Effects of the Arkansas River Multiple-Purpose Project on Agricultural Production

The Arkansas River Multiple-Purpose Project (ARMPP) is scheduled to extend navigation from the Mississippi River to Catoosa Oklahoma in 1970. In addition, the project provides additional benefits of flood protection, hydroelectric power, and recreation. This study was made to determine the effect of the Arkansas River Multiple-Purpose Project on agriculture. Observational, projectional, surface drainage, and economic impact studies and watershed investigations were made. The observational study consisted of observing and keeping records of ARMPP effects on agricultural conditions, developments, use, and values within specified areas for representative combinations of the range of physical conditions of alluvial lands, farming, and ARMPP relationships for a period of years prior to and after ARMPP construction. The projectional study consisted of analyzing available information and data from field reconnaissance and study and forecasting ARMPP related changes in physical conditions affecting agricultural use and values of certain areas. These effects were also evaluated as a basis for suggestions and recommendations to the Corps of Engineers for consideration of remedial measures and for guidance in USDA planning and programming. The projectional study indicated that, for crops and forests in the estimated areas of changed water table, 75 percent would be benefited, 24 percent would be unchanged, and 1 percent would have damages. The observational study verified forecasts that damages did not generally occur where water tables were deeper than one foot and major crops were not benefited by water tables more than six feet deep. Surface drainage problems caused by the navigation pools and flood waters on adjacent agricultural lands were studied. Additional investigations were made of the drainage problems in the entire basin. Reports of these drainage investigations were prepared for watersheds, by reaches, for the Arkansas portion. The economic impact study consisted of analysis of the impact of ARMPP and all feasible upstream watershed projects on production of and return from major crops.