A drip irrigation system can achieve 95-100% water use efficiency is the most efficient irrigation method. This is compared to sprinkler systems that use 80% to 85% water use efficiency.
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So what is irrigation?
Irrigation is the process of applying controlled amounts of water to land to assist in the production of crops. The different sources of irrigation are rivers, wells, ponds, tube-wells, lakes, dams and canals. A micro-irrigation system that allows water to trickle to the roots of plants from above or below the surface has the potential to save water and nutrients.
Why drip system is better than sprinkler system?
Water from a sprinkler is more likely to wash away the soil at the roots of your trees than it is to water them. With a drip irrigation system around the tree roots, your trees can receive steady, slow water penetration with little water lost and minimal soil erosion. It is the most common type of “micro irrigation” and it is a very efficient way to irrigation crops. One of the more advanced techniques being used today is the use of drips.
What are the specific advantages of drip irrigation over sprinkler irrigation?
Allowing the water to trickle slowly helps to save water.
- It can reduce the amount of water in the air.
- It reduces water use by 50%.
- It is possible to provide a more favorable moisture level for plants with frequent water application.
- As water is applied locally, it is less likely to go to waste.
The advantages of drip irrigation are that there is less loss of food and water. If managed correctly, water application efficiency is high. Field leveling is not necessary.
The dripping valves are used in irrigation. Different spray guns and nozzles are used in the sprinkler system. Irrigation systems can cater to a larger area, while only watering the root area. The sprinkler method has higher runoff and evaporation.
Low costs and operating on very low-pressure systems are some of the advantages. Clogging up easily and poor water distribution are drawbacks. The sprinkler system does not prevent the spread of diseases caused by water. The sprinkler method has higher levels of run off and evaporation. The efficiency and effectiveness of irrigation is higher in drip irrigation.
The benefits of drip irrigation include preventing disease by reducing water contact with the leaves, stems, and fruit of plants. Allowing the rows between plants to remain dry improves access and reduces weed growth. The system is so efficient that it saves time, money and water.
Other types of irrigation
A micro-irrigation system allows water to trickle to the roots of plants from above or below the surface has the potential to save water and nutrients. The goal is to place water in the root zone.
The term trickle irrigation refers to a system of small plastic pipes that are fitted with outlets that allow dripping water onto the soil at very low rates. Although plastic tubes affect soils fertility. Sun degrades plastic and that affects soil and fertilizers too. Sometimes tubes get stuck. The roots get dehydrated when water cannot pass through.
Spray irrigation systems are better for covering larger areas. Plants in these areas don’t have very precise water requirements. Irrigation with drips tends to be more precise in administering water over a period of time.
