How Subsurface Irrigation Is Transforming Agriculture Globally

Water scarcity is one of the biggest challenges facing agriculture today. Farmers across the world are under pressure to produce more food with less water, while also ensuring profitability and sustainability. One solution that is gaining momentum is subsurface irrigation- a method that delivers water directly to the plant root zone beneath the soil surface.

What Is Subsurface Irrigation?

Subsurface irrigation involves installing drip lines or pipes below the soil surface, allowing water and nutrients to be applied directly where crops need them most, the roots. Unlike surface irrigation, which often leads to evaporation and runoff, it minimizes losses and ensures maximum water-use efficiency.

Why Subsurface Irrigation Is a Global Game-Changer

Up to 40% Water Savings

Since water is delivered below the soil, evaporation is nearly eliminated. This makes subsurface irrigation one of the most water-efficient methods available.

Higher Yields and Crop Quality

Roots get a consistent water and nutrient supply, reducing plant stress and improving crop uniformity and productivity.

Reduced Weed Growth

Because the soil surface remains relatively dry, weeds don’t get the moisture they need to thrive.

Lower Labor and Maintenance Costs

Subsurface systems are automated and protected underground, which reduces wear and tear and minimizes manual labor.

Soil Health Preservation

With no waterlogging or surface runoff, soil structure is maintained and erosion is reduced.

Netafim’s Leadership in Subsurface Irrigation

As the global pioneer of drip irrigation, Netafim has developed advanced subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) solutions tailored for a variety of crops and regions.

1. UNIRAM™ AS: Self-flushing, anti-siphon dripline prevents suction of soil particles, ideal for subsurface installation.
2. DripNet PC™ AS: Designed for row crops and undulating terrain, offering uniform irrigation even in long fields.
3. Special Filtration & Maintenance Solutions: Protect against clogging, ensuring long-term performance.

Netafim’s subsurface irrigation systems are trusted worldwide from cotton fields in the Gujrath, to sugarcane in Tamilnadu, to vineyards in Europe, delivering reliable results in the most demanding environments.

How Subsurface Irrigation Increases Profitability

• Lower water and energy bills due to reduced pumping requirements.
• Increased fertilizer efficiency through fertigation.
• Longer lifespan of equipment since drip lines are buried and protected.
• Higher and more consistent yields, leading to improved marketability.

Best Practices for Farmers Using Subsurface Irrigation

• Always install proper filtration systems to prevent clogging.
• Ensure correct depth placement of drip lines depending on crop type. 
• Regularly monitor flow rates and system pressure.
• Combine with digital farming solutions for real-time irrigation insights.
• Consult experts for customized system design.

Conclusion

As global agriculture faces the dual challenge of feeding a growing population and conserving water resources, subsurface irrigation is emerging as a breakthrough solution. It not only saves water but also improves yields, reduces costs, and ensures long-term sustainability.

With Netafim’s innovative irrigation systems, farmers worldwide are transforming their fields into highly efficient, profitable, and sustainable farms.

The future of farming lies beneath the soil, and this innovation is leading the way.