Amid a continuing drought, new efforts are emerging to ease water scarcity. A Spanish company is advancing an agricultural irrigation system billed as dramatically reducing water waste, with claims of up to seventy percent savings.
The system, called DeepDrop, is described by Ernesto Rico, the director of Creacciona, as a shift from surface irrigation to an underground approach. He notes that it uses substantially less infrastructure than traditional methods and optimizes water use with greater efficiency.
The mechanism is straightforward: a device is drilled into the main irrigation conduit and placed underground in a shallow trench about 30 centimeters deep.
The unit consists of 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.
Surface view of the system deep drop
Surface view of the system deep drop
Water savings range from forty to seventy percent depending on the product
In the event of a fault, repairs are performed from the exterior, which keeps maintenance costs lower for farmers than traditional underground irrigation.
The expected water savings vary from forty percent to seventy percent, influenced by the crop type and, crucially, the soil type, whether silty, sandy, or clayey.
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.
It enables shorter, more frequent watering within a single day, which keeps trees consistently moist, supports plant health, and may boost yields. The method is described as highly ecological because it reduces surface watering and minimizes the need for herbicides.
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.
Redirecting root growth direction
The concept traces back to Ernesto’s father, the inventor Antonio Rico, who developed the approach thirty to forty years ago to stop roots from lifting pavement during surface watering.
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.
Years later, the founder redirected the invention toward farming after recognizing the severe water shortages observed globally. The drought in Spain and its spread to many countries fueled a surge in interest, inquiries, and sales since the previous June. A team behind a product rooted in Andalusia notes strong demand, especially in the olive sector.
The company reports shipments 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.
Comprehensive information about this system and its availability is available through official company channels.
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