Jevons on the Farm

This is an interesting application of the the Jevons Principal (the consumption of efficiency gains) - Does Efficient Irrigation Technology Lead to Reduced Groundwater Extraction? Empirical Evidence - January 2, 2013.  Detailed discussion is at the California WaterBlog..  Paper abstract:

"Encouraging the use of more efficient irrigation technology is often viewed as an effective,

politically feasible method to reduce the consumptive use of water for agricultural production.

Despite its widespread recommendation, it is not clear that increasing irrigation efficiency will

lead to water conservation in practice. In this article, we evaluate the effect on groundwater

extraction of a widespread conversion from traditional center pivot irrigation systems to higher

efficiency dropped-nozzle center pivot systems that has occurred in western Kansas. State and

national cost-share programs subsidized the conversion. On average, the intended reduction in

water use did not occur; the shift to more efficient irrigation technology has increased groundwater

extraction, in part due to shifting crop patterns."