Impact of energy cost and water resource availability on agriculture and ground water quality in California

摘要: Abstract This paper discusses the simultaneous effects of water scarcity and energy price increases on farm-level decisions such as water-related technology substitution cropping patterns, groundwater quantity quality, farm income. A dynamic model is used. The maximizes lomg-run private profits by incorporating relationships level quality in aquifer, with management change. applied a regional scale to conditions Kern Country, California. region has been hit six-year drought, faces proposed increase electricity rates for agricultural-class customers. simulation results suggest that over time, given changes availability prices, proportion irrigation will increase, patterns consist higher shares salt-tolerant crops, more saving pumping equipment replace existing technologies, agricultural net income drop significantly, aquifer drop, its degrade. In extreme scenarios, agriculture may cease locations depending heavily groundwater.