Subsurface Drip Irrigation
Demonstration and Research Project

AZdrip I (2001 - 2008)

AZdrip is a permanent subsurface drip irrigation demonstration and research site at the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center.

During the summer of 2001 four large 0.62 ac (0.25 ha) plots equipped with subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) were established to develop, evaluate and demonstrate management practices for the sustainable utilization of subsurface drip irrigation in Arizona, and to distribute this information to growers and other interested parties

AZdrip II (2009 - )

In 2009 AZdrip was redesigned and repurposed to evaluate the potential for and benefits of SDI in organic agricultural production. During the summer of 2009 each oringinal plot was split into two plots to create both an organic and conventional production component.

A total of eight 0.31ac
(0.12 ha) plots equipped with idependently controlled SDI were established. This facility is now capable of repesenting organic vs conventional production, within two SDI tape configurations, and two replications. Plots still remain large enough to conduction standard farm operations.