GEOFLOW
ROOTGUARD® – SUBSURFACE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS FOR LANDSCAPE & TURF

The ultimate Subsurface Irrigation System you can specify and use with confidence.

WHAT IS SUBSURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION?
Traditional drip irrigation is found above ground, now with the invention of ROOTGUARD® (1), the lines can be buried 10-20cm below ground for a long, trouble free life. Subsurface drip irrigation is the precise application of water and nutrients directly to the root zone of plants, allowing the user to manage the growing environment and optimise water use. Geoflow is dedicated to providing the best products for subsurface drip irrigation to be very dependable and easy to use. The depth and placement of the dripline depends on the

soil and need of the plants being irrigated. For most applications a depth of 10-20cm is suitable. Water moves by capillary action through the soil, forming a uniformly wetted area. Frequent irrigation cycles (several times daily) maximise capillary action and minimise water surfacing. Given the same amount of water, subsurface drip irrigation covers a 46% larger wetted volume of soil than a surface drip system. This decreases the saturation point of the soil, which not only leaves room for more air, but also improves the capillary movement of water and decreases the water lost to deep percolation. (2)

ROOT INTRUSION the main problem with previous technology, is eliminated with ROOTGUARD® emitters which are impregnated with the herbicide Treflan® (3). The herbicide is slowly released in minute quantities to set up a barrier 2-3cm around the emitter where root growth is stopped. The expected life of this barrier is 15-20 years, and has a 10 year warranty.

(1) ROOTGUARD® is a registered trademark of A.I. Innovations.
(2) Research performed by the US Department of Agriculture / ARS in Fresno.
(3) TREFLAN® is a registered trademark of Dow Elanco.

WHY USE SUBSURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION?

  • Substantial Water Savings – up to 50% - water loss due to evaporation, mist, surface runoff or wind interference is eliminated. Water and nutrients delivered directly to the root zone promotes healthy plant growth.
  • Vandalism & Mechanical Damage Eliminated – no sprinkler heads, pipes or surface drip lines that cause injury, be subject to vandalism or machinery/mower damage.
  • Safe and Efficient Delivery of Fertilisers – Nutrients are easy to apply through the subsurface drip directly to the roots reducing runoff and chemical pollution.
  • Healthier, Better Quality Plants and Turf – soil and foliage are kept dry, decreasing fungal diseases caused by surface or overhead irrigation.
  • Fewer Weeds – a dry soil surface reduces germination and chemical spraying.
  • Versatile – ideal for difficult shaped areas such as median strips, roundabouts, verges, etc.
  • Lower Maintenance Costs – no moving parts means system is installed permanently and requires no handling.
  • Improved Soil Aeration – fine soil particles are not washed down, decreasing soil compaction and improving root growth.
  • Reduced Litigation Risk – dry surfaces reduce the risk of pedestrian and vehicle accidents due to slipping.
  • Less Salts – less water also means less salts in the soil or into the aquifer.
  • A Longer or Extended Irrigation System Life – the turbulent flow drip emitters and tubing placed underground are made with durable polymers which protect it from damage caused by ultraviolet light, temperature fluctuations and damage due to cultural operations. Plus ROOTGUARD® deters clogging.
  • No Guesswork or Risk – no dosing with noxious acids or Illegally with Restricted Herbicides to control root intrusion.
  • Reduced costs – watering around the clock even when surfaces are in use allows for reduction in size of pumps, pipelines, valves, etc.
  • Health – Safe application of effluent and grey water as viruses and pathogens cannot come into contact with humans.

PRODUCTS

Subsurface drip systems use the same basic components as surface drip systems, including water filtration and treatment, fertiliser and chemical injection, air vents, flush valves and manual or automatic control. Geoflow specialises in manufacturing trouble free subsurface drip irrigation, in both pressure and non-pressure compensating models, with ROOTGUARD® protection.

Dripline – Geoflow’s dripline products are manufactured by DRIP-IN® and are available with either pressure compensating or non-compensating emitters pre-inserted at regular spacing's (40, 50, 60 & 75cm) along the poly line. The emitters are available in either 2lph or 4lph. The dripline can be ordered in 16mm, 18mm or 20mm OD diameters.

Button Emitters – Geoflow also manufactures both pressure compensating and non-compensating button emitters. They are available in 2lph or 4lph flow rates.

THE ROOTGUARD® ADVANTAGE

ROOTGUARD® is the key to Geoflow’s success with subsurface drip irrigation.

© Steve Cselka 2002 - 2010