Economic Analysis of Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SSDI) in Georgia Cotton Production

Deep (12”) and shallow (2”) subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI) is compared to overhead sprinkler (center pivot) irrigation and non-irrigated cotton production.  Two varieties are included in all comparisons.  Two levels of irrigation are analyzed-- full and deficit.   Yield, fiber quality, and net return on all treatments are compared.  Economics of scale factors also significantly impact net returns and the economic feasibility of SSDI versus center pivot and non-irrigated production.  Such factors include size of area to be irrigated, water source, distance to area to be irrigated, and water pumping requirements.