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Irrigation aquifer depletion: the nexus linchpin

Author

Listed:
  • Richard M. Cruse

    (Iowa State University)

  • Daniel L. Devlin

    (Kansas State University)

  • Doug Parker

    (California Institute for Water Resources)

  • Reagan M. Waskom

    (Colorado State University)

Abstract

Demand for agriculturally produced food and feed is virtually certain to rise as populations increase and economies of developing countries improve. Irrigation is currently supplying water for a disproportionately large amount of agriculturally sourced food and feed production needed to meet this growing demand. Irrigation supports 40 % of global food production, while it occupies only about 18 % of the agricultural landscape. Irrigation is groundwater sourced in critical food production regions of the world, and a variety of these aquifers are being drained; their rates of water recharge are well below extraction rates. Life expectancy of multiple irrigation aquifers, including selected aquifers in the USA, is decades or less if much improved water irrigation management practices are not implemented. Case examples from Kansas, Colorado, and California, home of arguably the most technologically advanced, economically stable, and well educated agricultural industry in the world, are used to address the question: “Are existing irrigation management approaches preferentially focused on sustaining existing economies or sustaining the longevity of the irrigation aquifers?” In general, irrigation aquifer water stress and need to conserve water is recognized by a vast majority of stakeholders. The need for stakeholders to maintain short-term financial integrity, which requires continued use of irrigation water, is creating stress in local water management policy development and delaying meaningful action. Pockets of forward thinking plans and even action are evolving, but these pockets must grow, and grow rapidly, to avert major negative social and financial consequences.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard M. Cruse & Daniel L. Devlin & Doug Parker & Reagan M. Waskom, 2016. "Irrigation aquifer depletion: the nexus linchpin," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 6(1), pages 149-160, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jenvss:v:6:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1007_s13412-016-0369-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s13412-016-0369-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. J. S. Famiglietti, 2014. "The global groundwater crisis," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 4(11), pages 945-948, November.
    2. Molden, David, 2007. "Water for food, water for life: a comprehensive assessment of water management in agriculture: summary. In Russian," IWMI Books, Reports H041260, International Water Management Institute.
    3. Molden, David, 2007. "Water for food, water for life: a comprehensive assessment of water management in agriculture," IWMI Books, Reports H040193, International Water Management Institute.
    4. Molden, David, 2007. "Water for food, water for life: a comprehensive assessment of water management in agriculture: summary. In Arabic," IWMI Books, Reports H041261, International Water Management Institute.
    5. Molden, David, 2007. "Water for food, water for life: a comprehensive assessment of water management in agriculture: summary," IWMI Books, Reports H039769, International Water Management Institute.
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