Selection of Uniform Drought Field Testing Sites: The Value of Available Technologies and Techniques.

Selection of uniform field sites is a key component to the development of a successful field drought testing sites.  Field uniformity is particularly important in the evaluation of tolerance to drought stress, since low water supply conditions often amplifies existing soil variability. In this presentation, we discuss the utility of several existing technologies for use in pre-screening potential field sites for use in drought tolerance testing. Examples of research tools which are useful in the selection of uniform field testing sites will be presented.  The applications of these methods to other field testing programs will also be discussed.