Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation

Using Water Precisely When Water is Scarce

By: Cody Konen

First introduced in U.S. in 1960 (Dew Hose) Has become very popular since 1995 Showed significant advantages

◦ Increased Water Use Efficiency◦ Less water required◦ Precise placement of water and nutrients to plant

roots

Introduction of Sub Surface Drip

Basic Layout

Installing Tape (Dripper line)

Tape to PVC connection (Low End)

Close to water source and pumped by diesel or electric motor

Filter arrangement chosen by GPM of system

Fertilizer injection, and or acid injection Final filter to catch fine particles

Pump House

Top end connection (Filters)

Field valves

System Controlling

Depending on field size decides your water rate, zone size, and how many zones in the field

Inches of water applied per hour = (0.00221) X (flow rate, in GPM) / (# acres)

Lot more knowledge of where we are applying and how much than previous method of irrigation

Using less water

Usually runs at least 10 days on normal year, on a hotter year may never shut it off

During this operation, we can fertilize crops with nutrients besides phosphorus due to our pH of water and contents will not mix

Apply chlorine for prevention of clogging each emitter

Weekly flushing of PVC and tape lines from debris

Operation

Water Patterns

What Clogged Emitters Look Like and What They Can Do

Uses less water and less labor while keeping the same or better yields

Very expensive initial cost on a per acre basis

Only way we can no-till our crops used from this water source.

Overall Opinion