Water Management for Profit Maximization

Abstract

Managing irrigation water to replace soil moisture depletion is equivalent to managing water for yield maximization, and does not constitute efficient resource use. Irrigation water allocation models should be based on profit maximization, which will occur at the same point that maximizes water use efficiency. The objectives of this study were to: (i) optimize water allocation based on profit maximization; and (ii) compare curvilinear and linear water production functions for profit maximization. Water production functions were developed for four seasonal harvests of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) from data collected over a 6-yr field research project conducted at the University of Nevada, Reno [...]