AN ECONOMIC-ANALYSIS OF GROUNDWATER IRRIGATION OF VEGETABLES IN SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA

The introduction or expansion of horticultural enterprises in southeastern Oklahoma is largely dependent on irrigation possibilities. Many vegetable crops are well suited to southeastern Oklahoma. A financial analysis package provides estimates of cash returns figures for scenarios involving the use of three irrigation technologies and three vegetable activities. Diversification in the agricultural sector into fresh market vegetable production could lead to substantial economic development for southeastern Oklahoma. The furrow irrigation system scenarios show greater cash returns due largely to lower investment costs than the other irrigation systems. The most profitable vegetable crop activity is tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) followed by seeded fall broccoli (Brassica oleracea). Over all sizes of operations and irrigation technologies considered, substantial increases in cash returns to operations and cash returns to family may occur by adding vegetable enterprises to the original crop mix.