Irrigation Studies

The unintended consequences of converting flood-irrigated land to sprinkler irrigation is a growing topic of dialogue surrounding irrigation in Montana. The economic and conservation benefits of pivot irrigation are convincing many Montana irrigators to install sprinkler irrigation systems that allow for more precise management of water and soil and require less operator time. However, many rural residents rely on irrigation-recharged groundwater for domestic and stock water. Reduced aquifer recharge as a consequence of more efficient irrigation can reduce groundwater supplies and, in some locations, baseflow to streams. The MBMG’s research into irrigation sources of groundwater recharge, and characteristics of aquifers that are particularly vulnerable to changes in recharge, encourages including groundwater in the considerations of pivot siting.

Related Publications and Data