Click on “Download PDF” for the PDF version or on the title for the HTML version.

If you are not an ASABE member or if your employer has not arranged for access to the full-text, Click here for options.

Drip irrigation has long been proven as beneficial and economical on fruit, nut and vegetable crops throughout the world, but recently field crop growers are realizing the benefits as well. Adjustments in both attitude and cultural practices are necessary when converting from flood or sprinkler; however, the benefits of making these changes often outweigh the costs. Cited benefits include increased yields, increased quality and increased uniformity in addition to reduced water, fertilizer, energy, labor, chemical costs and disease reduction. In addition, field accessibility is significantly improved compared to gravity and sprinkler irrigation systems, allowing for simpler logistics with other cultural operations. The increase in revenue, reduction in cost and improvement in convenience have consistently offset the cost of adopting drip irrigation systems, and in many cases have allowed continued production of crops in areas where water supplies are severely depleted or restricted, or where gravity and sprinkler technologies are too wasteful.