Subsurface irrigation in Sugarcane Crop

1. Subsurface irrigation in Sugarcane Crop netafimindia.com/blog/subsurface-irrigation-in-sugarcane-crop What is Subsurface Irrigation? Subsurface irrigation is a method of delivering water directly to the root zone of crops by placing a dripline below the soil surface. This technique is becoming increasingly popular due to its high efficiency in water and nutrient management, which ultimately leads to improved crop yields and quality. In this blog, we will discuss subsurface irrigation in sugarcane crops from the perspective of Netafim India, a leading company in smart drip and micro-irrigation solutions. Sugarcane is a vital cash crop grown across India, and it requires a significant amount of water for optimum growth and development. Traditionally, sugarcane crops have been irrigated through surface irrigation methods such as flood and furrow irrigation. These methods are highly inefficient and result in a substantial loss of water due to evaporation, runoff, and deep percolation. Furthermore, they can lead to soil erosion, weed growth, and disease infestation. Subsurface irrigation is an effective alternative to traditional surface irrigation methods, especially for sugarcane crops. Netafim India's subsurface irrigation system involves the use of driplines that are placed at a depth of 10-20 cm below the soil surface. These driplines deliver water directly to the root zone of the crop, where it is required the most, ensuring optimum water use efficiency. The subsurface irrigation system offered by Netafim India is highly efficient and effective in delivering water and nutrients to sugarcane crops. The system uses precision drip irrigation technology, which ensures that the right amount of water is delivered to each plant, thus reducing water wastage and improving crop quality. Additionally, this system can be used to apply fertilizers and other soil amendments directly to the root zone, ensuring that the crops receive the required nutrients. Benefits of Using Subsurface Irrigation in Sugarcane Crop Subsurface irrigation is a method of irrigating crops where water is applied directly to the root zone of the plants through underground drip lines. This technique offers several benefits when used in sugarcane cultivation, including: 1. Water efficiency: Subsurface irrigation reduces water usage by up to 50% compared to traditional irrigation methods. By applying water directly to the root zone, there is less evaporation and runoff, and more water is available to the plants. 1/2

2. 2. Increased yields: Studies have shown that subsurface irrigation can increase sugarcane yields by up to 40-60% compared to traditional irrigation methods. This is due to the more efficient use of water, which leads to healthier and more productive plants. 3. Improved quality: Sugarcane grown using subsurface irrigation has been found to have higher sugar content and better fiber quality compared to crops grown using other irrigation methods. 4. Reduced labor costs: Subsurface irrigation requires less labor than the traditional irrigation method as there is no need for manual watering or the installation and maintenance of irrigation systems on the surface. 5. Weed control: Subsurface irrigation reduces weed growth as water is only applied to the root zone of the plants, minimizing the growth of weeds outside of the root zone. 6. Farm Mechanisation: as the drip lines are under the surface, it is easy to conduct intercultural operations like – weeding, spraying, earthing up, harvesting, etc using mechanisation. This leads to reducing costs, timely operations, and peace of mind for farmers. In conclusion, subsurface irrigation is an innovative and efficient method of irrigating sugarcane crops, and Netafim India's micro irrigation solutions offer an excellent choice for farmers looking to improve their crop yields and quality. By using this technology, farmers can optimize their water and nutrient management, leading to sustainable agriculture practices and increased profits. 2/2