a need to adjust the approach typically taken in presenting economic analyses in a political setting. Frequently these analyses jump to a free market setting that precludes many real-world constraints that water users face in an effort to show what is possible. Beginning with a more realistic depiction of the current situation and progressing toward the freer depiction is found to be more acceptable. Work was also continued on a previous survey of irrigation management in Colorado. Additional analysis suggests gaps in farm-level utilization of technology and management as
suggested by University research and extension programs. Efforts continue to identify appropriateness of these University programs and to better target producer needs. In a third study measuring off-farm values of water, research was completed on the economic value of instream flow-related ecological services on the South Platte River. This information was provided to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation EIS project leader on the Platte River Tri-State Agreement for his incorporation into their analysis. Finally, significant progress was made toward evaluating the influence of institutions and policies on competing water uses on and off the farm. A study is underway to evaluate alternatives to deliver additional water to the central Platte River basin for endangered species. Beginning in 2000, all work noted above will continue under the new regional project entitled: Agricultural Water Management Technologies, Institutions and Policies Affecting Economic Viability and Environmental
Quality.
Impacts
Water allocation shifts are continually occurring away from agriculture as alternative demands increase, and as environmental concerns force new perspectives on water use. Issues raised by the research under this project have been the driving force behind the creation of a Water Outreach Task Force involving 16 faculty in water at Colorado State University, and over 20 water agency representatives around the state. The task force is charged with identifying the clientele, content and media best targeted for water-related education efforts in the state.
Publications
- Bauder, T.A., Waskom, R.M., Frasier, W.M., and Hoag, D.L. 1999. Irrigation best management practices: What are Colorado producers using? Agricultural Chemicals and Groundwater Protection Fact Sheet #19. Colorado State University, Colorado Department of Agriculture, and the Colorado Department of Public Health.
- Bauder, T.A., Waskom, R.M., Frasier, W.M., and Hoag, D.L. 1999. Water quality best management practices: What are Colorado producers doing? Agricultural Chemicals and Groundwater Protection Fact Sheet #18. Colorado State University, Colorado Department of Agriculture, and the Colorado Department of Public Health.
- Frasier, W.M., Waskom, R.M., Hoag, D.L., and Bauder, T.A. 1999. Irrigation management in Colorado: Survey data and findings. Technical Report TR99-5, Colorado State University Agricultural Experiment Station.
- Kent, P. 1999. The economic valuation of the South Platte river ecosystem services utilizing the contingent valuation method. M.S. Thesis. Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
- Michelsen, A.M., Booker, J.F., and Frasier, W.M. 1999. Feasibility of alternatives to manage Platte River instream flows to accommodate endangered species. In UCOWR Proceedings Water: Lessons of World Development, Universities Council on Water Resources, 1999 Annual Conference, Kamuela, HI, June 29 - July 2, 1999, p. 213-220.
- Nagaraj, N., Frasier, W.M., and Sampath, R.K. 1999. Groundwater institutions in US and India: Sustainable and equitable resource use. Economic and Political Weekly, June 26, 1999, p. A93-A104.
|
Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
This project includes research from six different PI's in the departments of Soil and Crop Science, Agricultural and Resource Economics, and Chemical and Bioresource Engineering at Colorado State University. The work this year was focused on evaluating drought impacts in the Arkansas and Rio Grande River basins, and on the impacts of water reallocation on soil salinity in these regions. In both river basins, interstate compact disputes over both water quantity and quality have arisen, requiring many changes in the way the rivers must be managed. These reallocations of water carry with them, several uncertainties with respect to the above-stated impacts. The drought impact studies are being accomplished through a combined field-to-region modeling effort. Regional hydrologic models are used to predict the water supply to given ditches, and the field-scale models take both the amount and timing of water delivery into account to predict crop water use and yield. The
combined modeling effort attempts to get at the questions of how changes in river management may affect water supply and crop production in water-short situations. The impacts of changes in river management on soil salinity are already being experienced in the Arkansas River basin. The recent Arkansas River Compact dispute between Colorado and Kansas has resulted in a moratorium on pumping from the alluvial aquifer in Colorado. The compound problems of rising water tables due to the lack of pumping, few artificial drainage systems, and the silting-in of the river channel caused by the damping of scouring flows through dam operations, have contributed to many fields with shallow saline water at or near the surface of the soil. This shallow saline water is concentrating in the rootzones of these fields, causing wide-spread concern over soil productivity loss. A new study was begun this year to map short-term changes in soil salinity within the basin and to estimate soil productivity
losses due to the recent changes in river management.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- WILLIS, D.B., CALDAS, J., FRASIER, W.M., WHITTLESEY, N.K., AND HAMILTON, J.R. 1998. The Effects of Water Rights and Irrigation Technology on Streamflow Augmentation Cost in the Snake River Basin. J. Agr. & Resource Econ, 23(1):225-243.
- VICKNER, S.S., HOAG, D.L., FRASIER, W.M., AND ASCOUGH, J.C. 1998. A Dynamic Economic Analysis of Nitrate Leaching in Corn Production under Nonuniform Irrigation Conditions. Amer. J. Agr. Econ. 80:397-408.
- SPEROW, MARK. 1998. Three Essays Addressing Production Economics and Irrigation: Managing for Drought and Pests Transported in Irrigation Water. PhD dissertation, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO.
- RING, KRISTY. 1998. An Analysis of Adoption and Management of Irrigation Systems in Colorado. MS thesis, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO.
- VICKNER, S., HOAG, D., FRASIER, M., AND ASCOUGH, J. 1998. A Dynamic Economic Analysis of Nitrate Leaching in Corn Production under Nonuniform Irrigation Conditions. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Vol. 80. pp. 397-408.
- HOAG, D. 1998. The Intertemporal Impact of Soil Erosion on Non-Uniform Soil Profiles: A New Direction in Analyzing Erosion Impacts. Agricultural Systems. Vol. 56. pp. 415-429.
|
Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
This project includes work done by six different researchers in the Departments of Soil and Crop Science, Ag and Resource Economics, and Chemical and Bioresource Engineering at Colorado State University. Several studies in resource economics were conducted this past year. One study did a cogent analysis of farmer tradeoffs between profit, risk, nitrate leaching and soil erosion. Profit had the greatest weight in the analysis, yet all four aspects were close, ranging from 0.3 to 0.18. Another study surveyed Colorado irrigators to determine what irrigation management practices they were actually using, their perceptions of the quality of various sources of information on water management, and various demographic data to attempt to explain the variation in adoption of current technologies such as surge valves and center pivots. In addition to the research noted, three focus group sessions were held in the state to gather opinions regarding management of the South Platte
River downstream of Denver, CO. Some local residents do emphasize the need for allocation of water to non-game, native species and riparian habitat maintenance. Some also see the establishment of recreational areas, and increased flows to support such activities, as an important alternative use for the river's water. Work has also continued on studies in the Arkansas and Rio Grande River basins to develop simulation and optimization models whose aim is to estimate the reduction in economic drought damages associated with alternative institutional adjustments to drought. The hydrologic models for the regions have been constructed and are currently being tested.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- SCHEIERLING, S.A., YOUNG, R.A., AND CARDON, G.E. 1997. The effect of irrigation timing on simulated crop water production functions. Irrigation Science 18(1):23-32.
|
Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs
The research activities listed are being conducted by scientists from three departments: Soil & Crop Sci., Ag & Resour. Econ., and Chem. & Bioresource Engin. Most of the studies are cooperative efforts between these departments either in-state or regionally with counterparts in neighboring states. Economic studies are underway to evaluate competing interests (such as endangered fish species) for water traditionally allocated to agriculture to determine the benefits/costs of water transfers. Many irrigation management studies are being conducted to determine the impact of irrigation and Nitrogen (N) application timing and placement on N leaching, the development of irrigation decision support software, and the water requirements of urban landscapes. Other studies dealing with the characterization of recent advances in irrigation systems are also in progress. Significant contributions from this research include the review of the opportunities and limitations of water
conservation in each of Colorado's major basins. The document is now in its fourth printing in just under 6 months and has been submitted to the federal Western Water Policy Commission for reference. The document is indicative of the type of work going on in the state where both the technical aspects of water conservation and competition are considered with the political and logistical limitations associated with their implementation.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Di Spigno, Michael. 1996. Small Lysimeters for Estimating Evapotranspiration and Deep Percolation in Urban Lawns. M.S. Thesis, Dept. of Chemical and Bioresource Engineering, Colo. State Univ., Fort Collins, CO.
- Hoag, D., and Roka, F. 1996. Environmental Policy and Swine Manure Management: Waste Not or Want Not American J. of Alternative Agriculture, Vol. 10:162-165.
- Loomis, John. 1996. Measuring the Economic Benefits of Removing Dams and Restoring the Elwha River. Water Resources Research 32(2):441-447.
- Patel, Sitaram. 1996. Predicting Corn Yield for Midseason Fertilizer Management. Ph.D. Diss., Dept. of Chemical and Bioresource Engineering, Colo. State Univ., Fort Collins, CO.
- Roka, F. and Hoag, D. 1996. Manure and Live Weight Swine Decisions. J. of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Vol. 28(1996):193-202
- Scheierling, Susanne M. 1996. Measuring Demand for Irrigation Water and Foregone Direct Benefits of Irrigation Water Transfers. Ph.D. Diss., Dept. of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colo. State Univ., Fort Collins, CO.
- Smith, D.H., Klein, K., Bartholomay, R., Broner, I., Cardon, G.E., and Frazier, W.M. 1996. Irrigation water conservation: Opportunities and limitations in Colorado. Colo. Water Resources Research Inst. Completion Rpt #190. Colo. State Univ.
|
Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95
Outputs
The Soil and Crop Science, Agricultural and Resource Economics, and Chemical andBioresource Engineering Departments are all involved in research under this project. Much of the work accomplished is interdisciplinary involving these departments and cooperators from state and local government and the USDA. Work has been completed in the following areas: the contribution of irrigation water to farmland property values, economics of removing dams in the state of Washington, the economics of stream restoration in California, the trade-offs in the struggle for minimum stream flows in the South Platte Basin of Colorado, the benefits of using dynamic models for the construction of water-crop production functions, irrigation best management practices for environmental protection, the contribution of urban irrigation to return flows to the South Platte River of Colorado, and a comprehensive survey of the opportunities and limitations of irrigation water conservation in the state
of Colorado.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Broner, I. 1995. Crop Management Systems to Reduce Ground Water Contamination. Proc. of Clean Water Clean Environment-21st Century Conference. Kansas City, MO, March 5-8 1995.
- Loomis, J. 1995. Balancing beneficial uses of water: The Platte River controversy. Agri-business Roundup, Colo State Univ Coop Ext.
- Loomis, J. 1995. Public trust doctrine produces water for Mono Lake. J. of Soil and Water Conservation. 50(3):270-271.
- Frasier, M., Loomis, J., and Patton, M. 1995. The effect of irrigation water on the value of farmland in northeast Colorado. Final report to the US Bureau of Reclamation. Dept of Agric. and Resource Econ., Colo State Univ, Ft. Collins.
- Scheierling, S.M. 1995. Measuring demand for irrigation water and forgone direct benefits of irrigation water transfers. Ph.D. Diss. Colo State Univ, Ft. Collins.
|
|