Drip irrigation is a popular method for maintaining a consistent flow of water to support vegetation growth. It involves the predetermined flow of water, releasing it slowly through small holes or using emitters.
Drip irrigation is often considered an ideal choice for many, but making such a claim without considering a few key factors hardly makes any sense.
To make an informed choice, it is essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages of this system.
First, look at the good side.
Advantages of Drip Irrigation
Save Water
Drip irrigation saves more water than other irrigation systems like sprinklers and surface irrigation.
In most irrigation techniques, water is wasted by wind drift and evaporation. However, in a drip irrigation system, water is delivered slowly and precisely to the plant roots at predetermined intervals, resulting in significant water savings.
To be precise, with drip systems, 90-95% of the water is absorbed by the planting bed. In contrast, other irrigation methods have an efficiency of only 60-70%.
High Efficiency in Fertilizers Use
Drip irrigation is the most efficient method for delivering fertilizers.
Unlike other irrigation systems where fertilizer distribution can be imprecise and result in runoff or evaporation.
Drip irrigation applies fertilizer only where it is needed—at the plant’s roots. This not only reduces the amount of fertilizer required but also offers economic and environmental benefits.
Reduce Weeds
Drip irrigation targets only the soil around the plant, avoiding the wetting of the entire land.
As less or no water is available for other parts, weeds cannot absorb water as no water is available for them and thus grow in fewer numbers.
Drip irrigation significantly reduces weed problems, and it often allows for a decrease in pesticide usage.
Increases Yield
Precise water distribution and fertilization are achieved by the drip irrigation system, resulting in an increase in the crop yield.
Drip irrigation also reduces the potential for fertilizer burn, promotes uniform crop growth, and minimizes disease problems caused by excessive moisture.
Low Labour and Operational Costs
With the proper drip irrigation tools like sensors, timers, and remote control systems, drip irrigation system automation is possible.
This automation not only reduces labor costs but also minimizes operational costs since tools are less likely to be lost.
Precise Control
Drip irrigation offers precise control over the irrigation process.
Various tools and sensors assist in setting parameters like duration, flow rate, and overall water regulation.
Even allows control irrigation by soil types, topography, and microclimates. Leading to water application that matches the needs of individual plants or zones in the field.
Suitable For All Types of Soil
Drip irrigation is the best suitable for all types of soil because there is a small particular area that gets a consistent water supply.
A prime example is heavy clay soil; with drip irrigation, the entire clay field does not become waterlogged.
Moreover, these systems can be used effectively on steep, rocky, and irregular terrain, while low-volume subsurface drip irrigation is ideal for sandy soils.
Allow Intercropping
Intercropping, which involves growing two or more crops together in the same field, like taller crops may be paired with shorter rows of vegetables.
Reducing weed development, precise watering, and fertilizer distribution make drip irrigation an ideal choice for Intercropping.
Suitable For Any Climate
Drip irrigation is effective in various climates, including hot, arid, or rainy conditions.
In arid regions, it helps conserve scarce water resources. In rainy regions, it allows irrigation during cloudy periods and reduces fungal disease by limiting moisture on leaves.
Also, Subsurface drip is not affected by wind.
Long Lasting Components
A well maintained and properly designed drip irrigation system can last more than 20 years.
Modern drip irrigation tubing is designed for long life underground. Filters and emitters are engineered for reliability.
Plus, drip systems are easy to repair and upgrade.
These are some of the advantages you can gain from drip irrigation systems.
Now let’s look at some disadvantages.
Disadvantage of Drip Irrigation
Clogging
Drip irrigation operates in low water pressure and long hose with emitters that are prone to clogging.
Sediments and mineral deposits in the water are common causes of clogging. To prevent this issue, filtration is necessary.
Even if filters fail or are not maintained, emitters can become plugged.
Not only mineral or sediments but exposed drip tape can also lead to clogging by allowing sunlight to enter lines, potentially promoting algae growth at emitters. Pigmented tubing and chemical treatment help avoid algae problems.
High Initial Cost
If you want to install a drip irrigation system for more than the acre, then the cost per acre is a minimum of $1000 to $4000.
Additionally, the inclusion of sensors, timers, and pumps can further add to the cost.
However, government incentive programs sometimes help offset these costs.
Required Expert Design
To install the drip system, an experienced person is needed.
This person must possess the knowledge and skills necessary to design drip hoses, as well as install and maintain the system for optimal performance. Properly sizing the pump and selecting appropriate filters to match water quality is essential. Emitters and tubing must also be carefully chosen to suit the crop, terrain, and water pressure.
Poor design or installation can result in uneven watering.
Requires Maintenance and Oversight
Regular lookup and checkup is needed in drip irrigation.
Whether you do it personally or hire someone, which adds to the cost, regular maintenance is a must and should.
Monitoring and maintenance, including checking filters and emitter flow rates. Fertilizer injectors, pumps, timers, and sensors must be kept in working order.
Neglecting the system can lead to damage from rodents and insects.
Limited Leaching of Salts
Like heavy water applications can provide leaching of salt, drip irrigation does not provide natural leaching of salt.
Salt accumulation can damage soil structure and reduce yields. Occasional flushing of fields is needed to leach salts.
Hazards
If uncontrolled events stop irrigation, the plants are quickly damaged.
Due to the limited water coverage provided by the drip system, water and nutrient uptake by roots are confined to a relatively small part of the wetted soil.
Final Thoughts…
Now that you’re aware of the pros and cons of drip irrigation systems, you can make an informed decision about whether to use them or not.
Despite the advantages and disadvantages, there’s no denying that a drip irrigation system is an excellent choice if water conservation or greenhouse usage is a priority.
With careful design, installation, maintenance, and monitoring, a drip system can provide many years of reliable service.
Leave a Reply