Abstract

Water conservation is a critical issue that requires solutions to address growing water scarcity. In both agricultural and urban settings, targeting conservation efforts is essential for lasting progress as well as protection of communities and ecosystems. This research focuses on identifying practical means to reduce water use by studying separate conservation strategies in urban and agricultural contexts. Given their interdependence, addressing water use in both sectors is essential for achieving meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. Agricultural water conservation relies on efficient irrigation practices, which depend on accurately determining soil field capacity (FC)--the amount of water soil can retain after excess drainage. Various methods exist for estimating FC, ranging from standardized values based on soil texture to in-field sensor measurements and laboratory analysis. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the practical application for precision irrigation of six methods across soil textures and cropping systems. Findings highlight the importance of site-specific measurements, demonstrating that in-situ approaches provide greater reliability for optimizing water use in agriculture. Urban water conservation efforts have expanded through initiatives encouraging homeowners to reduce outdoor water use, particularly through sponsor-funded rebate programs that promote landscape conversion. While these programs aim to decrease unnecessary irrigation, their effectiveness varies based on homeowner participation and engagement. By analyzing water bill data from program participants and non-participants in two Utah cities, this research assesses the impact of these conservation efforts. Results indicate that landscape changes lead to meaningful reductions in outdoor water use, though participant trends suggest self-selection and other outside influences may affect outcomes. Understanding these dynamics can help refine water conservation strategies and enhance long-term sustainability in urban areas.

Degree

MS

College and Department

Life Sciences; Plant and Wildlife Sciences

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2025-04-18

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd13607

Keywords

water conservation, agricultural water management, soil field capacity, precision irrigation, in-situ measurement, urban water use, landscape conversion, rebate programs, sustainability, Utah

Language

english

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