Performance Evaluation of Nitrate-Nitrogen Sensing Technologies in Organic and Conventional Iceberg Lettuce Systems under Subsurface Drip Irrigation

Abstract

Efficient nitrogen management in arid agricultural regions such as Yuma County, Arizona requires close coordination of irrigation and fertilizer applications because water movement within the soil profile directly affects nitrogen dynamics and plant uptake efficiency. This study evaluated near-real-time nitrate-N sensing technology under organic and conventional iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa) production systems using subsurface drip irrigation. Field trials were conducted during the Fall 2024–Spring 2025 growing season at the University of Arizona Yuma Agricultural Center on a Gila silt loam soil.