Study Explores Crop Yield Losses from Aquifer Depletion

A study led by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln performed an in-depth analysis of how aquifer depletion affects crop yields. Models showed that the further an aquifer is drawn down, the more impact further depletion has on crop yields and resilience. As the aquifer thins, it becomes progressively more difficult and expensive to access water for irrigation. As well yields decline, farmers tend to irrigate less, and crop yield suffers, in turn. The study authors also identified thresholds where the impact of aquifer decline compounded and became a runaway threat. Scientists pointed out the increasing importance of aquifers for irrigation as climate change progresses and the resulting increase in the rate of aquifer depletion.
Related ATTRA publication: The Irrigator’s Pocket Guide