Drip Irrigation method, also called drop by drop irrigation, and underground irrigation, functions as its name imply. Drop by drop, water is distributed to the active root zone of plants. This method, if managed properly, might be the most water-supply-efficient way of irrigation, because runoff and evaporation reduced significantly. Drip irrigation in today's agriculture, is frequently integrated with plastic sheet, further diminishing evaporation, and is also a method of fertilizers delivery to the plants. This process called fertigation (fertilizer + irrigation). DIY DripKits, complete professional drip systems.
Drip Irrigation system layout and its components, copyrights 2009, irrigationglobal.com
Deep trickle (percolation), where water moves below the active root zone, can happen if a drip system is running for too long time or if the irrigation application rate is too high. Drip irrigation systems vary from high-end and computer controlled to simple low-tech with intensive labor involved. Relatively low pressures, is required for most types of micro irrigation systems. System can be planned with uniformity within the field or for exact water conduction to individual plants in a field containing a mix of plant types.
Even though it is complex to regulate water pressure on steep slopes, PC emitters (pressure compensating) available, so drip systems can handle you can handle un-leveled fields as well. Water pressure regulation and filtration to remove particles are primordial in any drip system. Drip systems tubes are usually black, however there are also brown, blue and even white tubes. Some drip tubes are buried under soil or mulch to prevent the growth of algae and to protect the PE (polyethylene) from degradation due to ultra-violet radiation. Sometimes a drip irrigation system can also be a porous clay vessel inserted into the soil and periodically filled from a hose or a watering can. Successful farmers around the globe use drip systems to irrigate almost any intensive crop or plant. find more information on drip irrigation equipment.
Latest drip irrigation technology called hydro-pc, guarantee a wide, efficient labyrinth leading the water into a flow control cell, where a special diaphragm compensate the stream, and keeps a stable flow rate at changeable inlet pressures. IG hydropc drip line is highly resistant to clogging. The dripper inlet filter, located closer to the tube center, guarantees an excellent constant flushing treatment. The relatively small diameter drip line makes a better drip irrigation efficiency. Decrease retained water in the system, causing a shorter refilling time with less redundant drained water, on sloppy terrains, no excessive water wetting in the lower parts of the field. Competitive low cost and big saving on transportation volume and weight. Applications for hydro-pc: All kind of crops on sloping terrain. Or where long run drip lines are a must, look at our irrigation systems design section.