HYDROLOGIC IMPACTS DUE TO CHANGES IN CONVEYANCE AND CONVERSION FROM FLOOD TO SPRINKLER IRRIGATION PRACTICES

Quantification of the potential hydrologic impacts to a watershed when irrigation systems are converted from flood to sprinklers. Relation of these impacts to various hydrologic components which they occur. Specific objectives included the determination of changes in return flow timing, total annual river flow, agricultural production, surface water and groundwater quality, and groundwater levels in the confined aquifer impacting river charge. Irrigation practices in the Star Valley in Western Wyoming were converted from flood to sprinkler irrigation to improve aplication and conveyance efficiencies enhancing the agricultural production.