Drip irrigation is also known as trickle irrigation is the system of water supply in which pipeline is placed within the soil level to provide water easily to the crops. It delivers the nutrients and water straight to the plant’s roots zone in the perfect quality so that each plant gets completely what they need. This method reduces the runoff soil erosion and evaporation of water. The major advantages of drip irrigation is to increase yield, reduce weed and insect growth, saving labor cost, water-saving. Another method of water supply for the crop is sprinkler irrigation and here we will talk about this system. This method adopts in places where there is a scarcity of water and for the cultivation of the crops that need less water for growing. Factors affecting the selection of irrigation systems are economy soil type, the topography of the area, groundwater level, types of crop.
The Advantages of Drip Irrigation:
- The yield increases by up to 230%.
- Drip irrigation saves up to 70% compared to flood irrigation so that we save more water.
- Crops grow healthier and mature fast.
- No soil erosion.
- No water is available for weeds.
- There is high organization in the use of fertilizers.
- Low operation and maintenance cost.
- Increase in sprout.
- More efficiency in the use of fertilizers.
- You can reuse water.
The Disadvantage of Drip Irrigation:
- Emitters’ holes are small so they can block easily by soil.
- The distribution of moisture is the problem.
- The installation price is costly.
- The crops which require a high amount of water cannot be grown by the drip irrigation process.
- So there can be high costs compare to the furrow.
- There should be high skills for the required design.
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The equipment of Drip Irrigation are:
Pump and prime mover – The pump and prime mover require pressure and discharge because there are conditions of suction and pump. The source of power is available. Maintain the frequency of operation. The pump must fit in the limited space like in a borehole. Pumps can be automatically or manually operatable.
Water source– The water used for drip irrigation basically supply from the river, lake, tank, well, and canal water.
Pipe network – Water supply pipes are placed beneath the soil level so that the roots get the water easily.
Emitting devices – Emitters holes are placed in pipe networks so that the crop roots receive the water supply easily.
Control devices – Valves, pressure, and flow meters are some of the control devices which employs to regulate water flow in drip irrigation pipelines.
Filtration devices – Filtration devices are uses to remove sediments from water so that the emitter pipeline does not get blocked.