WSP05599

• File Number: 8200.750
• Description: San Juan River General
• State: CO
• Basin: San Juan/Dolores
• Water Division: 7
• Date: 6/1/1987
• Author: Western Research Cor
• Title: Economic Analysis of Potentially Irrigable Parcels in the Animas and Florida Watersheds - June 1987
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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cropping patterns for each climatic zone, and derived an estimated
repayment capacity based upon that cropping pattern that maximized
on-farm returns. No distinctions were made between various land
classes in developing the Level A repayment capacities. Instead, the
favorable assumption was made that all parcels were capable of
producing crops and yields associated with Class 1 soils.
In some cases, however, individual parcels are unsuitable for the
cropping patterns associated with Class 1 soils, Thus, the first step
in the Level B economic analysis was to substitute an appropriate
cropping pattern, if necessary, based upon the land classification of
the parcel under consideration. The crop suitability assessments were
based upon the results of the agronomic study conducted by Boyle
Engineering. Once an appropriate cropping pattern was substituted,
on-farm returns were recalculated using the new cropping pattern, and
appropriate adjustments were made to the repayment capacity estimate
for the parcel.
3.0 Land Clearing and Preparation
The Level A economic analysis included the costs of seedbed
tillage operations necessary to establish irrigated crops on untilled
soil. The Level A analysis did not, however, include the costs of
canopy and brush removal prior to seedbed preparation. These costs
were omitted from the Level A analysis because they can vary from
parcel to parcel depending upon the extent of canopy cover. To
estimate canopy and brush removal costs, parcels were classified into
one of three categories based upon the land classification analysis
performed by Stoneman-Landers, Inc. These categories are:

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