Subsurface drip irrigation in California—Here to stay?

•Subsurface drip irrigation is mainstream method in California.•Subsurface drip irrigation is principal method for irrigation of tomatoes.•Subsurface drip irrigation is alternative irrigation method for some tree crops.

Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) has been used in California for over 30 years. Adoption occurred first in high value annual row crops. Over the years as drip irrigation materials, installation equipment, and irrigation scheduling tools have evolved, SDI has gained wider acceptance and is now being used in perennial crops as well on a limited basis. We discuss the early research on SDI in California and provide examples of the current commercial practices in both annual and perennial crops. These examples demonstrate how research preceded on-farm adoption and contributed to the implementation of SDI in California's production agriculture. SDI is being implemented throughout the world and these examples of implementation in production agriculture will be of interest in countries adopting the technology. Significant benefits are identified in terms of increased yield, improved crop quality, reduction in applied water and reduced agronomic costs for weed control, fertilization, and tillage. Improved water management is crucial for a sustainable future and SDI will be one tool that is available to improve water productivity.