withdrawals and not statistically detect changes on water characteristics that impact the ecology. We can thus determine ahead of time the cumulative withdrawals that can be made without consequences to the ecology.
Use of Groundwater At first, AUII embraced renewable surface water as a source for irrigation, but we’ve recently found that in some areas of the state groundwater may be the best economic and environmental choice. The Geological Survey of Alabama estimates that the volume of groundwater in Alabama is 16.5 times greater than the volume of surface waters flowing through the state annually. Groundwater, which is not as affected by short-term drought as is surface water, may be important where surface sources are threatened or not available. At the same time, care must be taken to avoid depletion, and the amount withdrawn and the density of wells must be tracked carefully.
Strategic Plan for Expanded and Environmentally Sustainable Irrigation in Alabama • Education: For Alabama to expand irrigation, farmers must be convinced that irriga-
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tion is the right business decision. Alabama’s agricultural schools and farmers’ organizations need to develop educational outreach programs that outline the long-term economic benefits of irrigation. • State Economic Incentives: High risk and low capital can be offset by incentives. Low interest rate, long-term, state-backed loans can encourage investments in irrigation. Research suggests that the payback to the
state for this economic incentive is at least equivalent to, if not better than, similar incentives, including those invested in Thyssen Krupp Steel in Mobile, Alabama. The state would regain its money through direct payback of the loans and enhanced tax revenue. The money to make these investments could be provided by a state agricultural bond issue much as ThyssenKrupp and other industrial incentives have