Sub-surface Drip Irrigation System

So what is subsurface drip?

Sub-surface Drip Irrigation (SDI) is 1″ wide drip tape that is permanently buried in the ground 4″ below the surface. This technique is widely used in growing vegetables and has several advantages:
- Drip tape is protected from the sun, wind and surface disturbance
- Water is placed right at the root zone of the crop
- When properly installed using GPS technology, exact location of the tape is always known
- System is permanent and does not need to be taken up and installed every year
- Zones can be operated remotely and automatically
- No water is lost to surface evaporation or runoff

We are very excited about the possibilities this new system offers. Because we are certified organic and are using water from the ditch, we face some challenges in maintaining the system:

- Surface water must be thoroughly filtered to prevent emitter clogging
- We cannot use toxic acids to clean the system- instead we use vinegar and citric acid
- We must be VERY careful where we plow!

We are the only certified organic SDI system in New Mexico and only one of a few certified organic SDI systems in the country. As such we are on the cutting edge of research, developing protocols that can be useful to small acreage farms. The coalition of partners that have contributed to this project is truly amazing and demonstrates how a variety of agencies can work effectively together for the public good: Partners include:

- City of Albuquerque Open Space Division
- New Mexico State University Extension Service
- Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District
- Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
- US Department of Agriculture
- New Mexico Department of Agriculture

In addition to our institutional partners several community businesses have donated time and material to help us install this system:

- Franks Supply
- Vulcan Materials
- Mueller buildings
- EDI Architecture
- Alpha Southwest
- Anna La Lopa, the “Water Lady”
- Eurodrip International
- Sierra Irrigation
- Quercus
- UNM Research Service Learning Program

We have also received generous support from several Foundations:

- McCune Foundation
- Albuquerque Community Foundation
- Albert I. Pierce Foundation
- Kerr Foundation

So how does it work?

We have seven zones approximately 2.5 acres each, each zone controlled by an electric valve. Water flows from the ditch into a concrete transfer tank where it is prefiltered. This water then goes through several large sand filters that clean the water down to 180 mesh. A variable speed pump pushes the water through the drip tape at a pressure of about 8 p.s.i. When the filters get full of particulate matter, they automatically backflush and clean themselves out. We can also use the system to inject organic fertilizers and nutrients that go right to the root zone. There is also a well on the property we use to extend the season.

Why did we install this system?

To grow more food crops, specifically for Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) and other outlets. We have a contract with APS to deliver fresh, certified organic, local vegetables to the school system. We harvest early in the morning and deliver the same day. Who knows, maybe your child ate one of our tomatoes today!

To find out more about our ongoing research in using SDI under organic certification, contact the office.