Why drip irrigation is one of the most efficient types of irrigation systems

Drip irrigation is the system in which water is frequently and slowly applied directly on the crop root zone. The concept of this irrigation system is to irrigate only the root zone instead of the entire field surface, thus making water content of the crop root zone at the optimum level.

In a drip irrigation system, water is applied under the pressure, dripping one drop at a time through the small emitters. Water can also be sprayed as a fine mist over a portion of field’s surface or bubbled onto the soil in small streamlets.

Although drip systems irrigate only a portion of the soil, the amount of wetted soil depends on soil characteristics, the length of the irrigation period, emitter discharge, and number and spacing of emitters.

Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient types of irrigation systems. The efficiency of applied and lost water as well as meeting the crop water need ranges from 80 to 90%. What does this mean? Well, its efficiency is the result of only two factors;

• Applying of water drop by drop, the soil soaks it before it evaporates
• Water is applied on the crop root zone (localized) where it is needed most

Limitations in Using Drip Irrigation System

Despite many benefits, drip system has also limitation factors for successful implementation on crop production:

• Clogging of emitters due to small outlets, caused by soil particles, chemicals, fertilizers or organic materials
• Damage on plastic pipe caused by rodents
• Uniformity of water distribution due to elevation differences on unleveled field
• Potential salt accumulation in crop root zone between two irrigation cycles
• Plants are more susceptible to stress if drip irrigation system fails

Drip Irrigation = Smart Irrigation

Drip irrigation is the most efficient and appropriate irrigation system. Instead of wetting the whole field surface, water is applied only to the plant root zone. The primary goal of drip irrigation is to apply water at the time when plants need it most and in rates needed for proper plant growth. Moreover, it provides a very favorable moisture level in the soil in which plants can flourish.

Although a drip irrigation system is the best solution for smart irrigation, its implementation is not that simple and can take time. To ensure good water management and maintenance, a farmer needs to first understand crop needs and field properties.

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