Study Details Installation, Repair, and Retrieval Costs of S3DI Systems in Georgia Corn and Cotton Fields
A recent study tracked the longevity and economic aspects of Shallow Subsurface Drip Irrigation (S3DI) systems across five fields in Georgia, focusing on corn and cotton rotations. The research documented the costs associated with installing, repairing, and retrieving these irrigation systems. Key findings indicate that S3DI tubing can remain viable for at least eight years under a corn-cotton rotation. The study also highlighted various challenges, including mechanical damage from harvesting equipment and biological damage primarily caused by rodents. For instance, extensive mechanical damage occurred in one S3DI system due to cotton harvest equipment, leading to the implementation of a calibration area for GPS to prevent future incidents. Biological damage from rodents was identified as a major source of tubing issues. The research provides a detailed breakdown of annualized installation costs, which ranged from $10–$25 per acre per year, and annual repair costs, which varied from $1–$18 per acre per yea...
