Despite drought, green grass with sub-irrigation

Dairy farmer Jeroen Nabben from America (North Limburg) has green grass for his cows despite the drought. He grows his own grass, successfully using sub-irrigation with groundwater. Last year he participated in a field trial, the findings of which he is now successfully using for his business.

In the spring of 2017, a field trial with sub-irrigation took place at Jeroen Nabben's Hoeve de Hei dairy farm in America. The trial was conducted by research institute KWR and consultancy KnowH2O on behalf of the Province of Limburg, LLTB, Waterboard Limburg and Nature and Environment Federation Limburg. The first measurements showed, among other things, that crops grow better with sub-irrigation, fertilizers are better distributed in the soil and less water evaporates from the soil. Following this success, the follow-up trial with sub-irrigation, which is currently underway, is also showing positive results.

Reverse drainage
For the sub-irrigation with groundwater, Nabben pumps groundwater from its own well. A float system allows the pump to be automatically turned on or off, ensuring that the groundwater is always at the correct level. He then allows the pumped water to flow into the collection well of a level-controlled drainage system under his field. Sub-irrigation with groundwater is in fact reverse drainage. The water spreads underground through the drainage pipes, raising the groundwater level under the plot. This makes it easier for the roots of the plants to reach the water. Watering is then no longer (or less often) necessary and dehydration of the soil is a thing of the past.

Sub-irrigation could replace irrigation in the future. With sub-irrigation, farmers can respond to the effects of climate change that are pushing us all to be more water efficient.

Source: New Harvest