Drip Irrigation as an Effective Way to Water Plants

Modern human conveniences have significantly simplified the task of gardeners caring for crops. To remove weeds, one does not need to suffer from regular hoeing, but can simply use herbicides. Fungicides and insecticides help combat plant diseases and pests. And watering has become much more efficient and simple thanks to various irrigation systems. Drip systems are especially popular. What is so attractive about them? What is the history of underground irrigation systems?

Short Historical Overview

Drip irrigation as an innovative watering method has been used since ancient times. Initially, clay pots filled with water were buried in the ground. The liquid gradually seeped into the soil to the root system of crops, providing them with the necessary amount of moisture. As early as 1866, in Afghanistan, clay tubes were started to be used for irrigating planting areas.

In the 1920s, in Germany, a perforated tube was invented to perform drip irrigation. After the advent of plastic, an Australian engineer Hannis Till proposed a certain configuration of plastic tubes with elongated openings. They helped practically distribute water for agricultural crops. The first tube with drippers for irrigation was patented in the early 1960s in Israel. Initially, the system worked on the principle of water discharge through relatively large openings, which were equipped with special devices to reduce flow speed. Shortly thereafter, drip irrigation was improved by other methods of micro-irrigation.

Today, local irrigation systems are used in the UAE, USA, Germany, Australia, Ukraine, and many other countries. Worldwide, there are about 3 million hectares of agricultural land using various drip irrigation devices with different characteristics and performance indicators.

Working Principle

The main feature of the system is the absence of sprinklers. Their role is assigned to drip lines. They are created in the form of tubes or tapes. The first are considered more reliable, but they are expensive. Devices are connected to the main line using fittings.

The principle of operation of drip irrigation systems is as follows: water gradually seeps out through very small openings in the tubes. Moreover, it is directed exclusively to the root of the crop. Stable pressure along the entire length of the tubes or tapes is ensured by the size of the openings and a special internal system structure, designed like a labyrinth. It is precisely this specific design that explains the unique characteristics of drip irrigation.

Main Advantages

Drip irrigation is rightfully considered one of the best watering methods. This is due to the fact that it:

• does not damage buds – during sprinkling, water streams may damage flowers, which is impossible during drip irrigation;
• ensures even moisture distribution – water seeps in small portions, so soil over-saturation is excluded;
• does not stimulate weed growth – since water reaches exclusively the root system, undesirable areas are not nourished;
• is effective and economical – practically all water used in the system goes directly to irrigation. Due to this, maximum irrigation efficiency is achieved and unnecessary water loss is prevented;
• is versatile – the system can be installed on virtually any terrain. Drip tapes are easily laid out over areas with depressions, hills, etc.;
• is mobile – after the end of the watering season, lines can be removed, and new ones can be laid out the following year.

The only drawback of the systems is the high likelihood of clogging small openings. Additionally, it should be noted that tapes have insufficient reliability. However, if equipment from reputable manufacturers is purchased, all drawbacks will be minimized, and the numerous advantages of drip irrigation systems will more than compensate for them.