Hundreds of farmers have seen an increase in both the quantity and quality of their hazelnut production thanks to the installation of sub-surface drip irrigation systems, a trend that is growing in popularity every day.
The SUB-SURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION (RGS) is an irrigation technique that allows water and nutrients to be delivered to the plant in a localized manner and below the surface, optimizing root growth and, therefore, increasing crop yields. This practice enables a more efficient use of water, energy, and Fertilizers, positioning itself as the best option from an economic, agronomic, and ecological standpoint.
Benefits of SUB-SURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION
In woody crops, such as the hazelnut tree, the SUB-SURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION emerges as the best investment in terms of profitability. The benefits of this solution can be summarized as follows:
Direct application of water and nutrients to the root system
Thanks to RGS, there are significant savings in water, energy, and fertilizers, preventing waste due to evaporation and runoff. In addition, water and fertilizers are delivered directly to the crop’s roots, optimizing nutrient uptake and promoting greater root development due to a larger root zone volume compared to surface irrigation. The RGS also allows for the use of reclaimed wastewater in agricultural irrigation, in compliance with water reuse regulations.
Reduction or elimination of the surface wet area
This irrigation technique greatly reduces weed growth. By reducing surface water, weeds are also reduced, making them easier to control and lowering the risk of pests or diseases affecting the crop. This also leads to positive changes in the soil’s physical properties.
Absence of system components on the surface
The irrigation system is underground, which greatly simplifies and reduces cultivation and maintenance work, as there are no components to interfere with harvesting. Furthermore, damage caused by animals or vandalism is reduced, since the drip line pipes are buried underground. This also means the irrigation system is not exposed to solar radiation, resulting in less degradation from UV rays.
Benefits of Installing SUB-SURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION for Hazelnut Cultivation
At AZUD, we have been More than 30 years of experience installing sub-surface drip irrigation systems (SDI). As experts in RGS, we have helped hundreds of hazelnut growers achieve benefits such as:
Significant savings on labor costs
Hazelnut harvesting is typically done with sweepers, which makes it vital to have a ground free of obstacles in order to increase efficiency during harvesting. In surface drip irrigation systems, it is necessary and common to use labor to position the irrigation driplines alongside the tree trunks so that they interfere as little as possible with the hazelnut harvest; once harvesting is complete, labor is again required to reposition the irrigation driplines to their proper location. With the SUB-SURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION system, these tasks of moving the irrigation dripline before and after harvesting are not necessary. This represents a significant cost benefit.
In addition, underground drip irrigation reduces system maintenance work caused by damage from rodents and machinery, thereby minimizing the number of hours workers spend on maintenance and repair of irrigation dripline systems. Proper management of the underground drip irrigation system prevents surface moisture, which also reduces maintenance work related to weed growth, requiring one fewer application per year.
Water Conservation and Efficient Water Use
With the RGS and AZUD PREMIER technology, water application efficiency exceeds 95%, ensuring Irrigation uniformity and, consequently, a more consistent crop. This irrigation uniformity is directly proportional to the hazelnut tree’s productive potential, increasing the amount of fruit produced—in some cases, by up to 10% more yield per year.
Prevent water loss through evaporation
SUB-SURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION prevents problems caused by water evaporation, since the system is not exposed to high temperatures. This is important in areas such as Osorno (Chile), where it prevents water loss of up to 15% caused solely by evaporation.
Maximizing Plant Nutrition
The supply of nutrients to the hazelnut tree is also much more effective, becoming 20% more efficient thanks to the direct application of nutrients to the root zone, thereby preventing precipitation on the soil surface and losses due to surface runoff.
Technology for Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation Systems
Choosing the most appropriate irrigation technique for our crop is just as important as selecting the technology to be used for the installation. AZUD has designed specific materials for SUB-SURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION systems, such as AZUD PREMIER PC AS, the most precise dripline tubing on the market, which ensures crop growth in any type of soil, with lower resource requirements and greater respect for the environment.
The self-compensating and anti-siphon technology of AZUD PREMIER PC AS makes it The Best Solution for SUB-SURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION, since it prevents the suction of particles into the emitter when irrigation ends. The technology used in its components makes it a unique option on the market.
In short, the SUB-SURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION (RGS) has established itself as the best investment for hazelnut farming, offering significant savings in labor, water, energy, and maintenance. In an increasingly competitive industry, it is essential to invest in solutions that will help us achieve maximum profitability. Discover the basics of SUB-SURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION in this guide produced by AZUD or use the scanner to download it.
At AZUD, we specialize in providing solutions tailored to each client’s specific needs. If you want to take your crops to the next level, increase your profitability, and reduce harvesting or maintenance work, don’t hesitate to contact us. AZUD’s team of experts will review your case and advise you on the solution that best suits your needs.
