Drip irrigation has transformed watering by minimizing misuse of water. Unlike other irrigation systems, drip irrigation has been proven to be 95% effective. It is easy to install, very affordable and crops are less prone to diseases related to excessive moisture. For this reason, many farmers growing high value crops are using drip irrigation. There are three fundamental parts that a farmer should ensure that they are properly installed to realize maximum results.
Types and Flow of Emitters
There are two basic categories of drip emitters, pressure compensating and non-pressure compensating. The type of emitter used depends on the topography of your land. For example, if your land hilly and undulating, then pressure compensating emitters are a must to achieve any degree of uniformity. But if you are on a flat land, then then non-pressure compensating emitters are fine.
Once you have chosen an emitter, it is important that you do not plant the emitter below the ground unless it has been specifically designed to be buried. This could pose a threat to the emitter since plants may extend their roots and block the emitter outlet.
Backflow Preventer
Backflow preventers are required by most water purveyors when you are connecting any type of irrigation system to a municipal water source or well. Backflow preventers use a series of check valves and/or vacuum breakers to prevent irrigation water from flowing back into the municipal water source or well. Once irrigation water is in contact with the ground it can contain many contaminates including fertilizer, pesticides and even animal wastes. The use of a properly functioning backflow preventer is essential to protecting our drinking water supply.
Regulations can vary by state and municipality as to what type of backflow preventer is required. Contact your local water purveyor to check on local code requirements before connecting any type of irrigation system to a municipal water source or well.
Filtration
To ensure your drip irrigation system continues to perform at peak efficiency, make sure that your filtration system is up to the job. Drip irrigation, due to the small outlets of components, requires clean water to operate efficiently and effectively. A quality filtration system is essential. The most common type of filtration system used is a self-cleaning or automated screen filter. Screen filters can be used on all water sources including surface water, well water, and municipal water. In some cases sand media filters are used when surface water (ponds, lakes, or streams) is used as a water source.
Contact us today at Irrigation Outlet for expert advice on irrigation and high-quality, well-designed landscape irrigation systems.
