Drip irrigation is an old agriculture practice that has been used for ages to water plants. It is one of the most effective ways of supplying water and nutrients to the plants, and this is so because it delivers directly to the root zone at the correct time and when needed.
The practice of drip irrigation actually allows the farmers to produce high and better yields. Also, it is the best way to stop water from being wasted in agricultural practices. It does not just save only water, but fertilizers, and other crop protection products as well.
With the advancement in technology, the methods of drip irrigation have also changed yet the concept, i.e., providing water to the root tips drop by drop is still the same and this had led to the formation of drip irrigation sprayers.
Drip irrigation sprayers are made with the idea of tiny holes adjoined or present along with the hose, which allows water to pass through. The water is transported through drip lines which feature small subunits called drippers.
DRIP IRRIGATION TYPESThere are actually two basic types of drip irrigation systems and they are-
1. Soaker hoses
2. Sprinkler hoses
1. Soaker hoses: These systems work and emit water from tiny holes which are connected to a hose. Their working mechanism is slow and they continuously drop the water to the plants. You can fit these hoses on the ground, or bury them under mulch.
2. Sprinkler hoses: These hoses or we can say are also known as drip irrigation sprayers. They actually work like sprayers and sprinkle water on plants like mist. These systems have flat hoses with perforations. As compared to soaker hoses these hoses are easy to install and fit. All you have to do is lay them on the ground and screw hose lines, that’s it.
WHY DO FARMERS PREFER DRIP IRRIGATION?
There’s no doubt that drip irrigation and usage of drip irrigation sprayers are truly very beneficial both to the users and nature as well.
Here are some reasons which tell why the practice of drip irrigation is the first choice of farmers -
1. High quality and consistent yields
2. It is the best way and a great alternative irrigating method to save water. Drip irrigation leads to zero evaporation, no running off the water, thus no waste.
3. It utilizes the whole land, which ensures 100% land utilization.
4. It can be used evenly and uniformly on any topography and soil type..
5. It is actually an energy-saving process, as it works on low water pressure.
6. It ensures and promotes efficient use of fertilizer and crop protection.
7. One of the biggest advantages of using drip irrigation is that it reduces the dependency on weather to a great extent.
DRIP IRRIGATION TIPS
To make sure that your drip irrigation practice goes smoothly and you make the most of it, here are some of the tips which you might make use of while using drip irrigation sprayers.
1. Leave the tubing in the sun, prior to installation.
2. You can reduce watering needs by placing the system near the low hedge or wind barrier.
3. Drain your system if you live in the cold region.
