About Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation is the most efficient method of irrigating.
While sprinkler systems are around 65-75% efficient, drip systems typically are 90% or higher. What that means is much less wasted water! For this reason, drip is the preferred method of irrigation in the desert regions of the United States. But drip irrigation has other benefits which make it useful almost anywhere. It is easy to install, easy to design, can be very inexpensive, and can reduce disease problems associated with high levels of moisture on some plants.
Drip irrigation (sometimes called trickle irrigation) works by applying water slowly, directly to the soil. The high efficiency of drip irrigation results from two primary factors. The first is that the water soaks into the soil before it can evaporate or run off. The second is that the water is only applied where it is needed, (at the plant’s roots) rather than sprayed everywhere. While drip systems are simple and pretty forgiving of errors in design and installation, there are some guidelines that if followed, will make for a much better drip system.
Components used in drip irrigation (listed in order from water source) include:
• Pump or pressurized water source
• Water filter(s) or filtration systems
• Backwash controller (Backflow prevention device)
• Pressure Control Valve (pressure regulator)
• Distribution lines (main larger diameter pipe, maybe secondary smaller, pipe fittings)
• Hand-operated, electronic, or hydraulic control valves and safety valves
• Smaller diameter polyethylene tube
• Poly fittings and accessories (to make connections)
• Emitting devices at plants (emitter or dripper, micro spray head, inline dripper or inline drip tube)
In drip irrigation systems, pump and valves may be manually or automatically operated by a controller.
Ready to get started on your very own drip irrigation system? We have all the parts you need at THGC today! Give us a call for more information or come in-store and see for yourself!