Explore the impact of changing water supply in Arizona on traditional agricultural industries. Discover the efficient water management techniques used in cotton, citrus, and cattle farming. Learn about the shift from flood irrigation to more efficient systems like drip irrigation. Delve into land ownership, leasing, and water significance in Marana. Examine the cultivation of alfalfa and its implications for water consumption amid the ongoing drought.
Crops grown in the Santa Cruz River Valley in Arizona thrive due to fertile alluvial soils and efficient water management.
Growing alfalfa in Arizona presents a challenge due to its water requirements, but is tied to the demand for local milk and beef products.
Deep dives
The Benefits of Growing Crops in the Desert
In this podcast episode, the speaker highlights the advantages of growing crops in the desert, specifically in the Santa Cruz River Valley in Arizona. The alluvial soils deposited by flooding over time are highly fertile and productive if provided with adequate water. Despite misconceptions about desert agriculture, these well-managed soils can yield excellent results. Proper water management is crucial, and farmers are continuously improving their irrigation techniques to optimize efficiency. The importance of managing salt buildup in desert agriculture is also discussed.
Water and Agriculture in Arizona
This episode explores the relationship between water availability and the three main agricultural components in Arizona: cotton, citrus, and cattle. While the Central Arizona Project brings some Colorado River water to Phoenix and Tucson, groundwater and reclaimed water from municipalities are the primary sources for agriculture in Marana. Flood irrigation practices, often criticized for being water-wasteful, can be efficiently managed with proper time and water distribution control. The increasing cost of water has driven agricultural practices to become more water-efficient over time.
Challenges and Benefits of Growing Alfalfa
The podcast delves into the controversial topic of growing alfalfa in Arizona, particularly in the midst of a historic drought. Alfalfa, used primarily as animal feed, has significant water requirements. However, its cultivation is tied to the demand for locally sourced milk and beef products. The economic value of crop output per acre foot of water is explored, highlighting the high value of certain crops like vegetables. The challenges faced by farmers, particularly those renting the land, in adopting more efficient irrigation systems are also discussed.
Children in Arizona are often taught the 5 Cs that traditionally made up the state's economy: Cattle, Citrus, Climate, Copper and Cotton. As the state of our water supply changes, what's happening to those longtime industries? Tapped begins a mini-series looking to answer that question with an episode on agriculture, the economic sector that includes three of those five Cs. Is the industry that accounts 72% of the state's water consumption using its supply of water wisely?
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