150 IRRIGATION BY WELLS PROFITABLE 



well is available. True, the depth to the water varies 

 and is often great and the supply may not be inexhaust- 

 ible, but each in its degree will aid in the growth of crops, 

 and is a valuable acquisition to any farm where the supply 

 of moisture is inadequate. 



Well irrigation is especially adapted to small tracts 

 of from 20 to 40 acres, but like all enterprises, large 

 operations can usually be conducted more economically 

 than small ones. Given the possibility of securing a good 

 well, it costs approximately $25 an acre to place small 

 tracts under such irrigation. In a section in New Mexico 

 where a strong underflow is encountered at depths vary- 

 ing from 15 to 100 feet, it is calculated that a plant can 

 be installed for $2,000 which will be capable of water- 

 ing 200 acres. The annual cost of operation will average 

 smaller as the scale of operations increases. There are, 

 however, many advantages for the small farmer, and in 

 the end his profits will doubtless be large. 



Power is the most important and the most expensive 

 item to take account of. Where electricity is unavailable, 

 gasoline engines must be resorted to and the high cost 

 of fuel, especially in the remote localities, is a serious 

 obstacle. In this New Mexico locality it costs from $3 

 to $4 an acre foot to produce water, and under present 

 conditions 2 feet or more are necessary to produce a 

 crop. The endeavor now is to combine the irrigation 

 and dry farming methods, thus reducing the quantity of 

 water necessary. Wind power is used to some extent 

 and is less expensive than any other, but it can only be 

 utilized in connection with large storage tanks or reser- 

 voirs. It often happens that the wind ceases to blow 

 just the time when water is most needed. 



