Managing Irrigation for Better River Ecosystems—A Case Study of the Middle Rio Grande
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 132, Issue 6
Abstract
The technology of irrigated agriculture has often been controversial. The development agencies would praise its productivity, as only 18% of the world’s cultivated land is irrigated but produces roughly 33% of the world’s human food supply. Environmental and ecological concerns cite the degradation of natural landscapes, elimination of floodplains and wetlands, and profound impacts on wildlife habitats. Dr. Mark Fiege (University of Washington Press, Seattle, 1999) in his book entitled Irrigated Eden: The Making of an Agricultural Landscape in the American West proposes a possible reconciling view—that irrigation should be viewed as a manmade ecological system, in which land and water are modified to increase agricultural production. The reported research has used this ecological approach to study the Middle Rio Grande irrigated landscape, for the purpose of identifying options for water and ecosystem conservation. This article presents research findings related to opportunities in the agricultural sector to reduce water diversions from the river, primarily by changing the practice of continuous canal water delivery to rotational water delivery. Following the research recommendations since 2002, irrigation water users in the Middle Rio Grande Valley have reduced their diversions by more than 30%, which means more water is now available in the river for better ecology in general and for better fish and wildlife habitat in particular.
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Acknowledgments
The writers would like to thank the Interstate Stream Commission, New Mexico Office of State Engineer that provided funds for this research. The MRGCD Chief Engineer, office staff, and the field personnel fully cooperated in implementing the field work. The research also greatly benefited from the assistance provided by the staff of S.S. Papadopulos and Associates, Inc. The writers are very grateful to the staff of these organizations for their expert advice and assistance.
References
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© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: Aug 17, 2004
Accepted: Jan 3, 2006
Published online: Dec 1, 2006
Published in print: Dec 2006
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