Only one-third of all cropland in Texas, however, is irrigated. One hundred percent of all Texas citrus and 87 percent of all vegetables produced in Texas come from irrigated lands. Present agricultural production methods, in general, were developed when water was cheap and abundant. Most farmers today irrigate without measuring the amount of water applied to their fields because metering has traditionally cost more than farmers felt it was worth. Most farmers also still irrigate by the calendar or the clock rather than when the soil moisture or plants indicate a need for water.
Water saved by farmers can certainly mean dollars in their pockets.
Decreasing water demand should not mean taking land out of production or settling for lower yields. Productivity should be held stable or increased, according to Grubb, because of growing world food and fiber needs and because of the economic impact of agricultural production in Texas. His challenge to agricultural researchers emphasizes problems to be solved if Texas is to continue as a leader in food and fiber production. Grubb's challenge does not stop with research results, however. Individual farmers should be convinced of the need to conserve irrigation water.