Can Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) be a competitive irrigation system in the great plains region for commodity crops?
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Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) as with all microirrigation systems is typically only used on crops with greater value. In the US Great Plains region, the typical irrigated crops are the cereal and oil seed crops and cotton. These crops have less economic revenue than typical microirrigated crops. This paper will present a case for how SDI can be economically competitive for the lesser value crops of the Great Plains. The case will have 5 sections: 1) How do Great Plains crops respond to SDI? 2) Are there special uses for SDI in the Great Plains? 3) How can SDI system costs be minimized without causing operational and maintenance problems? 4) Can SDI systems have a long life? 5) How does SDI compare economically to alternative irrigation systems?