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Show mands, like national defense, public roads, soil con- servation, and flood control, may limit the rate of expenditure for irrigation construction. There is high economic value, in cases of rehabilitation, in preserving existing local economies. However, there is some possibility of concentra- tion in the large block units on crops which could be considered surplus in 1950. The relation of these units to the grazing industry also is not clear; there is doubt as to irrigability of some land pro- posed for irrigation; and the economics of those blocks in subhumid areas have not been determined. It is possible that where needed and physically feasible, pump irrigation may be much more eco- nomical than surface supplies planned. The Platte Valley of Nebraska is an example. In the light of these facts the large block units proposed, like Oahe and Missouri-Souris, the projects in subhumid areas, and the projects in areas in which copious ground water supplies exist should be carefully reviewed in their regional and economic relationships before construction proceeds on them. Assistance to small irrigation units.-A more ade- quate program of assistance is needed for farmers in State and private irrigated areas. This aid is needed to refinance enterprises, repair and rehabili- tate irrigation and drainage, provide technical help in planning and constructing such works, and finance needed improvements. It is necessary to help both the districts and the farmers. An expanded program to aid farmers on irrigated lands is needed. This would involve land classifi- cation,21 assistance in subdividing lands into oper- able units, financial and technical help in preparing land for irrigation and in establishing efficient farm- ing and conservation practices. It would also in- clude adequate credit, advice, and assistance in de- veloping market outlets, electrification, telephones, and other community facilities. An expanded program of research is needed to help determine the best use of water in connection with crop production, the most effective drainage methods, and the best ways of using soil and water together to prevent waste of both. If other considerations are substantially equal, construction for irrigation of small land units, in which there are already large investments, should have priority over construction of facilities for irri- gation of new land. Including soil surveys. 4. Integration of Irrigation with Nonirrigated Cropping and Grazing The Problem Relation of nonirrigated cropping and grazing to irrigation programs and possibilities of integration. The Situation Integrated or complementary use of irrigated and nonirrigated land is extensive on all types of irriga- tion projects in the basin. Land use is integrated both on single farms and between farms. Intrafarm integrated land use is prevalent on both shoestring units and blocked units. On both types of units, individual farms include both irrigated and nonirrigated land. Us- ually some nonirrigated land is cropland and the remainder is range. An individual farmer may grow alfalfa or other forage crops, some grain, and perhaps sugar beets on his irrigated land, produce wheat or barley on the nonirrigated cropland, and graze cattle or sheep on nearby range land. He carries his livestock through the winter on alfalfa, other forage, and grain. In some cases, he may fatten livestock for market. Some interfarm integration of land use occurs on shoestring units, but probably more on block units. The irrigation farmer produces alfalfa, possibly other forage, and sugar beets on his irrigated land. During the winter he may either feed his own live- stock, or contract to feed the animals of some dry- land farmer or rancher. In this way the irrigated farm is materially benefited by the waste and manure remaining on the land. In another type of interfarm land use integration, the feed is pro- duced on the irrigated farm and sold to a livestock owner. This method progressively reduces the fertility of the irrigated land. Both intrafarm and interfarm integration have a stabilizing effect on the local economy. They as- sure feed for fattening livestock in most years and at least maintenance of breeding herds in dry years. Other irrigation farmers prefer to pasture and feed their own livestock. This practice is also conducive to maintenance of soil fertility, and as- sures the irrigation farmer of a steady market for his feed and forage. However, in some areas com- plete integration of land use is difficult because the range land is too remote from irrigated land to be economically used in conjunction with it. 223 |
