EVALUATION OF POLYETHYLENE SUBSURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION DRIPLINES AFTER 26 YEARS OF SERVICE IN A CORN FIELD IN NORTHWESTERN KANSAS

摘要

Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) delivers increased crop yields, improves utilization of farmland, reduces fertilizer run off and more efficiently uses water. One concern commodity growers have when investing in an SDI system is the longevity of the dripline, requiring a long life to be economically practical. The use of high quality raw materials is a key factor in maximizing the value of an investment in SDI.This paper contains an actual example of how the use of high quality materials enabled driplines to last 26 years in service. A new dripline was installed in Kansas as part of an SDI system in 1989. The system operated with the same dripline until 2015,when it began to fail. The overall dripline held up well and remained ductile over its 26 year life, demonstrating longevity when quality raw materials are used.Through this real life example, the key inputs to maximizing the longevity of driplines are identified and outcomes of the aging process described.