This work aimed to quantify drippers performance under subsurface drip irrigation (SDI), regarding the flow variation due to root intrusion under coffee crop. Coffee seedlings were irrigated by seven different models of commercial drippers, in two depths (15 and 30 cm) and in two soil water depletion levels (Wet and Dry treatments). It was concluded that until 120 days from the beginning of the experiment there was not a dripper that highlighted regarding the relationship of the penetration of roots, and starting from there, differences in the susceptibility of the models were observed, and the models evaluated in function degree of flow reduction could be assemble. The irrigation levels didn't present conclusive results until 120 days from the beginning of the experiment, even so, considering the whole period of the experiment evidences were observed that the root system is more aggressive in the deepest layer of soil (30 cm) and for the wet treatment.
drip irrigation; root intrusion; plugging
