Drip irrigation or trickle irrigation is a type of micro-irrigation system that has the potential to

save water and nutrients by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants, either from above
the soil surface or buried below the surface.
Aim of Drip Irrigation
The goal is to place water directly into the root zone and minimize evaporation. Drip irrigation
systems distribute water through a network of valves, pipes, tubing, and emitters.

Process of drip irrigation

The process of drip irrigation works as follows:

1. Water flows through a filter into special drip pipes.

2. The emitters are located at different spacing.
3. The emitters slowly drip water into the soil at the root zone.
4. The emitters release water in a slow and steady fashion.
Types of Drip Irrigation

Based on principle, there are two main types of drip irrigation. They are

 Sub-surface drip irrigation where water is applied below the soil surface through narrow tubes.
Narrow plastic tubes are buried in the soil at a depth between 20 and 50 cm, deep enough so as not
to interfere with normal tillage or traffic.
 Surface drip irrigation where water is applied directly to the soil surface. This is a more common
method and uses a very large range of drip emitter devices.
Advantages of Drip Irrigation

 Water conservation: Drip irrigation can save 30–70% of water. It minimizes

evaporation and runoff.
 Increased yields: Drip irrigation can increase crop yields.
 Fertilizer efficiency: Drip irrigation is highly efficient in the use of fertilizers.
 Reduced labor: Drip irrigation can decrease labor.
 Reduced soil erosion: Drip irrigation can prevent soil erosion.
 Reduced weed growth: Drip irrigation can restrict the population of potential hosts.
 Reduced leaching: Drip irrigation can reduce leaching of water and nutrients below
the root zone.
 Dry leaves: Drip irrigation can keep plant leaves dry, which can prevent discoloration
and spotting.
 Fungus prevention: Drip irrigation can prevent fungus such as powdery mildew from
spreading.