This work presents models that characterize the relationships between quantity and quality of irrigation water application, and agricultural production and the environment. A comprehensive modeling approach addressing both the benefits of irrigation and the potential negative effects is introduced. Physical-biological concepts are combined with economic and engineering principles to demonstrate the usefulness of the model for analyzing various water management and policy issues. Decision makers on all levels should find the modeling approach interesting and useful in the management issues from the farm to national levels.

ARIEL DINAR is a Water Resource Economist with the World Bank. He has published in the area including Water Quanity/Quality Management and COnflict Resoulution (Praeger, 1995).

JOHN LETEY is Professor of Soil Physics in the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Riverside. He has produced over 200 publications based on his research to date.