A landmark underground micro-irrigation system has been deployed across roughly 330 hectares in Mezőfalva, backed by Pipelife Hungary’s products and technical expertise. Subsurface irrigation projects of such scale are a rarity not only in Hungary but across Europe. The innovative solution is expected to save up to 30–50% of water compared to conventional irrigation methods.
A continental milestone in agricultural water management
In October 2025, the installation of an agricultural underground micro-irrigation system was completed on a 330-hectare cornfield in Mezőfalva, Fejér County. The closed system, consisting of main lines, lateral lines, and advanced-design anti-siphon drip pipes, addresses common issues associated with surface irrigation — evaporation, runoff, and crop scorching — while reducing weed growth and the risk of fungal diseases.
Depending on local weather conditions, the system can achieve water savings of 30–50% compared to surface irrigation methods. Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) systems of this scale are operational in only a few places in Europe, making the Mezőfalva project a pioneer on a continental level.
Responding to climate challenges with smarter irrigation
The investment was driven by the increasingly severe drought conditions Central Europe has experienced in recent years. According to data from HungaroMet, the temporal distribution of precipitation in Hungary is becoming increasingly extreme: long, dry periods are accompanied by atmospheric drought and pose serious risks to crop security.
As part of the project, the system’s long-term economic and ecological benefits are also being studied — the first results are expected in 2026, and based on international experience, yields could be considerably higher than with traditional irrigation methods.
“Due to climate change, water has become a strategic resource in arable crop production. It is not enough to simply irrigate; farmers need modern solutions that both promote efficient water use and stabilize production,” says Tibor Fotyék, Head of Irrigation Division at Pipelife Hungary.
Professional guidance beyond installation
The Mezőfalva project also represents a novel approach to agricultural irrigation services. The successful operation of precision irrigation systems depends not only on expert planning and design but also on consistent implementation. Therefore, Pipelife’s professional support extends beyond commissioning to include continuous system operation and performance monitoring.
"We have established a comprehensive one-stop-shop approach which covers everything from expert consulting and tailored system design to seamless delivery, installation and after-sales support," explains Dusan Jankovic, Irrigation Category Manager at Pipelife. "After commissioning, our local representatives remain closely engaged with customers to ensure optimal system performance and provide continued guidance whenever needed."
“By relying on our advanced irrigation solutions and our end-to-end customer support, farmers no longer have to depend on the weather for securing high yields,” continues Fotyék.
Engineering subsurface drip irrigation solutions for modern farming
Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is a precision irrigation technology that delivers water and fertilizers directly to the plant root zone through drip lines installed beneath the soil. Compared to above-ground irrigation methods, SDI offers the highest water efficiency rates, requires the least labor and is particularly well-suited for automation.
However, SDI systems must be expertly designed and constructed from high-quality components to ensure a long service life, accurate and uniform water distribution, and prevent issues such as leaks or emitter clogging.
Pipelife’s design for the Mezőfalva project divides the 330-hectare field into two zones — 150 and 180 hectares, respectively — each further subdivided into eight sectors. Each sector will be irrigated daily for two hours and forty-eight minutes.
Promoting efficient, sustainable irrigation practices across Europe
Due to the increasingly adverse effects of climate change, the need to expand irrigated areas and improve irrigation efficiency is growing across Central and Southern Europe. The project aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of subsurface precision irrigation even over large areas, while maintaining compatibility with traditional tillage and cultivation methods. Additionally, the project will explore how root-zone irrigation systems can help manage the development of fungal diseases compared with other irrigation options.
"The interest in precision irrigation is on the rise, especially in automated irrigation solutions," states Jankovic. "Our goal is to remain at the forefront — delivering not just premium-quality systems but also the expert guidance that enables farmers to make the most of every hectare, driving the next wave of sustainable agriculture development in Europe."
