There are various kinds of irrigation. Drip irrigation method is considered one of the best. It involves dripping water gradually and slowly into the soil (at the rate of 2 – 20 liters per hour) from a network of tiny plastic pipes fitted with outlets called emitters or drippers. Water is applied close to the plants’ roots so that less water wasted and the plants themselves get all water they need. While sprinkler system are around 75% – 85% efficient, drip irrigation method is 90% or higher. It is also easy to install, easy to design, and despite its very expensive installment, it can reduce disease problems related to high levels of moisture on some plants. In the end, the high cost of installing drip irrigation may lead to high profit of the healthy, succulent crops.
The Layout
A typical drip irrigation installment consists of following components:
- Pump unit
- Control head
- Main and sub-main lines
- Laterals
- Emitters or drippers
The Crops
Drip irrigation method is at its best if used for row crops (vegetables, soft fruits), trees and vine crops where one or more emitters can be provided for each plant. Crops with high profit are preferable since the drip irrigation installment cost quite a lot.
The Slopes
Drip irrigation method can be used on any plantable slope. Usually both the plants and the water supply pipes are planted along the contour lines. This is to minimize changes in emitter discharge as a result of changes caused by land elevation.
The Soils
Drip irrigation method can be enjoyed by most soils. It is one benefit comes from the adjustable water flow. On clay soils water is dripped slowly to avoid surface water ponds. On sandy soils higher emitter discharge rates are needed.
The Irrigation Water
One of the main problems usually found within drip irrigation method is the emitters’ blockage. Each emitter has very small water way, ranging from 0.2 mm to 2.0 mm in diameter. These real tiny holes may be blocked if the water is not debris-free and sediment-free. Thus it is essential to use clean water. If it is hard to find, then water filtration is the answer.
Blockage may also occur if water contains algae, fertilizer deposits and dissolved chemicals. Filtration theoretically may remove some of these materials. However, in reality, problems may be too complex to overcome without an experienced engineer’s solutions.
Drip irrigation method is most suitable for water with poor quality (saline water). It is also a reliable technique for areas where water is scarce.
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Land is so generous that it makes up for every piece of hard work. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
