RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Irrigator perceptions and the value of groundwater quality in the High Plains Aquifer
JF Journal of Soil and Water Conservation
FD Soil and Water Conservation Society
SP 329
OP 339
DO 10.2489/jswc.2021.00118
VO 76
IS 4
A1 G. Gardner
A1 G. Sampson
A1 D. Presley
YR 2021
UL http://www.jswconline.org/content/76/4/329.abstract
AB Groundwater is critical to irrigated production in many arid and semiarid regions of the world. Groundwater that is low in quality presents limited value to farmers as an input to agricultural production. In this paper, we present findings from a survey of irrigator perceptions and irrigation water testing behavior targeted to producers in the Kansas portion of the High Plains Aquifer. Additionally, we estimate the value of an incremental increase in the quality of groundwater for agricultural irrigation using contingent valuation. We find that 30% of respondents have either “moderate” or “major” concern over the agricultural impacts of irrigation water quality. Additionally, 20% of respondents indicate that water quality has had either “moderate” or “major” impacts on their crop yields. Lastly, we find a median willingness to pay of US$39 well–1 for an incremental increase in irrigation water quality, as measured by reduced salt content.