Drip Irrigation System and its components
Drip Irrigation method, also called drop by drop irrigation, and underground irrigation, functions as its name imply. Drip irrigation is sometimes called trickle irrigation and involves dripping water onto the soil at very low rates (2-20 liters/hour) from a system of small diameter plastic pipes fitted with outlets called emitters or drippers. Drop by drop, water is distributed to the active root zone of plants. This method, if managed properly, might be the most water supply efficient way of irrigation, because runoff and evaporation reduced significantly. Drip irrigation in todays agriculture, is frequently integrated with plastic sheet, further diminishing evaporation, and is also a method of fertilizers delivery to the plants. This process called fertigation (fertilizer + irrigation).
Benefits of drip Irrigation
• Increase in yield up to 230 % (Depending on crop).
• Saves water up to 70% compare to flood irrigation. More land can be irrigated with the water thus saved.
• Crop grows consistently, healthier and matures fast.
• Early maturity results in higher and faster returns on investment.
• Fertilizer use efficiency increases by 30%.
• Cost of fertilizers, inter-culturing and labor use gets reduced.
• Fertilizer and Chemical Treatment can be given through Micro Irrigation System itself.
• Undulating terrains, Saline, Water logged, Sandy & Hilly lands can also be brought under productive cultivation.