Abstract

RIOS FLORES, José Luis et al. Determination of blue water footprint in forages crops from irrigation disctrict 017, Comarca Lagunera, Mexico. Rev. Fac. Cienc. Agrar., Univ. Nac. Cuyo [online]. 2015, vol.47, n.1, pp.93-107. ISSN 1853-8665.

The aim of this work was the determination of the blue water footprint in forage crops from DR-017 “Comarca Lagunera”, México. By means of productivity and efficiency mathematical models were used to estimate the blue water footprint of forages crops. The results show that forages occupied 45% of the total agricultural area using 94,7% of groundwater, generating 33% of the Gross Value Production. Physical productivity rates were on average 252 L kg^-1 (forage sorghum 181 L kg^-1, forage oats 413 L kg^-1 alfalfa L kg^{- 1}). Income per m³ was US$ 0.04 m^-3 on average (US$ 0.94 m^-3 in forage maize, US$ 0.05 m^-3 alfalfa forage). The social efficiency indicator showed in average 0.048 jobs per hectometer (0.037 jobs hm^-3 in alfalfa and 0.076 jobs hm^-3 in rye grass). Finally, under the same crop y market conditions the minimum amount for a viable operation (break-even point) was 39.02 t ha^-1. In conclusion, the production of corn and sorghum forage in the region was highly efficient and productive compared to other forage crops which resulted in lower blue water footprint.

Keywords : Virtual water; Water productivity; Water efficiency; Water footprint.

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