Drip irrigation system can be a bit difficult to implement, right? So, to help you out, we have decided to write a guide on how to use drip irrigation system. After going through this guide, you’ll have everything clear in front of you.
So, let’s get started!
How Drip Irrigation System Came Into Existence?
The importance of irrigation in agriculture is unparalleled. The invention of irrigation paved the way for modern agriculture as well as a completely new civilization. It is one of the oldest, yet most important inventions of mankind which is still in use.
Irrigation is the process of applying water to the field by making artificial routes of water. Using this idea, a number of ways have been invented to modernize irrigation. A lot of new mechanisms, methods, materials have been invented to make the overall process easier. However, considering the water wastage in irrigation and the depletion of ground water levels in recent years, the idea of irrigation has gone through a transition as well.
A number of new methods have been put to use to minimize water wastage and get the best out of the applied water. In this case, drip irrigation is the best system available.
Drip irrigation is a system of providing water directly to the root system of plants instead of flooding the entire region. In this system, water flows in tubes and pipes through underwater channels to finally reach the root zones of the plants.
The system is generally run by a lot of tubes underground while emitters, valves, faucets, etc. exist to control the flow of water.
In the current scenario, drip irrigation system is very important solely because of the wastage of water caused by conventional irrigation and the depletion of surface water over the years. Drip irrigation might seem like an expensive alternative to the conventional irrigation system, but it only has a one-time investment paired with very little maintenance cost which reduces the overall expenditure.
Here’s how to use drip irrigation system:
How To Use Drip Irrigation System
To start a drip irrigation system running at your yard, you'd need to get some work done. From planning to implementation, it is a fairly long process, but by a bit of work here and there, it can be done successfully.
The processes are:
Planning
- Begin with planning your work. Look into your yard and see the possible ways of establishing a drip irrigation system. Look into things like the area of the yard, presence of tall trees, evenness of the yard, soil type, etc.
- After noting all the nooks and crannies of your yard, make a plan. Decide where your flower beds will be placed and which part requires how much water to be flown into it. Having a properly made plan can reduce costs and failed attempts by a great margin.
Different Tools And Their Usage
- Faucets: One great thing about drip irrigation is that it can be started from any faucet inside the house. But it's advisable to choose a faucet outside which will make the management of water a lot easier. Also, try investing a bit of money in choosing your faucet so that it can take the pressure and doesn't get worn out with time.
- Tubing: The second most important thing in a drip irrigation system is tubing. The tubes and pipes that go underground to flow water from the faucet to the root of the plant. In this case, the tubes are generally made out of polyethylene or PVC. Holes are dug in parts of the tube that supply water outside.
- Emitters: Emitters are set up in parts of the tube which require water to go out. They're established by poking holes inside the tubes which are later closed down. The flow of water of the emitters depends on the ability of the emitter as well as the water flowing into the tubes, thus giving you the control over your flow of water, deciding how much water is required at which part of the yard.
- Filters: in drip irrigation system, water directly comes from underground sources, as a result, the water might have germs, insects, microbes, etc. These things can ruin the quality of water and carry severe waterborne diseases. Thus, a filter can prevent such pathogens from entering your water and making you sick. Investing a bit of money in a good filter will be very helpful in the long run as well
- Backflow preventers: Backflow preventers work to ensure that the water doesn't go back instead of going into the system. This also helps in keeping some pressure in the system, so that water can go the distance.
- Pressure regulators and air vents: For water to go out of the system and reach out to the plants, pressure regulators are very necessary. They ensure the water pressure remains constant throughout the system and water reaches the ends. Also, air vents work to gather pressure from outside the system to inside the system so that the pressure and water flow remain constant.
- Tubing adapter: if your tubes don't match the backflow preventer or pressure regulator you own, you need an adapter. The adapters will work to ensure all the materials are tied well together and the system functions perfectly together.
Use Of The Overall System
Now that the individual materials have been discussed, it's time to use the entire system in a proper manner. If your system is made perfectly, the irrigation system will work just with a click.
Turn your faucet on and watch it do its job. Also, for higher-end systems, you can have digital systems which you can turn on and it'll automatically irrigate the fields in set times. Regardless of your options and methods, make sure to irrigate your field for at least twice a week for a minimum of 15-20 minutes per session.
Conclusion
A drip irrigation system might seem too complicated or expensive at the first go. But as you start working with it, the maintenance costs get cheaper and the overall cost decreases.
Also, the establishment of a system might be a bit time consuming and complicated but keeping the system going is very easy. Set up your drip irrigation system wisely and you'll have a very productive time with your garden while wasting the least bit of water possible.