Abstract

PULIDO-MADRIGAL, L.; SIMUTA-CHAMPO, R.; GONZALEZ-MERAZ, J.  and  SAUCEDO, H.. Sustainable agricultural production when ground water is overextracted. Terra Latinoam [online]. 2012, vol.30, n.4, pp.303-313. ISSN 2395-8030.

This study was conducted to update information on the extraction and use of groundwater in the basin of Laguna Seca, Guanajuato, Mexico, as well as to propose action plans leading to sustainability. From the 1126 well inventory within the basin area, including field inspections and direct outflow measurements in the pumping equipment, an annual extraction of 281 088 Dm3 for crop irrigation was determined. From previous data, an annual recharge of 147 208 Dm3 was estimated, indicating a sustainable extraction rate. If the present annual extraction rate is 297 507 Dm3, then there is a 150 299 Dm3 deficit. Several action plans were proposed to reach a balance in the aquifer, each representing a single alternative. The first alternative considers modernizing 21 463 ha of natural irrigation of the basin, which would allow a balance between recharge and water extraction by limiting withdrawals and reducing repetition of annual crops. The second alternative deals with the proportional reduction in area of each of the crops grown within the basin until finding that which uses 130 789 Dm3 for irrigation, along with the modernization of all the irrigation systems in the reduced irrigated area. The third alternative is a combination of the above, and considers more advanced technology for the entire irrigation area and closure of certain wells to reduce pumping and thus balance extractions against recharge.

Keywords : water extraction; irrigated agriculture; technological irrigation development; groundwater balance.

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