Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) systems are best suited for large-scale production models. Compared to surface irrigation systems, SDI requires higher initial investment costs, but offers many additional benefits such as reduced labor requirements and simple operation. SDI systems are also compatible with modern farming methods such as no-till or minimum-till.

Above-ground drip irrigation systems are better suited to small to medium-sized farms. They require a lower initial investment, but have higher operating costs due to the need to install and collect drip lines seasonally. Above-ground systems can be designed to be easily moved, making them ideal for leased land, allowing farmers to take their irrigation system with them when they move locations.

Drip irrigation has been shown to increase yields by up to 20% compared to pivot irrigation, with the same amount of water used. Because pivot irrigation sprays water onto the leaves, a large portion of the water evaporates, whereas with drip irrigation, 100% of the water is used to produce more corn. Additionally, underground drip irrigation systems can irrigate 100% of the field, whereas pivot irrigation systems typically leave about 21% of the field un-irrigated. Drip irrigation is also an ideal solution for delivering fertilizer. With precise fertilization techniques, you can reduce fertilizer costs and increase the efficiency of all available resources.

Drip irrigation has been shown to increase yields by up to 40% compared to furrow irrigation, while saving up to 50% on water and 30% on fertilizer and labor costs. In addition, drip irrigation systems reduce nutrient losses and runoff – common phenomena in furrow irrigation. Another important advantage is the ability to deliver water and nutrients quickly and precisely to the plants – whereas furrow irrigation can take several days to reach the entire field. Furthermore, crop uniformity is also significantly improved thanks to the even distribution of water and nutrients directly to the root zone when using drip irrigation.

Absolutely. While abundant rainfall is clearly a big advantage, it is often not timely or consistent enough to help crops achieve maximum yields. This is especially true in sandy soils, where water retention capacity is low. Drip irrigation is also an efficient way to deliver nutrients, allowing you to apply fertilizer and control the nutrient content of the soil precisely and economically.

Applying all of the fertilizer in a few applications can be wasteful, especially in conditions where heavy rainfall can lead to runoff. Spreading the fertilizer over several applications throughout the growing season ensures that the corn receives the right amount of nutrients at the right time. That is why drip irrigation is the perfect tool for increasing yields in areas that have traditionally relied solely on rainwater.

Drip irrigation systems are suitable for all shapes and sizes, all types of soil and all terrains. You can use pressure compensating drip irrigation pipes, which help maintain a steady water flow despite pressure differences, so that each plant receives the same amount of water and nutrients, regardless of changes in elevation or distance from the water source.