Drop irrigation, often known as trickling irrigation, is a sort of micro-irrigation system that allows water to drip gently to the roots of plants, either above the soil surface or buried below the surface. In this article we will investigate the advantages and disadvantages of drip irrigation.
What is drip irrigation?
Drip irrigation is a type of irrigation system that delivers little droplets of water straight to the plant’s root zone.
What Is the Process of Drip Irrigation?
- Drip irrigation begins with a simple connection to a hose or spigot, which most houses already have. The connection may change somewhat depending on the system.
- Connect your main supply lines to the zone valves. I have two distinct supply lines since the system I installed is divided into two zones. Each supply line supplies a total of six raised beds.
Advantages of drip irrigation
1. Less Water Consumption
By directing water to the root zone, water is not squandered on places that will not benefit the plant.
2. Healthier Foliage
Overhead watering causes the plant’s leaves to stay wet for an extended period of time after irrigating. Discoloration and spotting are caused by wet leaves. Drip watering keeps the plant’s leaves dry.
3. Prevents Fungus
Wet leaves can promote the spread of fungi such as powdery mildew. Drip watering keeps the foliage dry and protects it from disease.
4. Prevents Soil Erosion
Trickle irrigation is a gentle, constant drip that lowers runoff and thereby soil erosion.
5. Reduces Weeds
Because the regions between the plants will not receive water, weeds will be less likely to develop.
6. Reduced Nutrient Runoff
When a big volume of water runs off the soil’s surface, it depletes the soil’s nutrients. Because drip irrigation lowers runoff, it reduces nutrient loss.
7. Doesn’t need lot leveling or drainage
Standard irrigation installations leave a large amount of water on the soil’s surface. To prevent standing water, appropriate drainage and site leveling are essential. This is less essential with drip irrigation since less water is utilized and the water is supplied straight to the root system.
Disadvantages of using drip irrigation
1. Clogging
One of the most serious drawbacks of drip irrigation is that the little pores along the drip lines can become blocked. If your water contains iron, clogging is more likely. Drip line holes can become clogged and stop the flow of water if they are not properly maintained.
2. Installation is required
A drip irrigation system needs some planning, buying of components, and installation. This requires more work than just setting out a hose with a sprinkler connected.
3. Requires Maintenance and Oversight
You must check your drip lines on a regular basis to ensure they are working correctly. Because much of the action occurs at the soil’s surface, it might be difficult to detect issues at first look. Drip irrigation need seasonal blowouts and winterization.
Drip Irrigation Systems
After testing with a few various systems, my favorites are the ones provided by DripWorks (no, I’m not paid to advertise them). On their website, you may pick from schematics and alter them to obtain the precise arrangement you desire. Once you’ve created your layout, you’ll see a clearly labeled components form where they’ll tell you how much of each part you’ll need depending on your plan.
Drip Works kits
They also provide instructional films that will show you exactly how to install the kit you ordered. Finally, I find DripWorks kits to be the most user-friendly and high-quality. Their fittings are extremely durable and seldom leak. Best of all, the majority of the job is done by hand, so there aren’t many tools required.
Watering controller
As previously noted, the only item I would add is an automated watering controller. These timers allow you to automate your watering so that you may set it and forget it. If you have a hectic schedule or are traveling out of town, you may simply program your irrigation to turn on and off while you’re gone.
Rain Bird LNDDRIPKIT Drip Irrigation Landscape & Garden Watering Kit with Drippers
Rain Bird LNDDRIPKIT Drip Irrigation Landscape & Garden Watering Kit with Drippers, Drip irrigation promotes more constant growth, higher food yields, and disease resistance. Simply connect 1/2″ tubing from an outside faucet to your planting area, then use 1/4″ tubing and fittings to add drippers, micro-bubblers, or micro-sprays as needed. Attaches simply to an outside faucet or hose using the provided connectors to regulate pressure, prevent backflow, and filter sediment; the three requirements for a Drip system to function effectively.
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