Advantages and disadvantages of Localized Subsurface Irrigation or LRS

is an irrigation system that provides water and nutrients under the soil surface in a localized manner using pipes buried between 10 and 50 centimeters deep and with a flow rate of 0.5 to 8 liters/hour that apply water through small, high-frequency irrigations.

 Irrigation can be applied to both herbaceous and woody crops, with specific peculiarities for each type of crop.

 this irrigation system offers a number of advantages for the farmer

1. High efficiency by avoiding evaporation and runoff losses
2. Allows a precise adjustment of water and fertilizer supply by applying fertilizers by root application
3. The absence of contact between the irrigation water and the aerial part of the crop facilitates the use of wastewater and avoids bad odors.
4. As no external elements are required, the surface irrigation system facilitates the cultivation work.
5. Reduces the possibility of displacement of the emitting pipeline and makes it difficult for animals to access the pipeline and damage it
6. No exposure to solar radiation improves the service life of the pipeline
7. The absence of surface water and its external contact with the plants reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
8. By properly managing the system, we can achieve weed reduction, thus favoring the use of no-tillage or cover crop techniques.
9. Finally, it facilitates access to the plot as it does not require specific access roads on the plot.

 The localized subway irrigation system also has some disadvantages

1. Improper management can result in excess water in the root zone.
2. Special care must be taken to avoid clogging of the filter system.
3. Adequate pressure and flow control is very important to detect faults that cannot be detected with the naked eye.
4. Adequate management must be carried out to prevent roots from entering the emitters, which may require the use of specific products.
5. It is necessary to install suction cups and end-of-line drainage valves to speed up maintenance work.

In short, for a correct management of the localized subway irrigation system, adequate training is required for farmers who want to implement its use in order to achieve a proper operation and to be able to take advantage of the benefits that this irrigation system offers.