Page 64 - Azerbaijan State University of Economics

THE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES: THEORY AND PRACTICE

million acre-feet (MAF) of water over the 50-year time frame. Shifting

irrigated acre to LESA results in estimated total water savings of 8.13-
8.57 MAF. Converting all less efficient acreage to LEPA or drip

increases estimated water saving to 12.59-12.96 MAF and 13.83-14.28
MAF, respectively. The total adoption of LEPA or drip would result in

18-20 percent reduction in water used for irrigation while maintaining

crop production at current levels. Adoption of LEPA on acres currently
under furrow irrigation will save approximately $22 million annually in

fuel costs. Additional benefits can also be derived from savings in field
operations performed and chemigation.

The current mix of irrigation equipment used in the Texas

Panhandle suggests that there is a significant potential for water savings
by adopting advanced irrigation technology. However, economic

feasibility of adopting more expensive irrigation technology and water
savings resulting from it needs to be thoroughly assessed.

References

1. Amosson, S., T. Marek, L. New, B. Stewart and F. Bretz. 1999.
“Estimated demand for irrigation in Region A.” Panhandle Water
Planning Project Task 2 Report. Texas A&M University Agricultural
Research and Extension Center, Amarillo, Texas.
2. Amosson, S. H., Professor, Extension Economist and Regents
Fellow 2009. Personal Communication, 2009. Texas Agrilife Research
and Extension Center at Amarillo, TX.
3. Amosson, S. H., Lal K. Almas, F. E. Bretz, DeDe Jones, Patrick
Warminski and Jane Planchon. 2009. 'Texas High Plains, 2010 Texas Crop
and Livestock Enterprise Budgets.' B-1241 (C1). Texas AgriLife Extension
Service, Texas A&M University System, College Station, Texas.
4. Marek, T., S. Amosson, L. New, F. Bretz, B. Stewart, and J.
Sweeten. 2000. “Irrigation water demand estimates for the Texas

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