*Article* **Adoption of Water-Conserving Irrigation Practices among Row-Crop Growers in Mississippi, USA**

**Nicolas Quintana-Ashwell 1,\*, Drew M. Gholson 1, L. Jason Krutz 2, Christopher G. Henry <sup>3</sup> and Trey Cooke <sup>4</sup>**


Received: 16 June 2020; Accepted: 17 July 2020; Published: 27 July 2020

**Abstract:** This article identifies irrigated row-crop farmer factors associated with the adoption of water-conserving practices. The analysis is performed on data from a survey of irrigators in Mississippi. Regression results show that the amount of irrigated area, years of education, perception of a groundwater problem, and participation in conservation programs are positively associated with practice adoption; while number of years farming, growing rice, and pumping cost are negatively associated with adoption. However, not all factors are statistically significant for all practices. Survey results indicate that only a third of growers are aware of groundwater problems at the farm or state level; and this lack of awareness is related to whether farmers noticed a change in the depth to water distance in their irrigation wells. This evidence is consistent with a report to Congress from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that recommends policies promoting the use of: (1) more efficient irrigation technology and practices and (2) precision agriculture technologies, such as soil moisture sensors and irrigation automation.

**Keywords:** irrigation; groundwater; alluvial aquifer; water conservation adoption; row crops; Mississippi Delta; precision agriculture; Lower Mississippi River Valley
