What is Subsurface Drip Irrigation?
Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is a version of traditional drip irrigation where driplines are buried beneath the soil instead of placed on the surface, delivering water and nutrients directly to crop roots.
This method reduces water evaporation, minimizes weed growth, and enhances crop yields through efficient root zone management. By placing driplines at optimal depths based on soil type and crop needs, SDI maximizes water and fertilizer use. This makes it ideal for arid climates and various low and high-value field crops.
Key Benefits of SDI
SAVES WATER
SDI uses 20–40% less water than sprinklers or pivots, with plants absorbing nearly 100% of what’s applied.
UNOBSTRUCTED FIELD ACCESS
SDI keeps your fields clear—no pipes, no pivots—just full access year-round, even while irrigating.
INCREASES YIELD
SDI can increase crop yield and quality by improving soil moisture, aeration, and nutrient levels.
SDI SUCCESS IN CANADA
“In 2022, with the extreme heat and the driest summer on record, we only needed 10.5” of water on an empty profile.
We stopped irrigating on August 12th with a full profile.”
– LAWRENCE VANDERVALK, VALK LAND AND CATTLE LTD
AN UNDERGROUND SYSTEM DESIGNED WITH
WORLD-LEADING NETAFIM DRIPLINE
TYPHOON DRIPLINE
DRIPNET DRIPLINE
Durable material.
Flexible design.
Uniform application.
No matter your growing conditions, look forward to uniformly better crops and higher yields, season after season, with the most reliable and robust drippers and driplines ever made.
FERTILIZE ROOTS DIRECTLY WITH SUBSURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION
SDI is more than irrigation—it delivers water, fertilizer, and crop treatments straight to the root zone. That means higher efficiency, better uptake, and stronger crops.
From EasyDose to advanced multi-zone controllers, we match the right fertigation system to your field so you get accurate, hassle-free injections every time.
SUCCEED WITH IRRIGATION SUPPORT
Your success is our priority. As you adopt this innovative approach, we’re committed to providing hands-on training and ongoing support to help you make informed decisions in the field. With dedicated irrigation expertise, we’ll work alongside you to support your production goals every step of the way.
Expect support in the following areas:
- Fertigation assistance: we work with you and your agronomist to strategically plan out fertigation applications to help meet your yield goals
- Irrigation scheduling: get a custom schedule based on your crop needs, location, and soil structure.
- Irrigation system maintenance: rely on us for system guidance and support throughout the year.
Together, we will work with you to reach your goals while remaining good, efficient stewards of the land.
SUSAN HOOGEVEEN,
IRRIGATION SUPPORT
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the benefits of subsurface drip irrigation?
- Water efficiency: SDI delivers water directly to the root zone, minimizing evaporation and runoff losses. This results in 20-40% water savings compared to conventional irrigation methods, making it one of the most water-efficient irrigation systems available.
- Higher yields and healthier crops: By maintaining consistent soil moisture at the root zone, SDI supports uniform growth, reduces plant stress, and can improve yield potential when managed correctly (e.g. minimizing lodging).
- Fewer weeds and diseases: As the soil surface and plant foliage remain dry when irrigating, weed germination and foliar diseases are less likely to establish.
- Smart fertilizer use: Nutrients can be precisely delivered in-season directly to the root zone through fertigation, improving uptake and minimizing losses from leaching or volatilization.
- Custom control for any field: SDI adapts to complex field layouts, slopes, and soils, giving you precision control over every zone.
- Clear fields, easy harvests: No above-ground pipes or pivots mean zero obstruction. You get full field access year-round—even during irrigation—making equipment movement and harvests smoother and more efficient.
How long does an SDI system last?
Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) systems can last 25+ years wth proper design and maintenance.
Many systems in the USA have reached or exceeded this lifespan, with replacements typically driven by technological upgrades rather than system failure.
What maintenance is required for subsurface drip irrigation?
Start-up maintenance
- Flush the system
- Check filters
- Monitor pressure and flow in each zone
In-season maintenance
- Monitor pressure and flow regularly
- Flush the system periodically
- Perform acid flushing as needed (recommended every 2 years or as required)
- Implement and maintain a rodent control plan to protect buried lines from damage
System winterization
- Properly drain and secure the system to prevent freeze damage
What are the limitations of SDI and how can they be addressed?
While SDI offers excellent water efficiency and root zone control, it does come with some challenges:
- Higher upfront costs: SDI systems require more investment initially, but we work with you to create a custom ROI analysis. Many growers see a favourable return over time compared to other systems.
- Rodent and pest risks: Buried drip lines can be damaged if pests aren’t managed. A year-round rodent control plan helps protect your system and ensures reliable spring startup.
- Slower initial soil wetting: SDI doesn’t saturate the soil surface quickly like pivots. Pre-irrigating before planting, conserving moisture through reduced tillage, and adjusting seeding depth can all help ensure early-season success.
- Not suitable for all crops: SDI isn’t ideal for crops like potatoes or sugar beets that disturb the soil at harvest. However, it works exceptionally well for pulses, grains, oilseeds, and silage crops.
How much does a subsurface drip irrigation system cost?
The cost of a subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) system varies depending on:
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Field size and shape
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Soil type and topography
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Filtration and water treatment requirements
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Level of automation and control
While SDI systems have a higher upfront cost than surface irrigation, they offer long-term savings through lower water use, reduced labour, and increased crop yields.
For an accurate estimate, contact Southern Irrigation for a tailored budget quote based on your specific field layout and needs.
START HERE: SDI IN 4 STEPS
Step 1
DISCOVERY
SDI is a fit for most fields.
Book an informational call to determine if SDI is profitable for you.
Step 2
FREE CONSULTATION
Get a comprehensive explanation of the system and a budget estimate – to see if SDI is the path for you.
Step 3
QUOTATION + DESIGN
Certified designers use field data to create a custom SDI plan. You’ll receive a detailed quote, tailored to your field. Design costs $40/acre.
Step 4
IRRIGATION SUPPORT
Review the action plan, agronomy support, and agreements. Schedule the installation of your SDI system!
