Predicting drip irrigation use and adoption in a desert region

The possibility that drip irrigation technology could increase yields, reduce the incidence of crop diseases, and improve fruit quality has been identified as a critical research issue for the New Mexico chile pepper industry. Numerous hypotheses have been expressed regarding the low incidence of drip irrigation usage among New Mexico farmers. A survey of farmers was conducted in 1999 to assess commercial chile pepper producers’ attitudes toward and knowledge of drip irrigation technology. The survey data were used in logistic regression models that predict current high-tech irrigation system usage, drip irrigation usage, and plans for future drip irrigation adoption by chile pepper producers. The results of this research provide information useful to extension personnel, other researchers, and chile industry members. Results also raise questions about the impact of widespread drip irrigation adoption on multi-user irrigation systems, such as those found in New Mexico.