Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI)
Why Drip and How Does It Work?
A quick bit of history...
As a farm family, we are always trying to maximize our efforts in the field. How can we increase yield? How can we minimize expenses? How can we help the plants when we recognize they are in distress?
Enter, Drip Irrigation.
When researching which companies had the best drip irrigation product - we quickly concluded the answer is NETAFIM(tm).
Once you identify the solution, you have to MOVE!
Within two weeks of learning about Netafim, we met with Netafim management, saw the system up close on a farm in Northern IL, and spent time discussing the equipment with growers actively using Netafim products. Soon after, we joined the Netafim dealer network and began the installation process on our own family farm.
Who is Netafim?
"Since it's inception in 1965, Netafim has pioneered drip irrigation advancements to help growers increase yields and profits using less water. With billions of Netafim emitters already installed around the globe, Netafim is the worldwide leader in drip irrigation technology. Netafim drip irrigation systems are good for grower profitability, good for the future of farming and good for water conservation."
- Netafim
Check out more about our friends from Netafim here: www.netafimusa.com
How Drip Works.
"Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) consists of flexible polyethylene tubing with emitters permanently welded to the inside wall of the tubing The tubing system is buried within the soil in rows (typically 40" to 60" apart), at a depth (typically 12"-18" deep) suitable for the grower's purposes.
Water is pumped under low pressure from the source through a filtering system to the tubing The emitters slowly emit specific amounts of water directly to the root zone of the plant. The controlled, precise output of the emitter provides water at a rate that allows the plant to uptake most of the water pumped. And, because the water is delivered underground, there is also no loss to evaporation, run-off or wind drift.
The system can also be used to deliver nutrients more efficiently. The end result is improved yields with more efficient use of water. " -Netafim
"Basically, its an IV drip for crops and the grower controls when and what is delivered!"
- Angela, Agrow Max LLC
Here's the Highlights
95% WATER EFFICIENCY
- Water is delivered directly to the root zone.
- No loss due to run-off, wind and almost no evaporation.
- Water delivered consistently at rate of plant uptake.
- Drip keeps soil well aerated.
INCREASES CROP YIELD
- Many growers see a minimum of 10% to 20% crop yield increase, and others much more.
REDUCES LABOR COSTS
- Drip has very low labor costs compared to flood or center pivot.
- Labor can be further reduced by automating the drip.
REDUCES OTHER COSTS
- More efficient pumping (10 psi to 25 psi) reduces energy use.
- System delivers nutrients more efficiently.
- Dry surface reduces weed germination and disease problems.
ADAPTS TO FIELD SIZE, SHAPE AND CONTOUR
- Works on any size and shape with almost no waste.
- Hilly ground is no problem with Netafim pressure compensating drip emitters.
- Efficient option to make dry land more productive.
FAST PAYBACK AND GREATER LONG-TERM RETURNS
- Higher yields and higher profits right away.
- 4 to 6 year installation payback in most cases.
- Some systems have paid back in two years.
- Up to 25 years of long-term proven performance.