If there's really a drought why do keep letting immigrants come?

[Ulaven_Demorte]

Farming was invented in deserts - Sumeria and Egypt and was irrigated in both cases.

Though Cotton and rice on dry land is crazy - too high a water demand.

there are much thirstier crops in California than rice and cotton.

Almonds, pistachios, pasture land for cattle, and Alfalfa largely grown as feed for cattle for example.

 

[BotanyBoy]

there are much thirstier crops in California than rice and cotton.

Almonds, pistachios, pasture land for cattle, and Alfalfa largely grown as feed for cattle for example.

LOL yes UD....tell us how pasture land uses more water than rice.....
http://www.equitrekking.com/images/uploads/rankin-ranch-moving-cowshttp://calwater.ca.gov/images/delta/sights/larger/RiceFields.jpg

Rice is one of the most water intense crops out there, cotton isn't far behind. And they are relatively low value. Unlike cattle, nuts and citrus.

 

[Ulaven_Demorte]

LOL yes UD....tell us how pasture land uses more water than rice.....
http://www.equitrekking.com/images/uploads/rankin-ranch-moving-cowshttp://calwater.ca.gov/images/delta/sights/larger/RiceFields.jpg

Rice is one of the most water intense crops out there, cotton isn't far behind. And they are relatively low value. Unlike cattle, nuts and citrus.

Wrong boyo.

Tell it to the Pacific Institute.
http://pacinst.org/app/uploads/2015/04/CA-Ag-Water-Use.pdf

 

[BotanyBoy]

Wrong boyo.

Tell it to the Pacific Institute.
http://pacinst.org/app/uploads/2015/04/CA-Ag-Water-Use.pdf

There is SIGNIFICANTLY more pasture than rice patties. Likely THOUSANDS of times more land covered by grass than rice LOL

Rice uses more water than grass. Check the intensity scales in your own link,
http://www.takepart.com/sites/default/files/cropwaterdepthLarge.jpg

Rice is THE most water expensive crops per acre of production and for the $$ it's a pathetic return.

The only reason we grow rice in CA is so a couple rich guys can get their federal funding.

 

[Ulaven_Demorte]

There is SIGNIFICANTLY more pasture than rice patties. Likely THOUSANDS of times more land covered by grass than rice LOL

Rice uses more water than grass. Check the intensity scales in your own link, rice is THE most water expensive crops per acre of production and for the $$ it's a pathetic return.

The only reason we grow rice in CA is so a couple rich guys can get their federal funding.

Yet MUCH more water is being used to grow alfalfa to be used as cattle feed and to water pasture land in California. More than is being used by cotton and rice crops combined.

 

[BotanyBoy]

Yet MUCH more water is being used to grow alfalfa to be used as cattle feed and to water pasture land in California. More than is being used by cotton and rice crops combined.

Because millions of more acres going to pasture/alfalfa.

The tiny bit of land used to grow rice lands it at #4 water hog and it's not even a money maker....it's a fuckin' welfare queen.