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Abstract
This study evaluates seven irrigation systems for use in production of
grain sorghum and corn. These systems are medium pressure center-pivot (MPCP),
low pressure center-pivot (LPCP), low drift nozzle center-pivot (LDN) , low energy
precision application center-pivot (LEPA), furrow flood (FF) , surge flood (SF),
and subsurface drip (SD). After-tax net present value estimates from investing
in and using each system over a 10-year period to produce grain sorghum and corn
are compared. The surge flood system, has the highest net returns under typical
conditions for irrigation of both grain sorghum and corn. The furrow flood
system generates the next highest net returns for both crops, followed by the
subsurface drip system. The medium pressure center-pivot system is the least
profitable for both crops. Of the center-pivot systems, the low pressure system
has the highest net return, but is followed very closely by the low drift nozzle
system. The results of the sensitivity analysis indicate that the net return
estimates and ranking of the subsurface drip system are very sensitive to the
yield response to irrigation. Lower than average crop prices also have a
substantial impact on the ranking of this system. The original investment cost
is also an important determinant of its net return.