An aerification system for controlling moisture content and gas exchange below a surface of one or more plant growing areas includes at least first and second sub-systems installed below the surface of the one or more plant growing areas. The first and second sub-systems each having a water permeable layer overlying a respective water impermeable layer, where the water impermeable layer defines a respective boundary of each of the first and second sub-systems. The system also includes at least one conduit connecting the water permeable layer of the first sub-system to the water permeable layer of the second sub-system, and at least one pumping system for pumping water therebetween. The pumping system is configured to alternate between pumping water to the first sub-system and the second sub-system in order to periodically raise and lower a water level in the water permeable layer of each of the first and second sub-systems.
