KISSS Capillary Subsurface Irrigation Vs. Subsurfce Drip Irrigation
Attribute |
KISSS (Subsurface Capillary Irrigation) SCI |
SDI (Subsurface Drip) |
Uniformity |
Excellent | Poor |
Evaporation |
None | Surface wetting, looses about 10% to evaporation |
Oxygen Concentration |
Excellent | Poor in the vicinity of the emitters |
Plant Health |
Excellent-no plant fungi problems with 10 years of installations | Variable. Roots tend to be more susceptible to root rot in the vicinity of the dripper |
Water Consumption |
15% | 60% |
Vandalism |
Entire system is buried | Some of the systems are buried some are above ground making then susceptible to vandals |
Longevity |
The system is buried out of UV rays and vandals so it has long life | Systems are buried but they have issues with root intrusion. |
Safety and Liability |
Does not produce wet surfaces for slipping or have objects sticking out the ground for trip hazards | Does not produce wet surfaces for slipping or have objects sticking out the ground for trip hazards |
Environmental |
Reduction in the amount of fertilizer and runoff reduces environmental hazards | Reduction in the amount of fertilizer and runoff reduces environmental hazards |
Weed Germination |
No weed germination except when it rains. | No weed germination unless water comes to the surface or it rains |
Fertilizer consumption |
50% | 80% |
Scheduling |
No Scheduling, Irrigate whenever it is optimum | Scheduling is required because of tunneling issues. Soft spots cause ankle injuries |
Root intrusion |
No Root intrusion in over 10 years | Root intrusion is common and only stopped by using herbicides to kill the roots in the vicinity |
System cost |
1.2 Times Sprinklers | 1.5 times Sprinklers |
