Asparagus Production Using SubSurface Drip Irrigation

Asparagus is a high-value specialty crop and the earliest producing spring vegetable. It currently is priced as a gourmet item and will remain in this category until growing, harvesting, and processing costs can be reduced. California is the leading asparagus producing state followed by Washington, Michigan, New Jersey and Illinois. Still, many other areas have great production potential climatically and geographically. Unlike most other vegetables, asparagus is a perennial crop which can be productive for 15 years or more. Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) can result in significant water savings and improved yield by producing a more uniform crop.