DRIP IRRIGATION

1. INTRODUCTION:

DRIP IRRIGATION:

Drip irrigation is the slow, even application of low-pressure water to soil and

plants using plastic tubing placed near the plants’ root zone. It is an alternative to

sprinkler or furrow methods of irrigating crops. Drip irrigation can be used for crops with

high or low water demands.

Drip irrigation systems are also known as trickle irrigation, which proves to be

one of the most preferred methods of irrigating. It is easy to install, inexpensive in

utilizing and helps in reducing disease problems that are associated with different levels

of moisture on plants. It has also proved to be efficient due to factors such as the water

being able to soak into the soil before evaporating.  Secondly, the water directly drips to

the roots of the plants, where it is needed rather than being sprayed everywhere, with

the help of a number of pipes, tubes and emitters.

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2. COMPONENTS OF DRIP IRRIGATION:

A drip irrigation system consists essentially of mainline, sub mains, lateral,

drippers, filters and other small fittings and accessories like valves, pressure regulators,

pressure gauge, fertilizer application components etc.

Filter:

It is the heart of drip irrigation.A filter unit cleans the suspended impurities in the

irrigation water so as to prevent blockage of holes and passage of drip nozzles. The

type of filtration needed depends on water quality and emitter type. A two-stage filter

unit is usually needed. 

Filters remove sediment and debris that can clog an irrigation system. We offer a

variety of filters to meet the unique needs of your system. Select a filter based on the

quality of your water supply and the size of your system. We recommend installing a

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filter on every irrigation system and will not warranty a system without an appropriate

filter installed.

There are two common terms used to rate filtering capability:

 Mesh is the number of wires per inch.

 Micron is the maximum particle size that can pass through the screen. As the

mesh size of a screen increases, the micron size decreases.

Gravel filter:

These filters are effective against inorganic suspended solids, biological

substances and other organic materials. This type of filter is essential for open reservoir,

when algae growth take place. The dirt is stopped and accumulated inside the media in

the filter. Gravel filter consist of small basalt gravel or sand (usually 1-2 mm dia) placed

in cylindrical tank, made of metal. Water enters form the top and flows through the

gravel while leaving the dirt in the filter. The clean water is discharge at the bottom. The

filter is cleaned by reversing the direction of flow. Pressure gauges are fitted at the inlet

and cutlet of the filter. When the dire accumulates, the pressure difference between the

inlet and outlet increase and when the pressure difference is more than 0.5 to 1.o kg/

cm2 ( 5-10 m) , then filters must be cleaned by opening the clover or back washing,

Automatic self cleaning filter are also available.

The flow rate of the filters may be 10,15,20,25,30,40,50 cu/m/hr and the tank

diameter may range from 10-50 cm depending on the capacity of the system.

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Screen Filter:

These are installed with or without gravel filter, depending upon quality of water.

The screens are usually cylindrical shape and are made of non-corrosive metal or

plastic material. Screens filters are specified as below:

1. By the diameter of inlet and outlet (range from ¾ “to 4” inches).

2. By the recommended range of flow rate (ranges from 3, 5,7,10,15,20,30, 40,

cu.m/hr). 

3. By the size of holes in the screen (in mm, micron or in mesh i.e. the number of

holes per square inch). As a approximation, 20, 40,80, 100,120,150 and 200

mesh ( 0.15, 0.1 and 0.08 mm) respectively. The most common mesh selected

for drip irrigation is 100 to 200 meshes (0.15 to 0.08 mm dia).

4. By the total surface area of the filter ( in sq. m) or the active or net filter area,

which is usually about 1/3 of the total filter surface area.

5. By the cleaning methods: manual or automatic. The head loss across the filter

should not be more than 3 m and otherwise needs cleaning. The filters are

cleaned by flushing the screen with a stream of water. After cleaning the screen

is checked for tears and the gasket should be checked and replaced when

necessary. 

6. With relatively clean water, screen filters can be used alone.

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Flush Valve: It is provided at the end of each sub main to flush out the water and dirt’s.

Non Return Valve:

it is used to prevent the damage of pump from flow of water hammer in rising

main line.

Air Release Cum Vacuum Breaker Valve:

It is provided at the highest point in the main line to release the entrapped air

during the start of the system and to break the vacuum during shut off. It is also

provided on Submain if Submain length is more.

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 Laterals:

Laterals are small diameter flexible pipes or tubing made of low density

polyethylene (LDP) or liner low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and of 12 mm, 16mm,

and 20 mm size. Their colour is black to avoid the algae growth and effect of ultra- violet

radiation. They can withstand the maximum pressure of 2.5 to 4 kg/cm2. They are

connected to Submain at predetermined distance. The pressure variation between two

extreme points of lateral should not be more than 15-20 % and discharge variation

should not be more than 10%. On slopping ground, the laterals are placed along the

contour with 1% extra length for sagging purpose.

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 Main Line:

The main line conveys the water from filtration system to the sub main. They are

normally made of rigid PVC pipes in order to minimize corrosion and clogging. Usually

they are placed below the ground i.e. 60 to 90 cm ( 2 to 3 ft) , so that they will not

interfere with cultivation practices. Their diameter is based on the system flow capacity.

The velocity of flow in mains should not be greater than 1.5 m/s and the frictional head

loss should be less than 5ml /1000 m running length of pipeline.

Sub main:-

The Submain conveys the water mainline to the laterals. They are also buried in

ground below 2 to 2.5 ft and made of rigid PVC. The diameter of Submain is usually

smaller than main line. There may be number of Submain from one mainline depending

upon the plot size and crop type.

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Emitters or Drippers:

It is the main component of Drip irrigation system for discharging water from

lateral to the soil. i.e. to the plants. There are various types and size of drippers, based

on different operating principles. They are made of plastic, such as polythene or

polypropylene. Their discharge range is between 1-15 ph. Each dripper has it’ s own

characteristics, advantages and disadvantages which determines its use.

The drippers can be classified according to working principle, discharge, type,

structure, working pressure, designation, durability, regulated and non regulated

discharge.

The main principle when planning a dripper is to achieve the minimum discharge

with maximum size of water passage.  The large water passage is essential to minimize

clogging and provide the minimum discharge for cheapest set-up. Therefore, an emitter

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is necessary, ( a hole in a pipe is not a dripper). Emitters may be on the lateral or inside

to lateral, accordingly they are called on line or inline emitters.

Controls Valves (Ball Valves):

These are used to control the flow through particular pipes. Generally, they are

installed on filtration system, mainline, and on all Submain. They are made up of

gunmetal, PVC cast iron and their size ranges from ½” to more than 5”.

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Fertilizing System:

It is used to add the chemical irrigation water; however, fertigation is not free of

hazards. Chemicals added to water may be toxic human begins and animals so,

safeguard must be taken to prevent back flow of irrigation water into the water source,

which might be used for drinks purpose. Only water-soluble fertilizers should be used to

minimize the clogging hazard.

3. USES OF DRIP IRRIGATION:

 Drip irrigation is used in farms, commercial greenhouses, residential gardeners.

Drip irrigation is adopted extensively in areas of acute water scarcity and

especially for crops and trees such as coconuts, containerized landscape

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trees, grapes, bananas, pandey, eggplant, citrus, strawberries, sugarcane, cotton

, maize, and potatoes.

 Drip irrigation for garden available in drip kits are increasingly popular for the

homeowner and consist of a timer, hose and emitter. Hoses that are 4 mm in

diameter are used to irrigate flower pots.

 Drip irrigation saves water because little is lost runoff or evaporation.

 This watering method also promates healthy growth of plants, weed growth and

pest problem.

4. METHODS OF DRIP IRRIGATION:-

Type Number 1: Porous Soaker Hose Systems

This system is quite easy to operate and mainly used in hedges, rows of shrubs

and garden beds, but might prove to be difficult to use in lawns. They are made of

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recycled automobile tires, which has numerous tiny holes in it. These porous hoses end

up sweating water along their entire length and very durable in nature.

Type Number 2: Emitter Drip System

This type of irrigation system is made of a number of hoses throughout the

garden. Each hose has a number of evenly spaced emitters in them, say about 15

inches apart. They end up releasing small drops of water into the soil and are

particularly good for landscapes with shrubs. These emitters clog easily. It is best way

to avoid this by bringing these hoses inside during the winter season. 

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Type Number 3: Watermatic Drip System

This is one of the most important types of drip irrigation system. This drip

irrigation system helps in achieving water conservation by minimizing evaporation. It

makes use of devices such as micro spray heads, which is used for trees and flower

beds. This irrigation can even be utilized in areas of water conservation, where recycled

water is used for irrigation purposes.

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Type Number 4: Micro Misting Sprinklers

These sprinklers are mainly built for vineyards and orchards, but are now starting

to be used in backyards as well. This type of system provides water to the roots evenly,

saving water and helping trees to increase their yields. One of their main advantages is

that the mist helps in keeping the shallow roots cool and refreshes the flowers;

protectibg the buds and flowers from the frost in the spring weather. Furthermore, they

also prove to be quiet inexpensive, 40 of them costs as much as one impact sprinkler. 

Though drip irrigation is very simple and easy to use, there are still some things

which should be kept in mind such as the cost required for the purchase of this drip

irrigation. It costs about 500 dollars to 1,200 dollars per acre. It might also prove to be

very unsatisfactory, if the herbicides need sprinkling for activation. Therefore,

redesigning your weed control program needs to be done. Drip irrigation can lead in

increasing production, particularly in a place where irrigation has already taken place. In

due course, there should definitely be an economic benefit to make drip irrigation

worthwhile.

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5. FACTORS AFFECTING SITE SELECTION FOR DRIP

IRRIGATIION:

The following factors affect any selected method of irrigation:

1. Topography:

Topography is the slope of the ground and how much uneven or leveled it is. The

irrigation method is selected accordingly.

If the slope is from 0.4 to 8 per cent, corrugation method of irrigation is suitable. If

the slope is more than the above limit, then sprinkler method has been considered more

suitable for soils which are shallow and permeability is fast.

Similarly, leveled surface flow method, check basin method, furrow irrigation

method etc., are adopted. Apart from level differences, the structure and composition of

soil also affects the selection of irrigation method. Deep soils have medium and fast

permeability for which corrugated method of irrigation is suitable. Rate of seepage of

water in the soil depends on its composition.

2. Climate:

Ground level irrigation methods are directly affected by climate. The sprinkler

system of irrigation is most suitable for such climate. Dryness, humidity and speed of air

affect the methods of irrigation.

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3. Means of Irrigation:

The sources of irrigation and the chemical composition of the water also affect

the irrigation method. At the time of irrigation by tube wells, the sprinkler method or drip

irrigation method is suitable, but in canal irrigation, flood method is selected.

4. Crops:

The irrigation method is selected according to type of crops and pattern of its

sowing. Different crops require different quantities of water. Growth of plants and their

height are also affected.

5. Texture of the soils crusting, cracking and infiltration characteristics of the surface

soil; nature and depth of relatively impermeable layer(s) in the sub-soil, if any; the water

storage capacity of the potential root zone; the magnitude and nature of land slope; the

length and size of the field; surface drainage; the nature and extent of salts in the

surface soil and the sub-soil, also decide the method of irrigation.

6. Water Conservation:

Water conservation is the demand of the day when the whole world is facing

water crisis. Hence, such a method of irrigation should be adopted which uses minimum

water but provides maximum humidity to the plants. Sprinkler method and drip irrigation

method are the best from the view point of water conservation.

7.Economic Factors and Labour:

While selecting any method of irrigation, the economic condition must be kept in

mind as many irrigation methods require heavy initial investment but lesser investment

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later on. Surface irrigation methods require continuous investment. Along with

investment, availability of labour is also an essential factor. As compared to sprinkler

method, check basin method of irrigation requires more labour.

8. General:

Outlook, management skills and financial resources of the farmer; nature of farm

machinery used; availability and cost of labour; maintenance facilities and costs of

irrigation equipment; availability of power supply should also be considered.

As far as possible, an irrigation method should not only provide a high level of

water application efficiency but also ensure its economic viability, sustained soil

productivity and wide adaptability to the prevalent features of the farm.

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6. ADVANTAGES OF DRIP IRRIGATION:

The advantages of drip irrigation are:

 Fertilizer and nutrient loss is minimized due to localized application and reduced

leaching.

 Water application efficiency is high if managed correctly

 Field levelling is not necessary.

 Fields with irregular shapes are easily accommodated.

 Recycled non-potable water can be safely used.

 Moisture within the root zone can be maintained at field capacity.

 Soil type plays less important role in frequency of irrigation.

 Soil erosion is lessened.

 Weed growth is lessened.

 Water distribution is highly uniform, controlled by output of each nozzle.

 Labour cost is less than other irrigation methods.

 Variation in supply can be regulated by regulating the valves and drippers.

 Fertigation can easily be included with minimal waste of fertilizers.

 Foliage remains dry, reducing the risk of disease.

 Usually operated at lower pressure than other types of pressurised irrigation,

reducing energy costs.

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7. DISADVANTAGES OF DRIP IRRIGATION:

The disadvantages of drip irrigation are:

 Initial cost can be more than overhead systems.

 The sun can affect the tubes used for drip irrigation, shortening their usable life.

Which would cause the plastic to retain flexibility have been released into the

surrounding environment.)[7]

 If the water is not properly filtered and the equipment not properly maintained, it

can result in clogging.

 For subsurface drip the irrigator cannot see the water that is applied. This may

lead to the farmer either applying too much water (low efficiency) or an insufficient

amount of water, this is particularly common for those with less experience with drip

irrigation.

 Drip irrigation might be unsatisfactory if herbicides or top dressed fertilizers need

sprinkler irrigation for activation.

 Drip tape causes extra cleanup costs after harvest. Users need to plan for drip

tape winding, disposal, recycling or reuse.

 Waste of water, time and harvest, if not installed properly. These systems require

careful study of all the relevant factors like land topography, soil, water, crop and

agro-climatic conditions, and suitability of drip irrigation system and its components.

 In lighter soils subsurface drip may be unable to wet the soil surface for

germination. Requires careful consideration of the installation depth.

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 most drip systems are designed for high efficiency, meaning little or no leaching

fraction. Without sufficient leaching, salts applied with the irrigation water may build

up in the root zone, usually at the edge of the wetting pattern. On the other hand,

drip irrigation avoids the high capillary potential of traditional surface-applied

irrigation, which can draw salt deposits up from deposits below.

 the PVC pipes often suffer from rodent damage, requiring replacement of the

entire tube and increasing expenses.

 Drip irrigation systems cannot be used for damage control by night frosts (like in

the case of sprinkler irrigation systems)

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8. CONCLUSION:

Drip irrigation is a latest subsurface method of irrigating water with higher water

demand in arid region.

 It may not be applicable to all farms.

 Drip irrigation system is economical and very efficient system of irrigating for

fruits crops, vegetables , row crops etc

 Drip irrigated crops use less water compared to overhead irrigated crops.

 Drip irrigation increase yield.

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