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"" it",) ;=.> ~ 11 , , '..-" Costs and Impacts of Alternative Programs - Determine alternative installation and annual costs of alternatives to (1) improve on-farm irrigation systems and water management, and (2) treat the upland drainage. Determine the salt and water budgets for these alternatives. Develop cost return data by crop for high, medium and low management level of water use to determine the impact on yields" irrigation labor, net returns, and return to management. \. ..~: Implementation Program - Existing USDA-SCS programs for implementation of proposed and approved works of improvement are: JlBCS, RC&D, PL-566 and technical assistance. The capability and effectiveness of one or a combination of the existing programs, and consideration given to'the development of a new program will be directly related to the time f~ proposed for implementation and to the importance placed on operation and maintenance of the improvements to obtain the goals of the program. Justification for installation of works of improvement should be well established by the time implementation is proposed; therefore the time needed for development of an RC&D measure plan or a watershed work plan may be much less than normal. Applicability of a particular program will need to be determined on a case basis. A "new" program of long term contracting similar to GP may warrant review for applicability to accelerating the implementation of the proposed works of improvement. Generally, the most effective means of securing on-i'arm irrigation improvements is to provide technical and monetary assistan"e to the farm owner or operator, and provide him assurance that he will receive a,lequate benefits. To be acceptable, cost share rates should t'e "standard" valley wide even though benefits (reduction in salt loading, increased production, etc.) may vary considerably by soil class. There are many combinations of measures and levels of program" that could be considered. Measures include improving gravity systems, use of new technology such as drip, bubblers, or automation; technical assistance and information service to design new systems, field demonstrations of how to apply the required irrigation application, research and demonstra- tion of new systems; and better measurement of water. Other factors that affect water use include economic benefits to the farmers, cost sharing, water pricing pOlicy, and a willingness on the farmer's part to want to improve his water management. General Procedures for the Survey 1. Review and evaluate related on-farm research and demonstration projects, both completed and on-going. Also, consider needs for additional projects.