Irrigation Costs Research Articles

Evaluation of Economic Operation Effect of Rural Small Water-lifting Irrigation Pumping Station Based on Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Model

With the continuous advancement of the comprehensive reform of agricultural water prices across the country, various water management units across the country have strengthened the management and protection of irrigation facilities such as irrigation pumping stations, improved the operating efficiency of irrigation pumping stations, and saved agricultural irrigation costs; There is still an imbalance in the management and protection of water-lifting irrigation pumping stations, especially in the evaluation of the economic operation effect of the pumping station. For this reason, this paper uses the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to evaluate the economic operation of small-scale rural water-lifting irrigation pumping stations. The effect was quantitatively evaluated, providing new and reliable ideas and methods for water management related management departments to evaluate the economic operation of pumping stations; through empirical research on City G, it was also found that City G is still in the economic operation of small irrigation pumping stations. There are some shortcomings, and some technical and economic measures can be used to further improve the economic operation and management efficiency of the pumping station, and further reduce the cost of agricultural irrigation.

Development of an automaton based on rigid logic to control the irrigation system

Managing the distribution of water resources for the southern regions of Russia is of great importance in connection with limiting the consumption of fresh water. The use of saline water can lead to soil salinization and negatively affect crop production. The article deals with the problem of constructing a sequential automaton for controlling the system of switching networks when watering plants on the example of the sanatorium “Rus” in the city of Anapa, Krasnodar Territory. The Mediterranean zone, where the city of Anapa is located, is characterized by a low level of precipitation, which leads to the need for artificial irrigation of plants. The existing irrigation system using a water tank truck based on the GAZ-53 is physically outdated, which required the development of a modern automated system. The flower alleys, located on the territory of the sanatorium, were structured in a tree-like form. The construction of a control device based on rigid logic is based on the Mealy automaton. A method for constructing a control system for a tree-like water supply network has been developed, which makes it possible to control the main, distribution and supply branches. A block diagram of an irrigation machine has been developed, which has a tree-like branching, which shows control signals and states of transitions. Synthesized logical equations for the control of the water supply system, using a blocking control system with feedback. It is proposed to use the Omron programmable logic controller and CX-One software as software and hardware. The distribution of the address space of the controller is shown. Simulation modeling of the system operation was carried out, which showed the correct logic of control over the work of water pressure supply in water pipelines. Implementation of the developed system will improve the quality of irrigation of plants and minimize the cost of irrigation.

Assessing the Land Consolidation Projects from the Perspective of Farmers (A Case Study in Artova District of Tokat Province in Turkey)

Land consolidation is a powerful and effective tool in solving the fragmentation problem of agricultural lands to form a larger, more rational and efficient land for the farmers. The benefits of land consolidation projects are providing access to parcels, efficient use of water resources, real location of parcels, and reducing the costs of irrigation and drainage projects. Although not sufficiently successful, the land consolidation projects in Turkey had been initiated in 1961. This study was aimed to measure and assess the knowledge, expectation and attitudes of farmers on the land consolidation project planned to be implemented for some villages in Artova District of Tokat Province, Turkey. The study was carried out in Taşpınar and Aşağı Güçlü villages which were included in the consolidation program. In these villages, 62 farmers were selected by proportional sampling method out of 175 producers registered in the Farmer Registration System (FRS) and, face to face questionnaires were carried out with them. The results indicated that the producers support the project primarily due to the convenience in irrigation and increasing the efficiency of mechanization. Chi-square analysis revealed that the problems caused by disadvantages of fragmented land structure, importance of land integrity and the experience on a previous consolidation project area are important for the producers supporting the land consolidation project.

IRRIGATION DECISIONS AND USE OF GROUNDWATER IN BANGLADESH: PERSPECTIVES ON SOME EVOLVING CRISIS

Groundwater is one of the vital rechargeable natural capitals, which serves as the main water source around the globe. In Bangladesh, about 79% of the cultivated area relies on groundwater irrigation. The perspective piece is intended to scrutinize the irrigation decisions and groundwater use in Bangladesh from published sources. The paper points that the reason behind the excessive groundwater mining is imbedded in the heavy dependence of Bangladesh on irrigated dry season rice to feed its huge populaces. Bangladesh has obtained rice self-sufficiency by foregoing environmental costs. The farming communities as a whole rarely adopted water-saving modern technologies and keep paddy fields abundantly irrigated as the marginal cost of irrigation is near zero. The irrigation water price is commonly pre-negotiated on the basis of per unit area for the whole crop season without considering the volume of water. The perspective suggests that the ignorance about the importance of groundwater and the consequent over-extraction cannot be stopped without thorough policy reforms. Bangladesh should move toward institutionalizing irrigation, design a participatory framework involving all the stakeholders in a water management network and piloting efficient water models across the country.

Analisis Penerapan Akuntansi Lingkungan pada Rumah Sakit Umum Haji Surabaya Dalam Pandangan Maqashid Syariah

This study aims to analyze the application of environmental accounting in the Hajj public hospital in the view of maqashid sharia. The hospital which is the object of this research is RSU Haji Surabaya. This study uses a qualitative analysis method and a literature study approach. Sources of data use secondary data, namely in the form of journal literature and the official hospital website. Based on the research results, it is known that RSU Haji has implemented environmental accounting by issuing environmental costs. Costs incurred related to waste management at RSU Haji Surabaya consist of water costs, decoration service fees, cleaning service fees, waste management costs, building and building maintenance costs and road maintenance, irrigation, installation and network costs. The implication of environmental accounting at RSU Haji Surabaya is an implementation of objectives in maqashid sharia. Expenditures for maintaining the environment and buildings and treating hospital waste as a form of implementation of the goals of hifzdul nafs or protecting the soul and hifdzul bi'ah or protecting the environment, where the hospital prioritizes the comfort of patients and also the community around the hospital. In addition, the costs for providing facilities and infrastructure related to the provision of prayer rooms, wudlu places and separate bathrooms are the implementation of hifdzul dein or guarding religion.

The impact of surgical site infection\u2014a cost analysis

PurposeSurgical site infection (SSI) occurs in up to 25% of patients after elective laparotomy. We aimed to determine the effect of SSI on healthcare costs and patients’ quality of life.MethodsIn this post hoc analysis based on the RECIPE trial, we studied a 30-day postoperative outcome of SSI in a single-center, prospective randomized controlled trial comparing subcutaneous wound irrigation with 0.04% polyhexanide to 0.9% saline after elective laparotomy. Total medical costs were analyzed accurately per patient with the tool of our corporate controlling team which is based on diagnosis-related groups in Germany.ResultsBetween November 2015 and May 2018, 456 patients were recruited. The overall rate of SSI was 28.2%. Overall costs of inpatient treatment were higher in the group with SSI: median 16.685 €; 19.703 USD (IQR 21.638 €; 25.552 USD) vs. median 11.235 €; 13.276 USD (IQR 11.564 €; 13.656 USD); p < 0.001. There was a difference in surgery costs (median 6.664 €; 7.870 USD with SSI vs. median 5.040 €; 5.952 USD without SSI; p = 0.001) and costs on the surgical ward (median 8.404 €; 9.924 USD with SSI vs. median 4.690 €; 5.538 USD without SSI; p < 0.001). Patients with SSI were less satisfied with the cosmetic result (4.3% vs. 16.2%; p < 0.001). Overall costs for patients who were irrigated with saline were median 12.056 €; 14.237 USD vs. median 12.793 €; 15.107 USD in the polyhexanide group (p = 0.52).ConclusionSSI after elective laparotomy increased hospital costs substantially. This is an additional reason why the prevention of SSI is important. Overall costs for intraoperative wound irrigation with saline were comparable with polyhexanide.

A Sustainable Irrigation System for Small Landholdings of Rainfed Punjab, Pakistan

Drip irrigation has long been proven beneficial for fruit and vegetable crops in Pakistan, but the only barrier in its adoption is the high cost of installation for small landholders, which is due to overdesigning of the system. In the present study, the cost of a conventional drip irrigation system was reduced by redesigning and eliminating the heavy filtration system (i.e., hydrocyclon, sand media, disc filters (groundwater source), pressure gauges, water meters, and double laterals).Purchasing the drip system from local vendors also reduced the cost. Field trials were conducted during 2015 and 2016 to observe the productive and economic effects of low-cost drip irrigation on vegetables (potato, onion, and chilies) and fruits (olive, peach, and citrus). The low-cost drip irrigation system saved 50% cost of irrigation and increased 27–54% net revenue in comparison with the furrow irrigation system. Further, water use efficiency (WUE) was found from 3.91–13.30 kg/m3 and 1.28–4.89 kg/m3 for drip irrigation and furrow irrigation systems, respectively. The physical and chemical attributes of vegetables and fruits were also improved to a reasonably good extent. The present study concluded that low-cost drip irrigation increased the yield by more than 20%, as compared with traditional furrow irrigation, and thus, it is beneficial for the small landholders (i.e., less than 2 hectares).

Factors influencing Australian sugarcane irrigators’ adoption of solar photovoltaic systems for water pumping

Sugarcane farmers have several options to manage their energy costs of irrigation. One option these farmers are yet to widely adopt is solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for energy generation. The objective of the study was to understand the potential rate and peak level of adoption by Australian sugarcane irrigators of solar PV energy systems for water pumping and the key factors influencing adoption. This study used the ADOPT framework to examine farmers' adoption behaviour regarding solar PV systems. An industry survey and expert focus group findings were used to apply the ADOPT framework, and sensitivity testing was performed. The study found that after 10 years, 50% of sugarcane farmers were estimated to adopt solar PV systems for irrigation. Farmers' adoption decisions were predicted to be influenced by several factors including economic and environmental benefits, ease of use, existing knowledge, business risk, and the farmer's current financial position. Sensitivity testing revealed that improving the profitability from installing solar PV systems could markedly increase the level of adoption. Grid connection policies and government renewable energy subsidies that increased income or reduced capital costs and thereby increased economic returns for sugarcane irrigators could improve peak adoption levels by up to 40%. Government policies had a greater impact on adoption than environmental benefits generated by the PV systems. From the results we infer that the historically changing relative advantage of the technology has resulted in some farmers exercising the option to hold off investing until they feel the relative advantage has peaked. This is the first study using the ADOPT framework to consider solar technology in Australia. • Results estimate a peak adoption level of 50% of sugarcane farmers adopting solar PV. • The level of peak adoption is sensitive to the profit advantage of the technology. • Renewable energy and grid connection policies influenced PV adoption levels. • Time to peak adoption was predicted at 10 years. • CSIRO's ADOPT framework was used for the first time to assess the adoption of PV.

PROFITABILITY OF RED SWEET PEPPER (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.) PRODUCTION IN FIELD CULTIVATION

The aim of the study was to assess the profitability of red sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) production in relation to incurred labor and capital inputs in selected horticultural farms. The analyzed group consisted of farms producing sweet pepper in traditional cultivation in the districts of Przysucha and Radom. To determine the correlation between income in the analyzed farms and expenditure, in this study, the multiple Cobb-Douglas production function was applied. Data were generated by implementing the cost accounting method for estimating the feasibility of production and it was analyzed by using project evaluation methods, like the Pay Back Period (PBP), Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR), Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). The results of the estimation of Cobb-Douglas production function parameters show that the dominant positive impact on the gross return value was the cost of seedlings, irrigation costs and overhead costs. The conducted analyzes showed that the NPV for the investment is PLN 240,148, with a B/C ratio of 1.78. On the other hand, the PBP, in this case, amounts to 1.45 crop season and the IRR reached a level of 22% annually.The sensitivity analysis carried out showed that the most important factors affecting the profitability of pepper production in field cultivation are product prices, seed costs, fertilizer costs and human labor costs.

Analysis of Weather-Related Growth Differences in Winter Wheat in a Three-Year Field Trial in North-East Germany

Winter wheat is the most important crop in Germany, which is why a three-year field trial (2015–2017) investigated the effects of weather on biometric parameters in relation to the phenological growth stage of the winter wheat varieties Opal, Kerubino, Edgar. In Brandenburg, there have been frequent extreme weather events in the growth phases that are relevant to grain yields. Two winter wheat varieties were grown per trial year and parts of the experimental field areas were irrigated. In addition, soil physical, biometric and meteorological data were collected during the growing season (March until end of July). There were five dry periods in 2015, six in 2016, and two in 2017 associated with low soil moisture. Notably, in 2016 the plant height was 5 cm lower and the cover was 15% lower than on irrigated plots. The grain yield was increased by 19% and 31% respectively by irrigation. However, due to irrigation costs, the net grain yield on irrigated plots was lower than on the unirrigated plots. It turned out that in dry years there were hardly any differences between winter wheat varieties. Multiple regression analysis showed a strong correlation between the biometric parameters considered here and the grain yield.

Effects of the Foliar Application of Potassium Fertilizer on the Grain Protein and Dough Quality of Wheat

Potassium (K) has a significant effect on wheat yield and quality. Owing to the limitations of irrigation and production costs, soil-based applications of potassium fertilizer are not performed in wheat production on the Loess Plateau of China. In the late growth stage of wheat, potassium deficiency occurs even under sufficient nitrogen/phosphorus (N/P) levels, so it is necessary to supplement potassium through foliar spraying. However, there are few studies on the effect of the foliar application of potassium fertilizer (KFA) on wheat quality. Field experiments were conducted at two experimental sites for 2 years to study the effects of different potassium fertilizer application levels and periods on wheat yield and quality. The results showed that KFA had no significant effect on the yield of the wheat variety Xinong 20 (XN20) but increased the yield of the wheat variety Xiaoyan 22 (XY22). The improvement effect of KFA on the wet gluten content and stabilization time (ST) of XN20 was better than that on these parameters of XY22, while the sedimentation value (SV) and formation time (FT) showed the opposite trend. KFA significantly reduced the albumin content of the two varieties but had no significant effect on the globulin content. Compared with that at the other two stages, the potassium application in the form of potash fertilizer spray at a concentration of 60 mmol L−1 (K2) at the flowering stage (BBCH 65) significantly increased the protein content, wet gluten content, SV and gluten protein content in XN20 grains, whereas the application at 10 days after flowering (AA10, BBCH 71) at the K2 concentration was more beneficial to prolonging the dough FT. For XY22, the application of potassium fertilizer at the K2 concentration at the flowering stage increased the wet gluten and gluten protein levels and dough development time. There were significant genotypic differences in the composition and content of HMW-GS between the two varieties. KFA significantly increased the levels of the 1, 7 + 8, and 4 + 12 subunits in XN20 and the 1 subunit in XY22, but had no significant effect on the 2 + 12 subunit in XY22. Partial least squares path modelling (PLS-PM) analysis showed that the processing quality indexes (SV, FT, ST) and gluten protein and HMW-GS levels were regulated by the potassium fertilizer foliar spraying stage and concentration and revealed in part that KFA affected the processing quality by affecting the HMW-GS content.

The potential for moral hazard behavior in irrigation decisions under crop insurance

AbstractThe design of federal crop insurance has attracted the interest and attention of many economists and policymakers in the United States. Moral hazard is a frequently cited concern, as insurance may reduce the incentive for farmers to manage properly their agricultural operation. Moral hazard could play a role in irrigation decisions by incentivizing a farmer to choose a riskier irrigation management strategy, potentially affecting the long‐term sustainability of water resources. We use numerical simulation to determine if insurance coverage affects incentives on seasonal irrigation use. Results show that the potential for moral hazard at current costs and policy parameters is low, but that there is potential for moral hazard behavior when the cost of irrigation is high. Hence, conservation policies that increase the cost of irrigation cost (e.g., a water tax) may amplify the potential for moral hazard. In most cases, crop insurance provides a secondary effect that reduces irrigation use in addition to the direct water tax effect, although this reduction comes at increased taxpayer expense. However, it is possible that irrigation use increases under crop insurance. Therefore, there is a need for the explicit consideration of the unintended side effects of crop insurance on farmers’ irrigation water use decisions, particularly in regions experiencing water scarcity and rising marginal costs of irrigation.

Assessment of Wastewater Irrigation Practices and Soil Properties in the Gazipur District of Bangladesh

The study deals with the assessment of wastewater irrigation practices and soil properties in connection with demographic information, availability of water sources, health hazards and the benefit-cost analysis in the Gazipur district of Bangladesh. A questionnaire survey was carried out to collect data on farmers' perceptions and responses to mainly agricultural production issues. It found that most respondents used wastewater because they had no alternative sources and sank their land during rush hour as well as the rainy season due to the lack of a proper wastewater disposal system by adjacent industries. The majority of respondents had skin problems from working with wastewater. No significant benefits were found from using direct wastewater in the fields. Irrigation costs could be reduced, however, fertilizer costs as well as the total cost of plant production were not adequate. The farmers did not get as much grown grain as they wanted. In addition, indirect wastewater users were rated better compared to direct users from the drainage canal. Farmers' perception showed that no major impact on the consumption of crops was noted, but rather the long-term use of wastewater in the field, which gradually reduced crop production and affected soil fertility. To evaluate Ca ++, Mg ++, K +, N, P, Cu, Pb, Cd and Ni from the investigation area; It was examined that the concentration of N, P and Cd was much higher than the standard limit. The heavy metal concentration series were as follows: Cd &lt;Cu &lt;Ni &lt;Pb. In summary, the overall results of the study suggest that untreated or partially treated wastewater will slowly affect land and crop production in the long run.

Effects of partial quantity rationing of credit on technical efficiency of Boro rice growers in Bangladesh: Application of the stochastic frontier model

In this study, we analyzed the effects of the partial quantity rationing of credit on the technical efficiency of Boro rice growers in the Pabna district of Bangladesh. Before conducting the field survey, we designed a theoretical framework and identified farm households affected by the partial quantity rationing of credit. Data were collected from 174 Boro rice growers and analyzed in two stages, where the technical efficiency of Boro rice growers was assessed using stochastic frontier analysis, and the inefficiency effects model was then applied to evaluate determinants of the technical efficiency. The mean technical efficiency of Boro rice growers was 78%, which indicates that their technical efficiency was 22% beyond the production frontier curve. The variables comprising the household head’s age, education level, seed quality, formal training, access to the market, farm labor, tillage cost, fertilizer cost, irrigation cost, and price of seedlings significantly affected the technical efficiency of rice growers. The variables of interest comprising the rate and partial quantity rationing of credit had significant negative effects on the technical efficiency of rice growers. The findings obtained in this study will help to enhance the actual production level using the available resources and improve the food security situation in Bangladesh.

Improving pumpset selection to support intensification of groundwater irrigation in the Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains

Intensification of groundwater irrigation is central to goals of improving food security and reducing chronic poverty faced by millions of rural households across the eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains (EIGP) of Nepal and parts of eastern India. At present, levels of groundwater use and access in the EIGP lag far behind other areas of South Asia despite abundant available groundwater resources. A key reason for prevailing access constraints is the dependence on diesel pumpsets for accessing groundwater, which are typically unsubsidised and therefore expensive to purchase and operate. To date, efforts to reduce access costs have focused almost exclusively on how to incentivise adoption of alternative electric or solar-powered pumping technologies, which are viewed as being cheaper to operate and less environmentally damaging due to their lower operational carbon emissions. In contrast, there has been little attention paid to identifying opportunities to make existing diesel pump systems more cost effective for farmers to operate in order to support adaptation to climate change and reduce poverty. In this study, we use evidence from 116 detailed in-situ pump tests along with interviews with pumpset dealers, mechanics and farmers in the Nepal Terai to assess how and why fuel efficiency and operational costs of diesel pump irrigation are affected by farmers’ pumpset selection decisions. We show that costs diesel pumpset irrigation can be reduced significantly by supporting and incentivising farmers (e.g., through equipment advisories, improved supply chains for maintenance services and spare parts) to invest in newer low-cost, portable and smaller horsepower pumpset designs that are more effectively matched to local operating conditions in the EIGP than older Indian manufactured engines that have historically been preferred by farmers in the region. Such interventions can help to unlock potential for intensified irrigation water use in the EIGP, contributing to goals of improving agricultural productivity and resilience to climate extremes while also strengthening farmers capacity to invest in emerging low-carbon pumping technologies.

Profit Efficiency of Rice Farms in Wet-Season Lowlands in Champhone District, Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR

This study analyzed factors affecting profit efficiency of rice farms in wet-season lowlands in the Champhone District of Savannakhet Province in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic based on a farmer’s decision to maximize profits. The profit efficiency approach has an advantage in that it provides insights into both inputs and outputs. To analyze profit efficiency, the stochastic production frontier model with assumptions about the time period and types of inputs was applied in the study. The study found similar results to previous studies related to efficiency measurements using a stochastic frontier analysis. Rice production and selling prices have positive signs with respect to the rate of return; however, costs of labor, seed, irrigation, fertilizers, and maintenance have negative signs with respect to the rate of revenue. However, the results from the inefficiency model showed the different role of education. The previous studies found that education level did not play an important role in improving rice productivity in Laos, however, the present study found that education level played a significant role in increasing profits.

Economic Analysis of Irrigation Water under Different Water Use Regimes in Godavari Command Area

A study was undertaken in Karimnagar and Warangal districts falling under the Godavari command area of Telangana to analyze the economics of irrigation among the farm households across surface water (SW), groundwater (GW) and conjunctive use (CU) regimes. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and natural resource economics tools. The farms under CU realized higher net returns per acre (` 11792) followed by GW farms (` 8229) and SW farms (` 7516). There was also an enhanced savings to the extent of ` 10900 per acre due to reduction in the expenditure on human labour, machine labour, marketing and irrigation cost under CU regime when compared to GW regime. The per annum volume of surface water used in the case of SW farms and CU farms was 263 acre inches and 182 acre inches, respectively. Volume of water used in case of CU is less when compared to SW regimes. Annual cost of irrigation water per acre was found to be highest in GW farms (` 6916) when compared to SW (` 1284) and CU (` 4063) farms. This study has shown the potential benefits of CU regime over SW and GW regime.

Growth and Yield Performance of Selected Wheat Genotypes at Variable Irrigation Management

Growth and Yield Performance of Selected Wheat Genotypes at Variable Irrigation Management

Afforestation for carbon sequestration in the Lower Mississippi River Basin of Arkansas, USA: Does modeling of land use at fine spatial resolution reveal lower carbon cost?

We use optimization of a structural dynamic model to evaluate the cost of carbon sequestration when afforestation subsidies are used to encourage private landowners to switch from cropland to forestry. Our model allows for the planting of either softwood or hardwood forest types with flexible rotation lengths, in addition to irrigated crops. We apply the model to a portion of the Lower Mississippi River Basin in Arkansas where groundwater overdraft lowers the profitability of irrigated crops. In our baseline model with a 5% discount rate, a subsidy for afforestation from $1000 to $4500 per acre increases pine plantings, aquifer volume, and carbon sequestration above the levels without a subsidy. The average cost to sequester a ton of carbon increases from $13 ($3.55 per ton CO2eq) at the lowest subsidy to $36 ($9.84 per ton CO2eq) at the highest. Lower costs are achievable when soybeans are prominent on the landscape and high costs result when rice and corn dominate. Reducing the discount rate from 5% to 2% changes the afforestation type from fast growing softwoods to slow growing hardwoods, and this substantially lowers the cost of carbon sequestration. Delaying the implementation of an afforestation subsidy until irrigation costs rise from groundwater scarcity will increase the costs of carbon sequestration because many landowners will choose forest types with longer rotations without a subsidy. A carbon credit scheme leads to only afforestation by no harvest hardwoods.

Irrigation Practices under Boro Rice Cultivation in Haor Areas of Sunamganj, Bangladesh

A field study was conducted in the ‘haor’ areas of Sunamgonj district, Bangladesh, aimed to investigate the present irrigation practices to identify the related problems for ‘Boro’ rice cultivation. The primary field data were collected by interviewing 120 farmers (landless, small, medium, and large farmers) through survey. Most of the farmers used ‘beel’ (37.5%) as the main source of irrigation water. As water-lifting devices, they mostly used Low Lift Pumps (77.5%). The cost of irrigation was observed the lowest at Derai [Tk. 12,232 ($ 146.784) per season] and the highest was at Dakshin Sunamganj [Tk. 46109 ($ 553.31) per season], respectively. The highest benefit-cost ratio (BCR) was observed at Derai (2.48) and the lowest was at Dowarabazar (2.01). The financial problem, less water supply, lack of irrigation equipment, and knowledge about operating the equipment were identified as the main problems suffered by the farmers. These problems can be solved by distributing irrigation equipments at a reasonable price, and arranging training programs to develop the farmers’ skills.