Advantages of Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation is one of the most important inventions in the history of agriculture. It is capable of saving vast amounts of water and is very popular in areas with limited water resources. The key advantages of drip irrigation include:
- Water application is extremely efficient and little water is lost to evaporation
- Fertiliser and nutrient application is very efficient because fluids are applied directly on the plant.
- Non-potable water can be safely used
- Drip irrigation designs can accommodate fields of any shape
- Field levelling is not required for drip irrigation
- There is less soil erosion caused by water run off
- There are less weeds, because water is directed towards crops and not used haphazardly
- Water does not land on leaves, which reduces the risk of some diseases occurring
- Water distribution is highly precise and easy to control
- The permeability of soil is less important
- Drip irrigation is environmentally friendly because precise fertiliser application means fertilisers will not mix with the ground water
Drip Irrigation: Why Bother?
Besides providing utmost control and precision, we deliver a well-installed and properly maintainable drip irrigation system with the following clear USP:
- Extremelycost-effective, considerable savings on the amounts of water and fertilizers used
- Increases crop yield through improved water management; thus minimizesfertilizer/nutrient loss
- Easily adaptable, given the lower operating pressures and extensive automation available
- Efficient as it allows the plant foliage to remain dry, which reduces disease pressure
- Liberating, as it allows you to continue field operation during irrigation (areas between the rows remain dry)
Our ODeSEE Advantage delivery model offers sturdy Drip Irrigation System with optimal design as key element.
DESIGN
Prior to designing a system, we collect the following crucial information:
- A scaled plan of the site and area to be irrigated
- Soil type (important for determining dripline emitter and line spacing)
- Point-of-connection information, including static pressure and available flow
- Irrigation water type (potable, non-potable but treated, well, etc.) and characteristics
- Proposed grading (used to determine inline tubing orientation and modify spacing or separate hydrozones where needed)
- Proposed planting, including relative water needs of all species, and sizes at planting and maturity
- Local conditions, including elevation differences, local climate data (ETo), and other site specific information
Why Drip Irrigation Design is Important?
In simple term, drip irrigation works by sending water through plastic pipes into drip emitters. These emitters are specifically designed to release water at a certain rate, called the flow rate. There are also Pressure Compensated (PC) emitters available that prevent pressure loss, allowing the first and last emitter in the line to have the same flow rate.
Drip irrigation pipes can be laid on the surface of the soil or buried at root level. Drip irrigation is far more water-efficient than many other irrigation methods including flood irrigation and spray irrigation.
To maximise the benefits that you receive from a drip irrigation system, it is important to use a professional drip irrigation design service. A professional design service will ensure the installation uses the appropriate technology mix to maximise the benefits you receive.
It is a good idea to utilise the knowledge and experience of a professional drip irrigation design consultant and engineers for a number of reasons including:
There are hundreds of drip irrigation components on the market. Our professional drip irrigation consultant and engineers knows which components are more reliable, better value-for-money and ideal for your installation. They have the experience necessary to help you save thousands of rupees on your installation.