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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Cropping Systems and Water Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #243248
Title: Design and Installation of SDI Systems in North Carolina

Author
item GRABOW, GARRY - North Carolina State University
item HARRISON, KERRY - University Of Georgia
item DUKES, MICHAEL - University Of Florida
item Vories, Earl
item SMITH, BRIAN - Clemson University

Submitted to: Extension Publications
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2007
Publication Date: 4/1/2008
Citation: Grabow, G., Harrison, K., Dukes, M., Vories, E.D., Smith, B. 2008. Design and Installation of SDI Systems in North Carolina. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. AG-695-3.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: As a part of the humid Southeast, North Carolina’s climate, topography, soils, cropping systems, and water sources require special consideration when considering and implementing a subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) system. This publication is not a step-by-step design manual, but it will help you in the design process of an SDI system appropriate to North Carolina. Irregularly shaped fields commonly found in humid areas can result in a system layout that differs greatly from the “normal” layout found in the SDI system in an arid or semi-arid area. Installation is best done when the soil moisture is within an optimal range, which may seriously limit the time when a system may be installed in North Carolina. And fewer systems have been installed in humid regions, so fewer professional installers and less installation equipment are available. This publication presents both design and installation considerations to help the grower in a humid area who is considering a SDI system. Topics include design criteria; pumps; filtration; chemical injection; valves; main and submain (header), dripline, and flushing manifold design; instrumentation and control systems; design implementation; installation tips; and locating an installer.