AirJection® Irrigation
Why Inject Air Into Root Zones?
Two basic ingredients are necessary to root systems in farming—air and water.
Inadequate soil aeration reduces the rate of water and mineral absorption by roots. Saturated soils will trap metabolites, ethylene and carbon dioxide in the root zone, where high concentrations can seriously affect the rate of growth and size of the plant. Oxygen is also necessary for the survival of beneficial soil micro-organisms that aid in improving soil physical properties and processes such as nitrification and ammonification.
Simply put… plant roots need air to breathe. Without it, soil can become anaerobic, inhibiting nutrient availability, plant growth and crop yields.
Why Mazzei AirJection Irrigation?
AirJection provides needed oxygen directly to the root zone during irrigation improving aerobic activity in the soil and increasing root respiration. When added to drip lines, AirJection incorporates atmospheric air into the irrigation water at optimum levels and delivers it to the root zone. Crop yields, water use efficiency and fertilizer effectiveness are improved by delivering air (oxygen and nitrogen) directly to the root zone.
The Center for Irrigation Technology at California State University, Fresno, has conducted numerous trials using AirJection since 2000. Data from university-led trials and grower installations has shown that commercial on-farm use of Mazzei AirJection technology can increase crop yields between 13% and 35% as a result of improved plant performance and soil conditions. Quality improvements have also been demonstrated in a variety of fruit and vegetable crops.
BENEFITS OF AIRJECTION IRRIGATION
- Increases crop yield, leaf area, sugar content, germination and fruit density
- Allows earlier season harvest and improves late-season production
- Increases root mass resulting in greater nutrient uptake, better nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and reduced fertilizer application rates
- Creates a better soil environment that increases beneficial microbial activity in the soil, which improves growing conditions
- Reduces plant stress
- Increases water infiltration rates
- Improves water use efficiency (WUE)
- Increases plants’ salinity tolerance
SEE HOW AIRJECTION TECHNOLOGY WORKS IN THE ANIMATION BELOW.
AirJection Installation
AirJection can be installed using two different methods. Mazzei AirJection injectors can be employed on individual drip hose/tape or AirJection can be implemented through our MAI manifold for oval, lay-flat or pressure-compensating systems. Both methods are efficient, easy-to-install, and require low maintenance.
The MAI unit is installed at the turn-out valve of the block and is able to seamlessly adjust to varying water flow rates. The heart of the manifold, the Mazzei® venturi injector, allows a specific amount of water to flow through it at a given pressure. The remaining water, if any, flows through the bypass assembly. One simply monitors the installed pressure gauges and adjusts the bypass valve to achieve the desired operating condition. It is designed to meter an approximate air to water ratio with minimal deviation.
MAI must be used when utilizing drip tape with pressure compensating emitters, and air relief valves should be installed at the ends of the distribution system.
Contact Mazzei to determine which method is best for your project.
Highlights of the MAI Method include:
- Ability to adapt to larger irrigation blocks
- Good for use with irregularly shaped fields
- Ideal for use with oval hose or lay flat delivery systems with maximum operating pressures below 25 psi
- Easy to manage and maintain
- Can be used as a pressure regulator
Performance Data & Drawings
Find performance data and/or drawings on many Mazzei products including our venturi injectors.
Technical Assistance
Answers to your questions… specifications, installation tips and technical bulletins to assist you with your irrigation project, plus find Mazzei documentation.
Knowledge Center
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