| Overview |
In some areas of the Southwest and Pacific Islands region, water use has begun to exceed water recharge,
generating concern about depleting water resources.
Population growth in some areas of the region has increased demand, while periods of drought
regularly limit the supply.
The necessity for water conservation by agriculture, industry, and individuals is becoming more real every day.
The amount and time of precipitation on most agricultural lands in Region 9 is not adequate for
producing high crop yields.
Agricultural water management entails making decisions on irrigation and, if necessary,
drainage practices on farms. In this context, water conservation means irrigating in a manner
that results in low surface runoff from the field, and only the amount of water necessary to
leach excessive salts moving below the crop root zone. Water management decisions include choices of
irrigation systems (i.e. furrow, sprinkler, drip, etc.) and programming the time and amount of irrigation.
Region 9 is engaged in research and provides science-based educational materials directed toward achieving optimal agricultural water management. The information is also useful for irrigation management in urban settings.
In addition to research and outreach aimed at agricultural water management, the USDA-CSREES, Region 9 provides programs geared toward homeowners and the general public that are designed to raise awareness of water-conserving practices and foster water-conserving behaviors in all members of our region. These water-wise programs and practices can not only help save money on water bills, but also benefit the community by conserving this precious resource. |
| Objectives |
- Maintain the soil-water content of croplands within the range that is adequate to meet the crop need (evapotranspiration (ET) demand).
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- Management decisions on irrigation systems are made with consideration of conservation options.
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- Homeowners consider and practice water conserving practices in and around the home.
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| Projects Funded |
| Coordinated Management of Water Quality Protection & Food Safety Initiatives in California Vegetable Production Conference |
| Award/Source: |
co-sponsorship of $12,500 from CSREES Southwest States & Pacific Islands Water Quality Program |
| Duration: |
April 23-25, 2007 |
| Investigator(s): |
Mary Bianchi, UC Cooperative Extension San Luis Obispo; Kay Mercer, Southern San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties Agricultural Watershed Coalition; Dr. David Crohn, Department of Environmental Sciences UC Riverside |
| Abstract: |
PDF, News Release, Final Report |
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| Developing a Potential Hazard Index for Nitrate in the Southwest States |
| Award/Source: |
$59,937 / CSREES Southwest States & Pacific Islands Water Quality Program |
| Duration: |
Sept 1, 2003 - Sept 30, 2004 |
| Investigator(s): |
Laosheng Wu and Christine French, University of California at Riverside |
| Abstract: |
PDF |
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| Economic and Hydrologic Trade-offs Between Water Consumption and Groundwater Recharge for Cover Crop Systems |
| Award/Source: |
$171,000 / National Research Initiative |
| Investigator(s): |
W.W. Wallender, University of California at Davis |
| Abstract: |
PDF |
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| Ground-Penetrating Radar, Development of a Vineyard Management Tool |
| Award/Source: |
$250,000/National Research Initiative |
| Investigator(s): |
Y.N. Rubin, University of California at Berkeley |
| Abstract: |
PDF |
