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Drip Irrigation System: Part of Micro Irrigation Transforms Agriculture Using Drip Farming

Drip irrigation systems is transforming the lives of millions of farmers across the world, enabling higher yields to be produced from any land, while saving water, fertilizer and energy.  

What is Drip Irrigation System?

Drip irrigation is a specific type of micro irrigation system. Drip irrigation is the most efficient water and nutrient delivery system for growing crops. It delivers water and nutrients directly to the plant’s roots zone, in the right amounts, at the right time, so each plant gets exactly what it needs, when it needs it, to grow optimally.

Thanks to drip irrigation Systems, farmers can produce higher yields while saving on water as well as fertilizers, energy, and even crop protection products.

How Does Drip Irrigation System Work?

Water and nutrients are delivered across the field in pipes called ‘dripperlines’ featuring smaller units known as ‘Drippers’Each dripper emits drops containing water and fertilizers, resulting in the uniform application of water and nutrients direct to each plant's root zone, across an entire field.

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Why Do Farmers Prefer Drip Irrigation?

The reason is simple. Drip Irrigation system farming not only delivers greater ROI compared to other irrigation methods, but it also gives farmers an efficient and simple way to operate their farms as Drip farming optimizes water usage, enhancing crop yields sustainably.

  • Higher consistent quality yields
  • Huge water savings: no evaporation, no run off, no waste
  • 100% land utilization - drip irrigates uniformly in any topography and soil type
  • Energy savings: drip irrigation systems works on low pressure    
  • Efficient use of fertilizer and crop protection, with no leaching
  • Less dependency on weather, greater stability and lower risks
How can YOU benefit from drip irrigation? Give us a call!

Why Do Plants Prefer Drip Irrigation?

Just like people, plants like to get their water and nutrients in a balanced way. Nobody wants to eat a month's worth of food in one day, and the same goes for plants. Which is why drip irrigation applies water and nutrients frequently and in small doses, ensuring optimal growing conditions that helps produce the highest yields possible.   

Here’s why plants are more productive with drip irrigation system   

  • High availability of water and nutrients
  • Doses of water and nutrients tailored to plant’s development needs
  • No saturation and good soil aeration
  • Avoids high salinity caused by excessive fertilizer application  
  • No wetting of foliage that can result in fungal diseases
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drip irrigation systems
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Why The World Needs Drip Irrigation Systems ?

By 2050, there’ll be 10 billion people living on our planet, and 20% less arable land per person to grow enough calories. Include increasing water scarcity, and it’s clear why we need a way to increase agricultural productivity and resource efficiency. That’s where drip irrigation system fits in, changing the economics of global agriculture by allowing farmers to produce more calories per hectare and cubic metre of water.

  • Reduce impact of drought and climate change on food production 
  • Avoid contamination of ground water and rivers caused by fertilizer leaching
  • Support rural communities, reduce poverty, reduce migration to cities
See how drip irrigation is the key to sustainable agriculture

Drip Irrigation System Design and Components

Drip irrigation can be described as a micro-irrigation system that delivers water and nutrients to crops and plants efficiently. The controlled distribution of water and nutritional compounds to the plant's roots at regular intervals ensures the crops receive all they need for their optimal growth. Many farmers are opting for drip farming because of the range of benefits it offers. Along with producing a higher yield, drip irrigation systems can help conserve water, energy, fertilizers, and crop protection products.

The main drip irrigation components typically found in a drip irrigation system are:

  1. Water Source: This could be a tap, well, reservoir, or any other water supply using drip water irrigation kit.
  2. Drip Filter: Filters are essential for removing debris, sediment, and other particles from the water to prevent clogging of emitters and tubing.
  3. Pressure Regulator: Ensures that the water pressure remains at an optimal level throughout the system, preventing damage to emitters and ensuring uniform water distribution.
  4. Mainline Tubing: Serves as the primary conduit for water delivery from the source to the rest of the system. Mainline tubing is usually made of PVC, polyethlene, or another durable material.
  5. Sub-Mainline Tubing: In larger systems, sub-mainline tubing distributes water from the mainline to various sections or zones of the garden or field.
  6. Drip Line: These are the distribution lines with built-in emitters that deliver water directly to the root zones of plants. 
  7. Drip Emitters: Devices that control the flow rate of water from the tubing to the plants. Drip irrigation emitters come in various types, including Drippers, micro-sprayers, and bubblers, each suited to different watering needs for.
  8. Drip Connectors and Fittings: Used to join tubing sections, create branches, and connect emitters. Common fittings in drip farming include couplings, tees, elbows, and valves.
  9. End Caps and Flush Valves: End caps seal off the ends of tubing, while flush valves allow for easy flushing of the system to remove debris and prevent clogging.
  10. Pressure Gauges and Flow Meters: Pressure gauges monitor system pressure, while flow meters measure water flow rates, aiding in system monitoring and troubleshooting.

These drip irrigation components works together to create an efficient and precise drip irrigation system, delivering water directly to the root zones of plants while conserving water and minimizing waste. Proper installation, maintenance, and monitoring are essential for maximizing the effectiveness and longevity of the system.

Benefits of Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation imparts a host of benefits, including improved productivity, water conservation, and greater yield. Aside from that, a drip watering system helps to reduce weed growth and labor costs. Now, drip irrigation systems entail the deployment of tubing with emitters beside the plants on the farm. The emitters maintain optimum moisture levels by slowly dripping water into the soil around the plant roots. This type of micro irrigation helps in improving plant quality and productivity. Farmers can also deploy a drip irrigation kit if many crops are cultivated on their farms for seamless fertilizer application.

Overall, Drip farming can help in the following ways:

  • Prevents the onset of diseases by reducing the possibility of stems, leaves, and fruits coming in contact with water
  • Distributes sufficient water and nutritional compounds to the plants, thereby promoting their optimal growth
  • Keeps the rows between plants dry, easing access and reducing weed growth
  • Saves time, water, and money because of its efficient function
  •  Helps to reduce labor charges and irrigation costs
  • Works effectively on all types of land, including uneven grounds
  • Ensures efficient use of fertilizers, reducing the leaching of water and nutrients beneath the root zone

In all, farmers benefit by installing a drip pipe because they earn greater ROI while optimizing water usage and enhancing crop yield.

Netafim For Drip Irrigation System

Netafim offers a range of drippers, driplines, and emitters as part of a drip irrigation kit. Farmers are increasingly deploying Netafim’s drip irrigation systems to reap the benefits of healthy crops and greater yields. Additionally, Netafim’s range of drip irrigation systems can help to save energy, water, and fertilizers. When it comes to choosing between Netafim’s drip watering systems, farmers can choose between surface drip varieties and subsurface drip systems depending on the plant irrigation needs. Netafim has different types of drippers with special features for the efficient distribution of water and nutrients to the crops, too. In all, a micro drip irrigation system developed by Netafim, which is equipped with drippers and driplines, is beneficial for improving crop quality and producing higher yields.

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