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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Florence, South Carolina » Coastal Plain Soil, Water and Plant Conservation Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #194063
Title: Subsurface drip irrigation

Author
item LAMM, FREDDIE - KANSAS STATE UNIV
item CAMP JR, CARL - USDA-ARS (RETIRED)

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/2/2007
Publication Date: 11/15/2007
Citation: Lamm, F.R., Camp Jr, C.R. 2007. Subsurface drip irrigation. In: Lamm, F.R., Ayars, J.E., and Nakayama, F.S., editors. Microirrigation for Crop Production. Amsterdam: The Netherlands: Elsevier. p. 473-551.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI)is defined as the application of water below the soil surface by microirrigation emitters. SDI offers distinct advantages and disadvantages when compared to surface drip irrigation (DI)and other irrigation techniques, including precision application below the tillage zone and reduced evaporation from the soil surface but with greater initial cost, more critical water supply filtration, and more consistent maintenance. Most of the SDI system components are buried; consequently, system longevity must be much greater than for other drip irrigation systems, which allows amortization of initial costs for a longer time period. While SDI utilizes many of the same components as DI, there are special design considerations and additional component requirements. The combination of crop, soil, climate, and topography determines the suitability of SDI for a specific location. While crop transpiration for a well-watered crop does not vary among irrigation application methods, differences in a method’s ability to provide a consistently well-watered condition can exist. Reduced water use and increased crop yield have been reported for some SDI installations. SDI systems also allow nutrient, pesticide, and other chemical applications within the root zone for crop management and protection. When SDI is used for the application of biological effluents, the soil profile provides a pathogen barrier to the crop and workers and allows biofiltration and treatment of wastewater. There is a growing use of SDI for lower-value crops, a trend that should continue.