At NutraDrip, we specialize exclusively in agricultural subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) systems. We design and install high-efficiency SDI systems for row crops like corn, soybeans, and alfalfa across the Midwest. Our systems are built for long-term water savings, season-long fertigation, and full-acre coverage.
That said, we often get questions about how our work compares to drip irrigation systems used in landscapes, gardens, or orchards. While the technology is similar, the applications—and providers—are very different.
To clarify:
- NutraDrip = agricultural SDI systems only
- Grimm’s Gardens = landscape and garden drip systems
This post breaks down both so you can see how surface vs. subsurface drip fits your specific needs—whether you’re managing a farm or maintaining a home landscape.
Drip Irrigation in Gardens and Landscapes (Handled by Grimm’s Gardens)
Drip irrigation is a water-efficient way to irrigate landscapes, gardens, trees, shrubs, and lawns. Whether your system is surface or subsurface, depends on the plants, design, and long-term goals.
While NutraDrip focuses strictly on agricultural SDI, our parent company, Grimm’s Gardens, installs both surface and subsurface drip systems for residential and commercial landscapes.
Common Landscape Uses for Drip Irrigation:
- Lawns and turf
- Flower beds and perennial gardens
- Shrubs and trees
- Raised beds and vegetable gardens
In most landscape installations, drip tubing is installed on the surface and covered with mulch or rock, making it invisible while preserving flexibility.
Surface drip irrigation system installed by Grimm’s Gardens in a residential landscape bed.
Why Choose Subsurface Drip Irrigation?
Subsurface drip irrigation applies water directly to the root zone, minimizing evaporation, overspray, and runoff. It performs exceptionally well in:
- Urban and commercial landscapes
- Lawns with slopes or curves
- High-traffic zones like medians or parking lots
- Clay, loam, or sandy soils
Did you know? According to Netafim USA, “Subsurface works better in heavy clay or sand conditions than sprinklers.”
Advantages of Drip Over Sprinkler Systems
Drip irrigation outperforms sprinklers in key areas:
- Water conservation: Less evaporation and runoff
- Precision: Water goes directly to the roots
- Healthier plants: Dry foliage reduces disease
- Appearance: Fewer visible components
- Flexibility: Works on slopes and irregular beds
“Sprinklers waste water through evaporation, runoff, and wind drift. Netafim Techline® CV applies water directly to the root zone, saving water—lots of it.” — Netafim USA
Best-in-Class Drip Tubing for Landscapes: Netafim Techline® CV
Grimm’s Gardens installs Techline CV by Netafim—a trusted drip line for both surface and subsurface use in:
- Turfgrass and lawns
- Parking lots and medians
- Flower beds and shrub zones
Features of Techline® CV:
- Pressure-compensating emitters
- Self-flushing to reduce clogging
- Molded root barriers
- Built-in check valves
- Durable polyethylene tubing
Clean, water-efficient, and low-maintenance—Grimm’s Gardens uses Techline® CV for long-lasting performance in landscape beds and turf areas. Once installed, the dripline is buried and covered by mulch or soil, making it completely hidden from view.
Garden bed irrigated with surface drip tubing—ideal for seasonal flexibility and visibility.
Surface Drip Irrigation for Specialty Crops
For orchards, vineyards, and high-value vegetables, surface drip offers seasonal flexibility and precision fertigation.
Common Crops:
- Almonds, citrus, apples
- Wine and table grapes
- Strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce
Growers typically install the drip line at planting and remove it after harvest. This enables crop-specific fertigation while increasing labor needs.
Surface Drip Benefits (Netafim USA):
- Uniform moisture delivery
- Energy-efficient at low pressures
- Dry foliage = less disease
- Flexible and easy to install
- Reduced wind interference and runoff
- Works well with fertigation and reclaimed water
Not a Landscape Provider? Here’s Why Agricultural SDI Is Different
While this blog compares drip types, NutraDrip does not install garden, lawn, or landscape irrigation systems. We work exclusively with row crop farmers to design and install permanent, underground agricultural drip systems.
If you’re looking for landscape drip irrigation, call Grimm’s Gardens.
If you’re farming and need long-term water control, read on.
Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) for Midwest Row Crops
This is where NutraDrip leads the way.
Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) uses drip tape buried 10–16 inches below the surface to deliver water and nutrients directly to the crop’s root zone.
SDI Benefits for Farmers:
- Full-acre irrigation coverage
- Precision fertigation throughout the season
- Low-labor, high-efficiency operation
- Engineered flushing and filtration for reliability
Perfect for corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and other Midwest row crops, SDI provides unmatched control over water and nutrient management.
Choosing the Right Dripline: Surface vs. Subsurface
Not all dripline is created equal. At NutraDrip, we install Netafim’s top-performing models based on your application.
For Landscape & Garden (Surface)
- Built-in check valves
- Flexible for seasonal use
- Kink-resistant tubing
For Agricultural SDI (Subsurface)
- DripNet PC: uniform flow, pressure-compensating, customizable spacing
- Typhoon Plus: high-pressure flush, root-intrusion protection, longer reels
Both are engineered by Netafim USA for durability and performance.
Final Takeaway: What’s Right for You?
Your Project Type | Recommended Provider |
Garden or yard irrigation | |
Seasonal orchards or vineyards | Specialty crop drip installer |
Full-field drip for row crop farming |
NutraDrip is not a landscape irrigation company. We build farm-scale agricultural SDI systems across the Midwest.
Contact the Experts
- Homeowners & Landscapers: Grimm’s Gardens – (785) 459-2586
- Farmers & Growers: NutraDrip – (531) 333-4774
Let us help you grow—every acre, every plant, every season.
