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Comparing crop evapotranspiration estimation methods to evaluate water-saving potential of alternative land uses in the San Joaquin Valley; California
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DOI：10.3389/frwa.2026.1879797.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
This study explores strategies for water conservation by repurposing agricultural land in California’s San Joaquin Valley (SJV) for alternative uses like habitat restoration; groundwater recharge; and solar energy development. Water availability in the region has become increasingly constrained due to climate variability and regulatory restrictions under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA); which mandates groundwater sustainability through reduced extraction and enhanced recharge. Climate change and expansion of water intensive high-value crops are further increasing agricultural water demand and exacerbating water scarcity. One proposed water demand management strategy is land fallowing; but leaving land idle can have significant financial and environmental trade-offs. Repurposing fallowed land for alternative uses can address these trade-offs and deliver benefits beyond water savings. Using the VIC-CropSyst; an agrohydrology model; this study assesses water savings across various land-use and climate change scenarios. Results show annual water savings between 370 and 3; 740 million m3; requiring the fallowing of 838 to 4; 360 km2 of farmland; with estimated revenue losses ranging from $0.87 billion to $4.4 billion. Habitat restoration and groundwater recharge are identified as the most effective strategies for reducing water demand; while solar development offers moderate savings. Perennial crops; particularly almonds; demonstrate the highest water demand reductions; while corn shows the least. The findings underscore the importance of crop-specific and farm-centric strategies to optimize water use. These insights will aid policymakers in developing multi-benefit land repurposing policies to support sustainable water management in the SJV amidst climate challenges.
Keywords:
water conservation
crop evapotranspiration
agrohydrology
multi-benefit land repurposing
SGMA
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