Less than 1 percent is irrigated. Cotton, cantaloupes, and vegetables are the principal crops. Grain sorghum, alfalfa, and other feed and forage crops are also grown. Broad desert basins and valleys are bordered by gently sloping to strongly sloping fans and terraces. Average annual precipitation -200 to 325 mm.
Maximum precipitation is from midspring to midautumn.
Scarce surface water and low precipitation are severe limitations to use of the area for range. The Rio Grande and Pecos Rivers and a few of their larger tributaries are the only perennial streams. Water for irrigation generally is obtained from these rivers or from wells. Ground water in deep valley fill provides water for domestic use and for livestock and in places for some irrigation. Most of the soils are Argids and Orthids.