Energy and water use in Arizona agriculture

Increasing energy and water concerns in Arizona are the driving forces to improve the efficiency of agricultural production within the state. In this article we address the energy and water uses in growing a variety of crops in Arizona. The goal of the research project is to identify and quantify all energy and water uses from the production of the initial seed, through the treatments of the soil and various chemical introductions, all the way until the crop is harvested in the field. Thus, the analysis is from seed to the edge of the field. Using a series of secondary data sources, the article provides ranges for the energy and water consumption for the predominant crops grown in the major agriculture areas of the state.