The Vegetable Growers News this week published a story describing the calculations needed to determine if it is worthwhile to put in an irrigation system to help protect against drought.  The calculations needed include consideration of a number of factors, including the frequency of drought, the cost of the equipment, and how climate is likely to change over time.  Their example is from the Yakima Valley but many of the principles are the same for the Southeast.  You can read it at https://vegetablegrowersnews.com/news/switch-new-irrigation-system-depends-future-droughts/.

Source: ARS