Follow the National Electrical Codes - use NMC or IMC rated for burial with a live, neutral, and ground and wire it accordingly.
Bury the NMC cable at least 18" and ththe IMC at least 6"and6" and put protection above it before closing the trench - a treated lumber 1x4 works well.
Codes exist to insure the safe use of electricity and should not be ignored for the sake of saving money on cabling.
Even if your area does not require adherence to codes (which is completely idiotic) you should still follow them.
Example - "Gee, Mr. Inspector, I didn't know that the reason you are required to plug any unused cable openings in boxes is to prevent a fire from getting out of the box. So, that's why my house burnt down?"
This sort of thing happens, for want of a 25 cent plug, a house is lost.
Follow the codes.
Bob