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| Use of drip irrigation in a flower bed is a water-wise practice. Photo Credit: City of Fresco, Texas |
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| Drip irrigation at a Master Gardener Demonstration Garden at the University of Rhode Island. Photo Credit: University of Rhode Island |
Drip Irrigation Systems
Goals
- Learn what drip irrigation is.
- Understand how drip irrigation conserves water.
What is drip irrigation?
Drip irrigation technology uses a system of plastic pipes to transfer water under low pressure to plants. The water is applied much more slowly than with sprinklers. Spray is minimized and point watering is possible.
Drip irrigation is a great option for a water-wise landscape. Drip irrigation is approximately 90% efficient at allowing plants to use the water applied. Other forms of irrigation like sprinklers are only about 65-75% efficient. Drip irrigation applies water at a slower rate, lower pressure and closer to the plant. The emitters are connected to hoses and subsequently to the water system. This allows for the water to be directly applied to each plant. While the water volume is still limited somewhat to zones, each plant can be watered individually. There are many benefits for using drip irrigation:
- Prevents disease by minimizing water contact with plant parts
- Avoids watering soil in between plants, thus reducing water use and weed growth
- Saves time, money and water due to higher efficiency
- Increases effectiveness on uneven ground
- Reduces leaching of water and nutrients below root zone
- Maintains a desirable balance of air and water in the soil
- Provides a more even soil moisture than the often wet-to-dry fluctuations of sprinklers.
Where can I use drip irrigation?
There are many uses for drip irrigation. Drip irrigation can be used to water trees, shrubs and flowers. Pots and vegetable gardens are also appropriate areas for drip irrigation. As noted earlier, areas with uneven ground are excellent for drip irrigation. One area where drip irrigation may not be a good solution is turf or lawn. Lawn mowing and high traffic make lawn less attractive for drip irrigation.
Some important factors to consider when deciding where to use drip irrigation are listed below.
- Soil structure greatly affects water needs. Sandy soil will have high drainage while clay soils have poor drainage.
- The water needs of the plant need to be considered. Plant size, cultivation water needs and sun/wind exposure all factor into the amount of water that needs to be applied.
- The size of the roots system will be a factor in determining the number of emitters per plant and placement of those emitters.
Drip irrigation is a great way to reduce water use in the landscape. It is very versatile and can be used for a variety of areas.
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