Drip Irrigation

Drip Irrigation
- a method for delivering slow, frequent
applications of water to the soil using a
low-pressure distribution system and
special flow-control outlets

- outlets like drip emitters are placed at

short intervals along small tubing
 Advantages Disadvantages
- unlike surface or - high investment
sprinkler irrigation, cost
ONLY the soil near - frequent clogging
the plant is watered. of system
- minimized components
evaporation and - more highly skilled
percolation losses labor is required to
- lower requirements operate and
for labor; can be maintain
automated components
Basic Components of a Drip
Irrigation System
1. Pump
2. Filtration System
3. Mainline
4. Manifold
5. Lateral/Drip Tubing
6. Emitters
Typical Drip Layout
Filters and Manifold
Manifolds
Mainline/Laterals
Drip Tubing and Emitters
Emitters
Emitters
 Emitter Discharge

where q = emitter discharge (L3/T)

K = constant for each emitter
h = pressure head (L or F/L2)
x = emitter discharge exponent
x=0.5, fully turbulent flow
x=1.0, laminar
 No. of Emitters per Plant (N)

Sample: An orchard has a tree spacing of 4 m x 7

m. Determine the number of emission devices
needed per tree if 35% of the area is to be
irrigated. The rooting depth is 1.5 m and the
estimated maximum diameter of the wetted circle
formed by a single emission outlet is 1.5 m.
Consider about 80% wetting in the profile.

 Blasius Equation

where Hf = friction loss (m)

L = pipe length (m)
Q = total pipe flow (L/s)
D = pipe diameter (mm)
K = a constant
= 7.89 x 105 (water at 20ºC)
 Design Criteria: Pipe Sizing

where ∆h = allowable head variation

have = design operating pressure
hmin = minimum pressure head in a
section