Economic Feasibility of Conversion to a Lower Energy Precision Application Irrigation System in the Texas High Plains

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the farm level economic feasibility of converting a standard 1/4 mile center pivot low pressure sprinkler irrigation system to a low energy precision application (LEPA) irrigation system for corn produc-tion in the Texas High Plains. It was found that the irrgation system results in increased water use efficiency, which further results in increased corn yields. Thus, LEPA is a viable irriga-tion option to producers in the Texas High plains because the benefits from its use outweigh the costs.