Technical and exploitation aspects of irrigation by subirrigation

Abstract

Proper selection of irrigation methods and rational use of water using the principles of precision agriculture and precision irrigation results in environmentally sustainable agricultural development. Subirigation is a method of irrigation with less water consumption, provides the possibility of automation and remote control of the system, allows for the smooth movement of agricultural mechanization along the irrigated parcel and has an extremely flexible irrigation schedule. The utilization of the subirrigation system complicates and limits drip clogging, soil salinization, and damage caused by rodents. In the case of regular flushing of pipelines and laterals, herbicides and acids are used to prevent root ingrowth and the plot is treated against rodents, the guaranteed exploitation lifetime of the system is 20 years. Subirrigation systems implemented in the Republic of Serbia are 1– 130 ha in size and the total irrigated area is 1500–2000 ha.