Aerification system and method for controlling moisture content and/or gas exchange below a surface of one or more areas to be irrigated. The system includes at least a first and a second aerification sub-systems in communication with the one or more areas, and installable in a recess above which the surface is located； at least one conduit to connect the first sub-system to the second sub-system； at least one pumping system for pumping a fluid between the first sub-system and the second sub-system； fluid from the first sub-system is at least partly transferable by the pumping system to the second sub-system and fluid from the second sub-system is at least partly transferable by the pumping system to the first sub-system. The pumping system periodically raises and lowers a height level of fluid between a predetermined minimum height level and a predetermined maximum height level in the first and second sub-systems.
