An SDI system has similar components to a drip system, which consist of pump, filtration and chemical/fertilizer injection unit, a network of underground PVC or above ground layflat distribution pipe (see pictures), laterals, emitters, control accessories, pressure regulating and solenoid valves.

Laterals are the key components which are placed in the crop root zone and deliver water to the crop. Tapes and tubes (drip) are available for use as laterals. They are often spaced 1-2 m apart and generally installed at depths of 0.02 - 0.70 m with shallower depths on coarse soils and slightly deeper on finely textured soils. They should be placed at distance of at least 0.20 m from the row of plants in order to prevent the roots from intruding into the lateral .

Tape products are thinner than tubing and range from 10 - 30 mm in thickness, 16 - 22 - 29 mm diameter with a flow range of 2 - 4 - 6 - 8  L/hr at a pressure range of  0.3 - 1.5 bar. They are used more in annual installations and typically are installed at shallow depth 0.15 - 0.20 m (see pictures). These types of tapes are susceptible to mechanical -insect and rodent- damage.

Drip tubes are commonly used in permanent installations due to longer expected life. They are installed deep enough to avoid damage by tillage, cultivation and harvest equipment. The diameter of the tube (12-16-20-22 mm) plays an important role in how far the laterals can efficiently/uniformly convey water (see pictures).

Emitter flow rates are commonly specified in water output/length of lateral (Specific Discharge Rate - SDR, i.e. 4 L/hr/m). The spacing between the emitters (0.10-0.60-0.75-1.00 m) is also an important factor when matching it with the crop spacing and the soil type. Emitter flow should be selected based on soil characteristics, water availability and quality and plant needs. Other properties, such as pressure-flow characteristics, distribution uniformity and coefficient of manufacturer's variation are very important in the design phase. Qualified designers are essential for designing such a system.

The manufacturer/supplier brochures usually are showing the size of the tape/tube (mm), the spacing of the emitters (cm or m), the flow rate (L/hr), the operation pressure (kPa or bar) and the maximum length of the lateral.