Effects of modernization and medium term perspectives on water and energy use in irrigation districts

García, I. Fernández; Díaz, J.A. Rodríguez; Poyato, Emilio Camacho; Montesinos, Philippe; Berbel, Julio

doi:10.1016/j.agsy.2014.08.002

Cited by 54 publications

(36 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…Nevertheless, it is beyond the scope of this study to examine those impacts. A more detailed analysis of the consequences of modernisation at the farm level can be found in Fernández, García et al [30], and at a basin level in Berbel et al [31].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainability Implications of Deficit Irrigation in a Mature Water Economy: A Case Study in Southern Spain

Expósito

Berbel

2017

Sustainability

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Deficit irrigation (DI) is an agricultural practice in which the volume of irrigation water applied during the crop cycle is below the irrigation requirements for maximum production, the aim of which is to increase irrigation water productivity. Most research on this technique has focused on agronomic strategies while the economic and environmental consequences have received little attention. This study aims to shed some light on this matter and presents preliminary results regarding the implications of DI with respect to the sustainable use of water resources. The analysis is based on the DPSIR analytical framework (Driving force/Pressure/State/Impact/Response) and the microeconomics of DI. The case study focuses on intensive olive groves in the Guadalquivir river basin in Southern Spain (where olive cultivation accounts for 50% of the total irrigated area). The analysis shows that the widespread use of DI practices, which is the farmers' response to a decreasing net water supply and falling farm incomes (driving force) in the context of a mature water economy, may help to break the DPSIR chain of causality, provided that there are restrictions on any expansion in irrigated area. They can, thus, play a role in achieving sustainable water use. Conversely, demand and supply (regulator) responses involving raising the price of water would lead to higher pressures on the resource and represent a negative driving force in our DPSIR model.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainability Implications of Deficit Irrigation in a Mature Water Economy: A Case Study in Southern Spain

Expósito

Berbel

2017

Sustainability

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“…Other empirical analyses of the transformation of irrigated systems in Spain with the abovementioned land constraints have been conducted by Soto-García et al (2013), Fernández-García et al (2014 and García-Mollá et al (2013). All the authors concluded that water diversion (abstraction) was significantly reduced (by 25%-45%), but that water depletion (evapotranspiration) did not increase.…”

Section: Empirical Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These new pressurized pipe systems operate on demand, which has allowed high frequency irrigation, optimal crop irrigation scheduling, and the diversification of cropping patterns towards higher value crops (Fernández-García et al 2014). The modernization of irrigated systems and projected water savings is a key measure in the implementation of River Basin Management Plans (RBMP) in Spain.…”

Section: Case Study: Impact Of Water-conserving Investments In the Gumentioning

confidence: 99%

Literature Review on Rebound Effect of Water Saving Measures and Analysis of a Spanish Case Study

Berbel

Gutiérrez‐Martín

Díaz

et al. 2014

Water Resour Manage

180

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POST-PRINT VERSION AbstractThe hypothesis of a rebound effect as a consequence of water saving investments is taken analogically from the Jevons paradox models in energy economics. The European Commission (EC) alert about the consequences in water stressed regions that are investing heavily in modernization of irrigation networks and systems. This paper reviews the literature, linking water savings with water diversion and water depletion, both from theoretical models and empirical evidence from the published research. In order to increase knowledge of this phenomenon, a new empirical case study is presented based on a survey of 36,000 ha of recently modernized irrigated areas in the Guadalquivir basin (southern Spain). The results of the case study illustrates the conditions that may avoid rebound effect, although the results of the available empirical evidence and the published theoretical research are diverse and lead to contradictory results. Further research is therefore needed to determine the causes and solutions of water saving investment impacts and the possible speculative rebound effect.Keywords: Water conservation; Jevons paradox; Rebound effect; Water pricing; Water use; Water consumption; Spain Highlights The present study analyzes the theoretical and empirical evidence that water saving investments may lead to increased water use and/or consumption. Some authors suggest that if irrigated land expansion is not constrained, increased water abstractions are likely to occur. When land expansion is constrained and water rights are controlled, water depletion does not increase. The results of published research are diverse and have yielded contradictory results regarding the rebound effect as a consequence of water saving investments.

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“…Studies such as Playán (2002), Playán and Mateos (2006), Perry et al (2009), Lecina et al (2010a), Cots (2011) andFernández-García et al (2014) have presented different scenarios in which the introduction of saving technologies have had implications that are contrary to the desired effect. Firstly, the modernization of irrigation systems can often be accompanied by crop intensification towards more productive varieties that have higher water requirements, which increases both evapotranspiration and water consumption (Lecina et al, 2010a;Gutiérrez-Martín & Gómez, 2011;Fernández-García et al, 2014).…”

Section: Drip Irrigation: Intended and Unintended Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Firstly, the modernization of irrigation systems can often be accompanied by crop intensification towards more productive varieties that have higher water requirements, which increases both evapotranspiration and water consumption (Lecina et al, 2010a;Gutiérrez-Martín & Gómez, 2011;Fernández-García et al, 2014). Secondly, water saved locally is frequently used for other purposes.…”

Section: Drip Irrigation: Intended and Unintended Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of drip irrigation promotion policies on water use and irrigation costs in Valencia, Spain

2016

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[AQ1]The aim of this study is to conduct an ex post analysis of the generalized implementation of drip irrigation in the last two decades in the Valencia Region (Spain). Due to the important role played by water users' associations (WUAs) in this socio-technological change in the region, this research was based on 77 interviews with different WUAs that provided information prior and subsequent to modernization. Firstly, we review the published studies concerning the effects generated by this technological change and describe the drip irrigation promotion policies implemented by national and regional governments. Subsequently, we analyse the consequences for irrigation associations, including effects on water use and irrigation costs.The reduction of water withdrawals has been generally significant. This was possible because the regional contextual factors prevented, in most cases, crop intensification and areal expansion. Nevertheless, due to the enormous investment effort and the resulting maintenance costs, the technological change has increased irrigation costs, generating some uncertainties concerning the financial sustainability of some WUAs. In conclusion, a thorough assessment of contextual factors and accompanying measures such as technical assistance and monitoring appear to be indispensable to avoid unforeseen effects and to achieve the potential goals of conversion to drip technologies.1

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Effects of modernization and medium term perspectives on water and energy use in irrigation districts

Cited by 54 publications

References 22 publications

Sustainability Implications of Deficit Irrigation in a Mature Water Economy: A Case Study in Southern Spain

Sustainability Implications of Deficit Irrigation in a Mature Water Economy: A Case Study in Southern Spain

Literature Review on Rebound Effect of Water Saving Measures and Analysis of a Spanish Case Study

Effects of drip irrigation promotion policies on water use and irrigation costs in Valencia, Spain

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