"Crop production in the Central High Plains is at an all-time high due to increased demand for biofuels, food, and animal products. Despite the need to produce more food by mid-century to meet expected population growth, crop production is likely to plateau or even decline in the Central High Plains due to excessive groundwater withdrawal. The Central High Plains has experienced a consistent decline in groundwater due to groundwater withdrawal for irrigation greatly exceeding natural recharge. In this heavily irrigated region, water is essential for maintaining yields and economic stability. Here we evaluate how groundwater depletion impacts total irrigation water demand, and quantify the impacts of these changes on crop yield and production through to 2099 using the well-established SALUS crop model. Additionally, different adaptation methods were examined to explore ways to preserve yields with different future climates and water availability."--Page ii.
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