What is a drip irrigation system?

Drip irrigation is a very efficient method to apply water as well as nutrients to cultivated land.

1 . Drip irrigation

Drip irrigation is a type of localized irrigation that works by applying water that drips slowly to the roots of plants.

2 . Elements of a drip irrigation system

A drip irrigation systems involves six main elements:

• Water delivery or distribution system: it contains the main line going into the field, pipelines, drip lines, and couplings that connect the drip lines to the pipelines.
• Filters: they prevent debris from entering the system so that the drip system delivers clean water. Sand separators, screen filters, and disk filters are used.
• Pressure regulators: they reduce the pressure in the main line to the pressure of the drip lines.
• Valves and gauges: they control the flow of water to the different crop areas. Water meter gauges measure the amount of water used and the flow of water in the irrigation system.
• Chemical injectors: they allow chemigation or delivery of fertilizers and pesticides to the plants, as well as anti-clogging agents.
• System controllers.

3 . Characteristics of drip irrigation

Drip irrigation systems have the following characteristics:

• Lower volume of water used in comparison with sprinkler irrigation.
• Lower energy costs of pumping.
• High levels of water use efficiency.
• Lower manpower and operation costs and extensive automation.
• Better weed control.
• Efficient fertilizer application through the drip system.
• Water filtration is sometimes necessary to prevent clogging the small holes of drip nozzles.