Drip Irrigation Systems

In a Drip Irrigation System, a mainline carries water from a pump or tank. Smaller distribution tubes branch off the mainline and run along plant rows. At a controlled rate, drippers slowly release water directly to the plants’ root zone. Delivery can be on the soil (i.e., surface) or below the ground (i.e., subsurface).

Drip Irrigation is common throughout production agriculture, landscaping and gardens where water conservation and plant health are priorities.

This system reduces evaporation, deep percolation loss and runoff. With targeting limited to the root zones, weed growth is reduced while fertigation efforts are supported.

Unfortunately, both installation costs and maintenance requirements (i.e., regular flushing and filtering) can be higher than those of more basic irrigation systems. And as water does not cover foliage, Drip Irrigation is not suitable for frost protection in frost-prone locations.

Common applications include:

• Orchards and vineyards
• Row crops
• Landcape installations
• Greenhouses and nurseries