Abstract
Irrigation has brought food production and economic benefits to arid regions, but there has been an environmental cost in the form of a lower water table, contaminated ground water, and corporate farming. Efficient center-pivot irrigation systems have replaced gravity irrigation and have opened up many new areas to irrigation and cultivation. Small towns have profited from agriculture-related business and investment. Center pivots are expected to be a major factor in Nebraska's agricultural output, for example, but land clearing for the center pivots has led to considerable erosion and has increased the rate of runoff contaminated with pesticides and fertilizers. Because sinking water tables threaten the existence of some rivers and wells, a number of studies are underway to see if irrigation needs to be limited. Competition for water resources has led to numerous lawsuits and new legislation. 19 references.
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