Status of Irrigation and Drainage Research in the United States

Abstract

High priority research objectives for irrigation and drainage in the United States are identified. These include: (1) Development of more efficient irrigation distribution and on‐farm systems and management practices to increase water use efficiency, control soil salinity, and reduce degradation of downstream water quality; (2) development of improved and new technology to conserve and manage soil and water resources to enhance soil productivity and improve production efficiency; (3) development of improved systems and practices to store and deliver water supplies to farms as needed for efficient crop production; and (4) development of more efficient drainage systems and practices to control soil water for crop production in humid regions. Current national and regional research programs are described.