A drip irrigation system applies water to the soil beneath plants in the root zones at a very slow rate of flow
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Proponents of drip irrigation claim that this system uses only about 30% of the water used by conventional sprinkler systems. Drip irrigation systems involve very little maintenance as a properly installed system is self-cleaning and flushes itself out automatically before and after each running cycle. Existing sprinkler installations can be converted to a drip type installation.
A drip system may be more costly initially than a conventional irrigation system but it will capitalise itself soon when running costs are considered. If you have windy conditions in your garden where sprinkler spray is diverted by the wind, or heavy or oily soils which are difficult for water to penetrate, resulting in run-off, drip irrigation is the best option.
Follow these steps:
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| Installing an automatic controller connected to the water mains means you don’t have to turn taps on and off yourself. In addition, it can be programmed to run water through different irrigation lines at different times. | The polypipes can run underground to where they are needed. The two pipes here indicate that two pipe lines are being installed. | |
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| Each pipe line needs a valve – shown here is an integrated valve unit for six separate irrigation lines. | Each irrigation line also needs a filter next to the valve, as shown here. | |
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| Each irrigation line also needs a filter next to the valve, as shown here. | Each irrigation line also needs a filter next to the valve, as shown here. | |
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| Each irrigation line also needs a filter next to the valve, as shown here. | Each irrigation line also needs a filter next to the valve, as shown here. |
