Irrigation Accessories: Drip Irrigation Systems

Adapted from www.irrigationtutorials.com and www.cropinfo.net

This saddle tee, by Dawn Industries, used to connect a branch line to the main irrigation line, is one of the many components that make up a drip irrigation system.

As Landscape Contractors, a major part of your job is keeping up with the ever-evolving world of irrigation and the accessories that can fine-tune the systems you install. With numerous types of irrigation techniques available for your clients to chose, it is wise for you to be knowledgeable about as many as possible. Since drip irrigation is so economical in many parts of the country we decided to take a look at its benefits as well as what you need to install it.

Advantages of Drip Irrigation?

As you know drip irrigation is the most effective method of irrigating, typically operating at 90% efficiency or higher. In addition to little water being wasted it is easy to design and install, and has a relatively low cost. One of the most popular irrigation choices among contractors nationwide, especially in aired climates, drip irrigation can also reduce disease problems associated with high levels of moisture on some plants.

Drip irrigation (sometimes called trickle irrigation) is the slow, even application of low pressure water to soil and plants using plastic tubing placed directly at the plants root zone. The water soaks into the soil before it can evaporate or run off, and the water is only applied where it is needed, rather than sprayed everywhere.

Drawbacks

Know that when installing a drip irrigation system, tape or tubing must be monitored to avoid leaking or plugging. Drip emitters are easily plugged by silt or other particles not filtered out of the irrigation water. Emitter plugging also can be caused by algae growing in the tape or by chemical deposits at the emitter.

Drip Irrigation Components

Designing and installing a drip irrigation system usually requires little digging and minimal plumbing skills. Easy to cut and connect, they can be attached to an outside faucet and can easily conform to a landscape area. There are a number of essential pieces needed to be effective, consisting of components to regulate pressure, filter sediment and prevent backflow. Below we have listed everything a contractor will need to build a successful drip irrigation system.

Tubing by RainBird

Pressure regulators by RainBird

Faucet connection by Hedrickson

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Overall, drip irrigation is a cost effective and efficient irrigation system, especially in dry, aired regions of the country. However, be sure to measure the pros and cons to make sure it is the right type of system for your client. If you do choose this method, be confident in the fact that there are tailor-made drip kits available for design and installation of almost any project.

Irrigation Insights

90: Percent (or higher), the efficiency rate of drip irrigation systems. By comparison, sprinklers are 75 percent?EUR??,,????'?????<

40: PSI, if the water pressure is over this amount, a pressure regulator needs to be installed.

Source: Jess Stryker, irrigationtutorials.com