Subsurface drip irrigation (RGS) is a modern form of irrigation that involves supplying water directly to the roots of crops via a network of buried drip lines. The origins of UGD date back to the 1960s, when researchers and engineers began to explore the idea of using buried drip systems to irrigate crops.
One of the first known experiments with RGS was carried out in Israel during the same period, where agricultural specialists tested the feasibility of using buried drip lines to supply water to crops. The results of this experiment were encouraging and led to the widespread adoption of RGS in many parts of the world.
Over time, RGS technology has continued to evolve and improve, with advances in materials, manufacturing processes and control systems. Today, RGS is widely used in many parts of the world, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where water is a scarce resource and where other irrigation systems are not as practical.
In order to set up this system, a series of parameters must be followed to determine its dimensions:
- Calculate the amount of water required. The amount of water that should be supplied to crops depends on the age and size of the plant, as well as on weather and soil conditions.
- Determine the watering frequency. Subsurface irrigation should be carried out frequently enough to keep the soil moist, but without causing waterlogging or water seeping to the surface.
- Monitor water quality. Good-quality water must be used to prevent the build-up of salts in the soil, which could adversely affect plant growth; regular tests should be carried out, particularly for conductivity and pH.
- Monitoring irrigation efficiency. It is important to monitor the RGS system to ensure that it is functioning correctly and that the correct amount of water is being supplied to the plant roots, using hydraulic components such as flow meters.
- Keep the irrigation system in good condition. Regular maintenance of the underground irrigation system is required to ensure its efficiency and extend its service life, particularly to prevent the emitters from becoming blocked.
But what are the benefits of using it?
- Water saving. Subsurface irrigation allows for better water management and more efficient water application by eliminating evaporation, thereby increasing water use efficiency.
- Better control of fertigation. By applying water and fertilisers directly to the roots, subsurface irrigation enables plants to make better use of nutrients, which is essential for healthy plant growth and can lead to an improvement in the quality and quantity of the final product.
- Improved stress tolerance. Subsurface irrigation helps crops maintain an adequate level of soil moisture, making them more resistant to stress factors such as drought and extreme temperatures.
- Reduced soil erosion. By applying water in a more controlled manner, subsurface irrigation reduces soil erosion, which is important for maintaining long-term soil productivity and health.
In summary, subsurface irrigation is an effective and efficient method of applying water and fertilisers to plants, offering benefits in terms of water savings, uniformity, salt leaching and reduced soil erosion.
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