Drip irrigation method

Drip irrigation is also called trickle irrigation. It is the method of applying water drop by drop to the individual plant with a volume of water approaching the consumption use of plant by minimizing conventional losses such as percolation, runoff and soil water evaporation. In this method irrigation is done by small diameter plastic lateral lines with drippers at desire spacing. This system applies water slowly to the soil moisture with the desired range of plant growth. This method of irrigation is generally used in row crops in orchard.

Merits

1. Drip irrigation method can achieve a 90% or more application efficiency, which can hardly be achieved by any other methods of irrigation.
2. The method reduces salt concentration in the root zone when irrigated with poor ground water.
3. Soluble fertilizers and pesticides can also be applied through this method of irrigation.

Demerits

1. High initial cost
2. The requirement that the water must be relatively clear, otherwise clogging problems may occur.
3. Poor water distribution efficiency when a low pressure system is installed on steep slopes or uneven land.