Comparison of Drip Irrigation to Subirrigation for Tomato Production in Southwest Florida

A three-season study was conducted to compare drip irrigation to subirrigation (seepage) for polyethylene-mulched and staked tomato production in southwest Florida. Water-table levels and soil-water status were monitored. Tomato plant growth, nutrient levels, yield, and water required for two irrigation methods were measured. Fixed and variable costs for each system were computed. Results indicated that yield and quality of fruit were not significantly different. There was, however, a significant reduction in water required by drip irrigation, which averaged 50% of pan evaporation. Reduction in pumping costs compensated to some extent for the additional cost of the drip irrigation system. The seasonal additional cost for drip irrigation (excluding labor) was $328 ha-1 ($132 ac-1).