The function of a well-managed irrigation system is to deliver the right amount of water to a specified area in your yard or garden. This process can be performed using many different methods. One such method is drip irrigation. Drip irrigation system delivers water, a drop at a time wherever it is needed, specifically at the root of the plants. Depending on the system you are using you can also provide humidity and get it to mist.
Drip irrigation systems are of 3 types. The first system consists of a thin plastic tube that runs through the garden and thinner tubes that terminate in emitters are attached to it. Plastic nozzles which are the emitters enable the water to nozzles escape in the form of a trickle. One nozzle should be used for each plant. The second system is made up of plastic lines that cross the garden back and forth and contain in-line nozzles that are placed at regular intervals. This installation process of the second system is easier but it is not as precise as the first one. A dual-chambered hose is present in the third system. It works by routing water through a larger hose that fills with water and then fills a smaller tube under equalized pressure. The tube holes give out water at an even rate. You can bury it underground or hide it under layers of mulch. However, any type of digging in the garden should be done carefully to avoid any accidental damage to the hoses. With drip irrigation systems you can time the release of water.
With the help of these systems you can reduce water by up to half. It provides the required amount of water gradually, reducing the chances of puddle or runoff issues.
Drip irrigation system is unlike other watering systems such as sprinklers, sprinkler and soaker hoses. Although sprinklers are less expensive and easier to install, they tend to waste water. On very hot days water from sprinkler systems can also evaporate before reaching the ground.
Sprinkler hoses are designed to lie on top of the surface and spray water from holes. The water comes out in a shower rather than a trickle. They do not drown plants but they do not posses the penetration and precision of drip irrigation systems.
Soaker hoses contain pores and you can bury them under mulch. Soaker hoses provide small amounts of water slowly and directly to the roots of specific plants. They can efficiently deliver small amounts of water to plants. However, soaker hoses are not easily adaptable to the landscape. They cannot for plants in pots and they may also apply uneven amounts of water if they are not placed on flat ground. This problem can be avoided if short runs of hoses are used and if the hoses are run along contour lines. Rubber soaker hoses have a long life
In some areas, there are restrictions and regulations in place regarding the use of drip irrigation systems. You should check if these apply to your area. Drip irrigation takes care of a lot of watering problems but is not feasible for use on lawns. Cost is a also a factor; it is more expensive to purchase and install a drip irrigation system when compared to the other choices mentioned above.
Choosing a watering system will depend on your needs. Cost, rate of delivery, and efficiency factors are the main factors to consider. Any of these systems will be much better than hand watering your plants.
Agricultural Biodiversity 