ARS | Publication request: THE IMPACT OF IRRIGATION EROSION DAMAGE ON FARM PROFITABILITY

Submitted to: Irrigation-Induced Erosion & Water Quality National Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: August 31, 1992
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Irrigation-induced erosion causes on-site damage in the form of reduced crop yields and off-site damage from sediment and nutrients in return flows. The onsite damage is a cost to the grower in the form of reduced future income and higher per unit production cost from erosion. If growers had better information on the dollar value of this damage, they might voluntarily reduce erosion (and sediment) to avoid this cost. This paper examines the cost of erosion damage in an irrigated tract near Twin Falls, Idaho. Erosion damage cost is calculated for alternative tillage systems and for alternative irrigation practices. Finally, the cost of erosion damage for irrigated agriculture in southern Idaho is compared to that for dryland agriculture in northern Idaho. Armed with this information on erosion damage cost, growers can make better decisions about managing their soil and water resources for sustained profitability and at the same time, provide environmental benefits from improved water quality.