SUB-SURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION on an Alfalfa Farm

SUB-SURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION on an Alfalfa Farm

Jaume Ros

Located in Balaguer, Lleida (Spain), producer Jaume Ros’s 40-hectare alfalfa farm is a prime example of the positive impact that the system of Sub-surface Drip Irrigation (SDI), it can have on modern agriculture. Since its adoption in 2015, this system has yielded numerous benefits, significantly transforming the production and efficiency of alfalfa cultivation on this large farm.


Location: Lleida
Farming: Alfalfa

The Challenge

With elevation changes of up to 8 meters on his property, Jaume Ros’s farm faced challenges in water management and yield per hectare. The desire to optimize the use of water and fertilizers This led to the search for an irrigation solution that would maximize production and be sturdy and long-lasting.

On the other hand, they had to resolve problems caused by the wind and prevent runoff, something that was very difficult to manage with their old sprinkler irrigation system.

In addition, the presence of surface features made it more difficult to plant and harvest alfalfa. For this reason, they were looking for a solution that would make maintenance and farm work easier.

The Solution

At AZUD, we recommend installing the following system on the property: SUB-SURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION.

The Dripper AZUD PREMIER PC AS, specifically designed for systems of Sub-surface Drip Irrigation (SDI), emerged as the ideal solution. This dripline features self-compensating and anti-siphon technology, which prevents particles from entering the dripper once irrigation is complete. After implementing this system, Jaume Ros was able to directly compare his RGS yields with those of other traditional methods, such as sprinkler irrigation.

This underground irrigation system has allowed water and fertilizers to reach the crop’s roots directly, maximizing absorption and preventing losses due to evaporation and uniformity issues caused by the wind. Furthermore, since there are no above-ground components—as the dripline systems are buried—agricultural work has been made much easier.

Benefits of the Solution

Since adopting the RGS with AZUD PREMIER PC AS, Jaume Ros has experienced:

  • Increase in Performance: With RGS, yields reached 10,200 kg/ha using only 4,500 m³/ha of water. In contrast, with sprinkler irrigation, yields were 8,500 kg/ha using 6,000 m³/ha of water.
  • Water Conservation: A significant reduction in water consumption was achieved compared to other traditional irrigation systems.
  • Optimization on Sloped Sites: The RGS solution effectively addressed the runoff problems.
  • Ease of Use and Maintenance: The system has proven to be durable, with no evidence of breakage or clogging since its installation in 2015.

The implementation of this advanced solution has not only improved crop efficiency and yield but has also proven to be a long-lasting and reliable investment, validating Jaume Ros’s decision to adopt this innovative technology. The system installed on this farm features the Dripper AZUD PREMIER PC AS.

Farming: alfalfa.
Area: 40 hectares

Installed material:

  • Description of the material: PREMIER PC AS d20.
  • Flow rate of the drippers: 1.6 l/h
  • Spacing between drippers: 0.60 m
  • Spacing between drip lines: 0.72 m between lines
  • Burying depth: 35 cm

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