Drip irrigation can be used to apply water to the root system of plants at a rate that is almost equal to its consumption rate. This reduces traditional water losses such as soil percolation and runoff.
The most efficient irrigation method is a drip irrigation system.
The root zone of the plants is watered at a low rate and under low pressure. Drip irrigation can be used to prolong the duration.
Drip irrigation is a slow application of water onto the soil using a bubbler, spray, or pulse system.
Near the plants is a system of applicators or emitters that spray water in drops, streams, or miniature sprays. All types of irrigation supplies are offered by Specialised Pipe & Water Solutions.
Types Of Drip Irrigation Systems
1. Surface Drip Irrigation System
These drip systems are the most popular and common. A surface drip system is composed of emitters and lines that run along the soil surface.
It can be used both for row crops as well as wide-spaced plants.
Surface drip is a great option because it’s easy to install and inspect, you can change emitters and observe wetting patterns, and you can measure individual emitter discharge rates.
2. Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation System
This drip irrigation system uses emitters to slowly apply water below the surface.
Sub-surface drip irrigation is different from sub-irrigation. In sub-irrigation, the water table is used for root zone irrigation.
This irrigation system was plagued by clogging issues in the past. These subsurface drip irrigation systems are more popular since they have become easier to remove clogging.
Emitters pointed upward perform more than emitters pointed downward.
Sub-surface drip systems are less likely to affect cultivation or other agricultural practices and can last longer.
In some cases, it is possible to use both sub-surface and surface drip irrigation methods in one field. This method involves burying the laterals and extending the emitters to the surface using riser tubes.
You can also create a sub-surface drip system using porous/perforated pipes.
3. Bubbler Drip Irrigation System
Bubbler drip irrigation is a method that uses a point source to spray water from small streams or fountains.
Infiltration rates are lower than discharge rates. A basin must be placed around the plant to control the water distribution.
Bubbler drip irrigation requires less maintenance and filtration than surface or sub-surface drip systems.
4. Spray Drip Irrigation System
Spray drip irrigation systems use a small spray, jet, or fog to apply a mist to the soil.
Air is the medium through which water is distributed in the bubbler, sub-surface, and surface cases.
Spray systems are vulnerable to high winds and evaporation losses.
The Advantages Of Drip Irrigation
1. Easier Management
You can practice both farming and irrigation simultaneously. Drip irrigation does not interfere with other farming practices like harvesting, spraying, and weeding.
Farmers can always access crop fields. This is impossible with other irrigation methods.
2. Water Conservation
Drip irrigation generally requires less water than traditional irrigation methods.
However, water savings on farms are dependent on the crop, soil, environment, and management strategy.
It is possible to save between 30-60 percent depending on how much irrigation you use and the area of the cropping.
a. A small portion of the plot is not wetted, instead.
b. Evaporation results in a lower loss of water.
c. The root zone has an evenly distributed amount of water.
d. There is no percolation loss.
e. The soil is inhospitable to weeds.
3. Labor Savings
Drip irrigation is a great alternative to traditional irrigation. It saves a lot on labor. However, drip irrigation works at a low labor input if it’s properly designed and installed.
Saving money on labor is attractive in countries that have low labor costs.
The system eliminates the need for borders, bunds, and other labor-intensive works associated with traditional irrigation, which can lead to significant labor savings.
