ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF CENTER PIVOT IRRIGATION WITH CORN, COWPEA, AND SOYBEAN CROPS IN SANDY SOILS

Abstract

ABSTRACT The use of irrigation enhances productivity, reduces vulnerability to drought and climate variation, and boosts agricultural production. This study aimed to verify the economic viability of implementing center pivot irrigation for corn, cowpea, and soybean crops. A 50-hectare area irrigated by a center pivot system was considered, simulating rotational cultivation in the region of Paraíso das Águas, MS. The historical average ET0 of 8 mm day-1 for the region was used for project design and irrigation management. Financial indicators were calculated based on regional technical cultivation coefficients. Overall, 62.1% of the total production costs for the corn, cowpea, and soybean agricultural system were allocated to preparation, planting, cultural practices, and harvesting, while 34.8% were allocated to irrigation (investment in hydraulic equipment and infrastructure, energy, depreciation, and maintenance). The net present value (NPV) for corn, cowpea, and soybean crops were $72.07, $359.68, and $410.59 per hectare, respectively, averaging $842.34 per hectare per year. This profitability provides gains for producers, generating employment and regional development. The implementation of a 50-hectare center pivot irrigation system is economically feasible for cultivating corn, cowpea, and soybeans, considering a 4-year and 9-month return on capital investment under the study conditions.

Keywords

• production cost
• precision irrigation
• economic profitability