Multi-Level Influences on Center-Pivot Irrigation Adoption in Alabama

Rates of poverty and economic inequality in rural Alabama are among the nation's highest increasing agricultural productivity can provide a needed boost to these communities. The transition from rain-fed irrigation-fed (RFtoIF) agriculture has significantly increased farm profitability elsewhere United States. Despite this potential enhance stability resilience economies, irrigated cropland accounts for only 5% Alabama's total as numerous barriers remain irrigation adoption. To encourage RFtoIF transition, it is imperative identify challenges faced by individual farmers at farm, community, state levels. This study presents multi-level mixed effects survival analysis physiographic, socioecological, factors that influence location timing We integrate spatiotemporal climatological data with field-verified locations center-pivot systems, local physiographic characteristics, parcel-level surface water access average well depth. Access water, costs groundwater, soil characteristics were generally important influences all regions, but regions differentiated extent which new was more responsive social vs. precipitation price trends. Our findings also highlighted diversity farming conditions across state, suggested diverse policy tools acknowledge varying motivations constraints farmers.