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Unit 2: Applying Ecological Principles

Water Management

Center pivot irrigation on wheat growing in Yuma County, Colorado. (Gene Alexander, USDA NRCS)

There are about 61 million acres of irrigated land in the United States (primarily in the West). Managers of irrigated land have an obvious interest in and concern about water management. But in a broader sense all farmers and ranchers, whether or not they irrigate, are concerned with water management. This priority is exemplified in the water management goals shared by many farmers and ranchers across the country:

• conserve water

• increase water use efficiency

• minimize impacts of drought

• maintain or improve water quality

To learn more about water management for sustainable agriculture, explore the following resources:
Smart Water Use on Your Farm or Ranch (SARE)
Water Management Publications List (ATTRA)