Amid a persistent drought, new initiatives are surfacing to relieve water scarcity. A Spanish company is advancing an agricultural irrigation system that claims to cut water waste by as much as 70 percent. (Citation: EFE)
The system, known as DeepDrop, is described by Ernesto Rico, the director of Creacciona, as a shift from surface irrigation to underground irrigation. He notes that it uses 90 percent less infrastructure than the traditional method and optimizes water use more efficiently. (Citation: Creacciona)
The mechanism is straightforward: the device is drilled into the main irrigation conduit and placed underground in a hole roughly 30 centimeters deep. (Citation: Creacciona)
The unit comprises two components, a small buried tube and a surface-facing dome. Visualizing water flow through the device, Rico confirms that there are no operational issues. (Citation: Creacciona)
Water savings range from 40 to 70 percent depending on the product
In case of a fault, repairs are conducted from the exterior, which means maintenance costs for farmers stay lower than traditional underground irrigation. (Citation: Creacciona)
The expected water savings vary from 40 percent to 70 percent, influenced by the crop type and, crucially, the soil type, whether silty, sandy, or clayey. (Citation: Rico)
The system can be used with nearly any crop and is compatible with most plantations. It suits parks, gardens, flowers, nurseries, private homes, and public green spaces. (Citation: Rico)
It enables shorter, frequent watering within a single day, which keeps trees consistently moist, supporting plant health and potentially boosting yields. The method is described as highly ecological because it reduces surface watering and the need for herbicides. (Citation: Rico)
DeepDrop holds patents worldwide. While similar products exist on the market, Creacciona asserts that their system uniquely delivers the intended functionality, use, and visibility. The company is based in the municipality of Torrox in Malaga. (Citation: Rico)
Redirecting root growth direction
The concept traces back to Ernesto’s father, the inventor Antonio Rico, who developed the approach 30 to 40 years ago to stop roots from lifting pavement during surface watering. (Citation: Ernesto)
The elder Rico reduced watering as roots redirected toward deeper moisture, a transformation that addressed a long-standing problem. Ernesto recalls this history and how it guided a new agricultural format. (Citation: Ernesto)
Years later, the founder redirected the invention toward agriculture after recognizing the severe water shortages observed globally. The drought that Spain endured plus its spread to many countries fueled a surge in interest, inquiries, and sales since the previous June. A team behind a product fully rooted in Andalusia notes strong demand, especially in the olive sector. (Citation: Rico)
The company reports shipment across Spain and notes growing interest from olive groves, with calls coming from multiple continents. The product is designed with circular and bioeconomy principles, sourcing components from recycled parts and remaking them for new use. (Citation: Rico)
Comprehensive information about this system and its availability is available through official company channels. (Citation: Creacciona)
……
Environment department contact details have been removed in this rewrite for privacy in line with current guidelines. (Citation: Creacciona)