Subsurface drip irrigation: technical tips
It is advisable to adapt the irrigation equipment to this subsurface technique. For installation, a subsoiler is all you need to lay the pipe network. A mini-excavator can be used to install the combs and fittings. This installation is quick to set up, and the working time is comparable to that of an aerial drip system.
The choice of drippers is crucial. To ensure the durability and smooth operation of drippers, they must have more specific technical characteristics than surface drippers:
- they must be flat to prevent the drop-forming system from being crushed under the weight of the soil,
- anti-siphon to prevent clogging by absorbing particles,
- anti-root to prevent them from penetrating inside
- self-regulating to distribute constant pressure and even flow
To prevent clogging, a filtration system upstream of the irrigated zone is essential. This can be in the form of disc or sand filtration, and should filter elements down to around 150 microns. Drainage systems should also be installed at the same time. To identify any leaks or blockages in your system, fit a flow meter to monitor water consumption. It is essential to drain the entire system once a year.
CLIMED-FRUIT: Climate change resilience for perennial mediterranean crops
Completed | 2022-2025
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, Greece