Sub Surface Irrigation Systems

By Emily Lewis, KISSS Products

A subsurface irrigation system can save up to 85 percent on water over the most efficient sprinkler systems, and up to 60 percent on water over conventional drip. Because of the moisture differential created above the tube and in the lower areas of capillary fiber, the roots do not grow in the area where the emitters are. Scientists have pulled the lines out of the ground after ten years revealing absolutely no root intrusion.

 

Water is becoming scarce and more expensive, so it is time to look at irrigation with new eyes and a fresh perspective. Australia is considered the driest continent on earth and the situation has gotten much worse over the last 10 years. This crisis pushed the Australians to be innovative.

With increasing water restrictions and drought in California, Texas, and other places throughout the United States, it is the goal of Sustainable Engineering Solutions of Colorado (SEStm) to provide people with effective, efficient sub surface irrigation systems. With water, fertilizer and maintenance savings, this system continues to be green and economically wise.

Installation is fast and streamlined. The product goes into the ground using a specially engineered plow, which can be leased or purchased. The plow can be attached to any 4-wheel drive tractor with a class 2, three-point hitch. Horsepower rating is dependent on soil type. The plow cuts the earth open, lays the product at the desired depth tight and flat, and then closes the seam. A vibratory roller should follow the equipment to re-compact the soil, to make the seam line almost invisible and the surface immediately usable.
Photos Courtesy of KISSS Products

From the Bottom Up

A sub surface irrigation system waters at the root zone to eliminate evaporation, overspray and runoff, thereby substantially reducing water consumption. Patented products are configured using standard drip tubing or tape with pressure compensating emitters, encapsulated in a special capillary fiber. Water comes out of the emitters and is absorbed into the capillary fiber under the blue dispersion tape. The capillary fiber wicks water along it 30,000 times faster than water wicks in soil. The capillary fiber then allows the soil to take water up at its own natural rate, equalizing soil moisture and allowing plants the optimal amount of water for healthy root growth.

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System lines are spaced in turf about 24-inches apart, at between 4 to 8-inch depths promoting deep and robust root growth. This creates air channels in the soil profile and naturally makes the soil healthier and more oxygenated. Deep tine aeration is no longer required, however a two-inch aerification tool can be used to break up the thatch on the surface.

The System

The irrigation system gives everyone a one-stop-shop for their efficiency needs, and it combines a subsurface aspiration tank and a specialized ET (Evapotranspiration) and soil moisture sensor smart controller.

The soil moisture sensor smart controller is all web-based and taps into a local weather station near the client?EUR??,,????'?????<

Theoretically, a plant should use exactly 100 percent of it?EUR??,,????'?????<

Installation

The capillary fiber acts as a protective barrier over the emitters, and although roots will grow into the capillary fiber, they completely avoid the space where the emitters lay. Installation of the irrigation system in a sports field can take as little as 2 to 3 days with a well-trained crew. After the system is installed, the fields or landscape are completely usable and safe.

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