The drip irrigation system: everything you need to know
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What makes drip irrigation so popular with gardeners and farmers? You can save time, money, and hassles by using this method, in addition to conserving water. If you need to grow crops more efficiently and with less water usage, a drip irrigation system is what you need.
What is drip irrigation? How does it work? Let’s know in detail.
What is a Drip Irrigation System?
In drip irrigation, water is dripped onto the soil at very low rates (2-20 litres/hour) from a system of small diameter plastic pipes fitted with drippers. In contrast to surface and sprinkler irrigation, where the entire soil profile is wetted, Drip irrigation occurs closer to plants. This is because only part of the soil where the roots grow is wetted. The drip irrigation system applies water more frequently (usually every 1 – 3 days) than other methods, which provides the plants with a high level of moisture in the soil. Whenever water is applied below the infiltration rate of the soil, the soil remains unsaturated and no free water stands or runs over its surface.
Benefits of Drip Irrigation System
1. Water Efficiently
Today’s most efficient technique of watering is drip irrigation. If you use the typical irrigation method, most of the water will evaporate and run off, resulting in future water scarcity. Every drop of water is applied directly where plants can get it with this drip system. This prevents water waste and allows your planting beds to make the most of every drop. As a result, you can achieve a good yield while using less water. The drip irrigation method places a precise amount of water exactly where it’s needed. Overwatering is avoided. As a result, less weeding is required. It saves water and is cost-effective.
2. Save your time
Installing a drip system will save not just water but also your time. You don’t have to water your plants or crops by hand. Also, with the use of a timer, it is possible to fully automate the process. By Drip Irrigation weeding is reduced or eliminated.
3. Save your money
Drip systems water straight to the roots of the plants, which saves money. Drip irrigation utilises 30 to 50 percent less water than traditional irrigation. In one to two seasons, you can recoup your investment in the system. With less water loss due to evaporation, your utility (water) cost will be lower. With good planning, drip irrigation components will survive for many years.
4. Easy installation
It takes only a few minutes to set up and is incredibly simple. The system is installed on the top layer of the floor. There are no modifications in the root systems of plants as a result of this. Instead, individuals may instantly reap the benefits of easy and direct access to water. Drip systems are also simple to move. Your drip system can be used to match your demands if you have a new vision for your garden or farm or decide to grow new plants or crops.
5. Fewer pests, less disease & weeds incidence
Insects love to find water on plant leaves or in water storage bodies; therefore there will be fewer pests, diseases, and weeds. A drip irrigation system delivers all of the water to the ground, ensuring that no water is wasted in undesirable places and that weeds are controlled. Because water will reach plants, there will be no water storage bodies in which pests and diseases can proliferate.
New trends in agriculture
When it comes to agricultural activity, the world is fast shifting toward a more modern mindset. From the simple premise of increasing agricultural economic efficiency to the development of cutting-edge aeroponics techniques that could make farming on Mars a reality, the possibilities are endless. New agricultural trends and technology are continually evolving, and micro-irrigation seems to be at the core of it all.
Final thought
Drip irrigation is utilised on large and small farms, vineyards, home gardens, nurseries, and urban balconies, rooftops, and decks all over the world. The expense of a drip irrigation system is determined by the size of the area to be irrigated as well as the emitters and tubing used. However, there is an initial upfront expense for common elements such as the valve, pressure regulator, and backflow preventer, regardless of the size of the irrigated area.