Subsurface drip irrigation provides the ultimate in water use efficiency for open-field agriculture, often resulting in water savings of 25-50% compared to flood irrigation. The use of SDI offers many other advantages for crop production, including less nitrate leaching compared to surface irrigation, higher yields, a dry soil surface for improved weed control and crop health, the ability to apply water and nutrients to the most active part of the root zone, protection of drip lines from damage due to cultivation and other operations, and the ability to safely irrigate with wastewater while preventing human contact.

Despite rapid urbanization in Arizona, agriculture is responsible for approximately 70% of water use. Our growing population places ever-increasing pressure on farmers to reduce water use. The objectives of the AZdrip project are to 1) evaluate management practices for efficient and sustainable irrigation using SDI, and 2) provide information on and demonstration of SDI management practices for Arizona growers. This project is a "showcase" for demonstration of SDI management practices to Arizona growers who may consider switching to SDI.