Subsurface drip produced highest net return in Westlands area study

Cotton was produced using subsurface drip, low-energy precision application (LEPA), scheduled furrow, and conventional furrow irrigation systems in 1989. Subsurface drip irrigation produced the highest net return to the grower through increased cotton yields. Significant water conservation was achieved with both pressurized irrigation systems (subsurface drip and LEPA). However, computer aided scheduling of furrow irrigation did not result in significant water savings. Pressurized irrigation systems may offer the flexibility and control necessary to significantly limit unnecessary water additions to the shallow groundwater table.