Analysis of the Economics of Irrigation Pumping and Distribution Efficiencies in Nevada

摘要

Irrigated agriculture in Nevada is a major segment of the states' agricultural sector. However with increasing fuel costs, the efficient application of water is desired. Two methods of improved irrigation practice were investigated: increasing pumping plant efficiency and conversion of low pressure irrigation. To determine the costs of declining pumping plant efficiencies, a microcomputer program was developed which determined the amount of additional hours required to pump a given quantity of water or the decline in water applied for a constant hours available for pumping at lower pumping plant efficiency. Through an investment simulation model, it was found that an investment to upgrade a 48% efficient pumping plant to 72% efficiency was very profitable under the ACRS depreciation procedure where expensing was allowed.