Analysis of potential for supplemental irrigation in southern Illinois

Scott, John T., Jr.; Taylor, James A.K.; Braden, John B.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/89770 Copy

Description

Title

Analysis of potential for supplemental irrigation in southern Illinois

Author(s)

• Scott, John T., Jr.
• Taylor, James A.K.
• Braden, John B.

Contributor(s)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Issue Date

1985-12

Keyword(s)

• Water resource development
• Water resource development--Illinois
• Agriculture
• Irrigation potential
• Supplemental irrigation
• Waste water irrigation
• Agricultural runoff
• Rainfall runoff relationships
• Reservoir capacity
• Reservoir siting
• Water conservation
• Conservation storage
• Recycling
• Management system or practice

Geographic Coverage

Illinois (state)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the potential for supplemental crop irrigation of the tight subsoil area of Southern Illinois with surface water impounded in small catchment reservoirs. The geographic area of the tight soils (mainly the southern 1/3 of Illinois includes almost 25 percent of the state. Random statistical sampling was used to select topographic quadrangles in this area for investigation of reservoir sites. Costs and water volume were then computed for sites with potential for reservoir siting. The results of the survey of potential reservoirs and cost analysis indicate about 1.2 million acres of land in the claypan area of Southern Illinois can be irrigated under current cost conditions depending on the price of corn and soybeans. From inspection of the best potential reservoir sites, watersheds, and irrigation areas, a specific site was selected for detailed analysis. Site analysis showed the most profitable management practice to be a corn-soybean rotation with reduced tillage, up-and-down slopes plowing, and irrigation. Further analysis was performed concerning the effect of sedimentation on reservoir capacity and, optimal land use. The results indicate that, over a thirty-year period, sedimentation will not have any appreciable effect on reservoir capacity and on land use practice. Finally, the supplemental irrigation system was analysed to determine its overall economic feasibility. A supply curve for irrigation from reservoirs was developed.

Publisher

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Water Resources Center

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/89770

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

• U.S. Department of the Interior
• U.S. Geological Survey

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 1985 held by John T. Scott, Jr., James A.K. Taylor, John B. Braden

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