Drip irrigation, also known as trickling irrigation, consists of small diameter plastic pipes with emitters or drippers that drip water onto the soil at meager rates (2-20 liters/hour). Unlike surface and sprinkler irrigation, which wets the entire soil profile, water is supplied near plants, wetting only the soil area where the roots grow.
Drip irrigation water is applied more frequently (typically every 1-3 days) than other systems, resulting in excellent high moisture content in the soil that allows plants to thrive.
Row crops (vegetables, soft fruit), tree and vine crops, and other crops where one or more emitters can be given for each plant, are the best candidates for drip irrigation. However, only high-value crops are usually selected because of the high capital expenditures of building a drip system. Drip irrigation can be used on any slope that is suitable for farming. In most cases, the crop is planted following contour lines, and the water supply pipes (laterals) are likewise laid along the contour. This is done to reduce changes in emitter discharge caused by changes in land elevation.
Most soils can benefit from drip irrigation. However, to avoid surface water ponding and runoff on clay soils, water must be supplied gently. In addition, to guarantee adequate lateral soaking of sandy soils, more effective emitter discharge rates will be required.
One of the most common issues with drip irrigation is emitter obstruction. All emitters have narrow canals, ranging in diameter from 0.2 to 2.0 mm, which can become clogged if the water is dirty. As a result, sediment-free irrigation water is needed. If this is not the case, irrigation water filtering will be required.
A blockage may result if the water contains algae, fertilizer deposits, or dissolved compounds that precipitate, such as calcium and iron. Although filtration may remove some of the materials, the situation may be complex, requiring the assistance of an expert engineer or conversation with the equipment vendor.
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What is Drip Irrigation Systems?
Drip irrigation is particularly well suited to low-quality water (saline water). The method of dripping water to individual plants can also be quite efficient in terms of water utilization. As a result, it’s best used when water is scarce.
Drip irrigation, also known as trickling irrigation, consists of small diameter plastic pipes with emitters or drippers that drip moisture onto the soil at meager rates (2-20 liters/hour). Unlike surface and sprinkler irrigation, which wets the entire soil profile, water is supplied near plants, wetting only the soil area where the roots grow. Find our drip irrigation parts.
Drip irrigation water is applied more frequently (typically every 1-3 days) than other systems, resulting in excellent high moisture content in the soil that allows plants to thrive.
Row crops (vegetables, soft fruit), tree and vine crops, and other crops where one or more emitters can be given for each plant, are the best candidates for drip irrigation. However, only high-value crops are usually selected because of the high capital expenditures of building a drip system.
Drip irrigation can be used on any slope that is suitable for farming. In most cases, the crop is planted following contour lines, and the water supply pipes (laterals) are likewise laid along the contour. This is done to reduce changes in emitter discharge caused by changes in land elevation.
Most soils can benefit from drip irrigation. However, to avoid surface water ponding and runoff on clay soils, water must be supplied gently. In addition, to guarantee adequate lateral soaking of sandy soils, more effective emitter discharge rates will be required. One of the most common issues with drip irrigation is emitter obstruction. All emitters have narrow canals, ranging in diameter from 0.2 to 2.0 mm, which can become clogged if the water is dirty. As a result, sediment-free irrigation water is needed. If this is not the case, irrigation water filtering will be required.
A blockage may result if the water contains algae, fertilizer deposits, or dissolved compounds that precipitate, such as calcium and iron. Although filtration may remove some of the materials, the situation may be complex, requiring the assistance of an expert engineer or conversation with the equipment vendor.
The Benefits of Drip Irrigation Systems
Plant Health Is Improved
Water seeps slowly and deeply into the soil, delivering hydration to the roots where it’s most needed. When plants are irrigated evenly, and without being stressed by a lack of water, they grow swiftly.
There Will Be Less Trash and Waste Overall
Traditional overhead sprinklers consume one-quarter to half the water as a good drip irrigation system, such as those offered by Morgan County Seeds. According to Washington State University Extension, 70% of water ends up in the soil, with the rest lost to evaporation and wind. A good drip irrigation system, on the other hand, delivers 90% of the water into the soil with minimal evaporation.
There Will Be Environmental Benefits
Drip irrigation reduces erosion since it is so successful, with very little runoff ending up in local streams and rivers.
It Helps You Save Time
There’s no need to lug hoses and sprinklers from one location to another with drip irrigation. In addition, many irrigation kits make it simple to add a timer, which counts another degree of automation to the process and makes irrigation even easier.
Drip Irrigation Is Simple
Drip irrigation systems, such as Morgan County Seeds’ Gardeners Irrigation Quick Kit systems, are simple to set up and utilize. Morgan includes a 1,000-foot drip line, a garden hose fitting, pressure regulator, and filter, as well as enough fittings for 25 rows. The hose spigot is directly connected to the systems.
Find our drip irrigation parts to build your garden watering system.
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