Drip irrigation systems are a common way to water plants found in gardens and vegetable patches around Australia. Using a dripping method of delivering water, they are a contender for the best way to water the plants in your garden. But how exactly do drip irrigation systems work?
Drip irrigation is a low-flow watering method using tubes that run on or underneath the soil. Drip emitters then release the water close to the roots of the plants. The slow application rate and direct delivery of drip irrigation prevent runoff, making it a very water-efficient irrigation method.
If you’re thinking of installing a drip irrigation system for your garden or property, here’s an article that will give you everything you need to know about drip irrigation. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What Is Drip Irrigation?
Drip irrigation is the process of water administration to plants in a slow and controlled manner. It uses slow-release emitters that control the amount of water each plant receives according to its needs. Drip irrigation can be used as efficiently in small gardens as it can be in large farms.
In this manner, the use of drip irrigation prevents overwatering of plants. It also helps in water conservation as it uses only the sufficient amount of water the plants need.
In terms of efficiency, drip irrigation is more precise than other irrigation systems because it is directly applied closely to the roots of the plants. Having this direct water source or nutrients is better for the plants than giving water or nutrients to the leaves.
Water is as essential to plants as food is to humans. It acts as a transport system of nutrients and minerals from the soil into the plant. Water is also vital for plants to perform photosynthesis. It also helps them to cool down during hot seasons.
However, when not correctly applied, water can actually damage your plants. Underwatering plants result in insufficient minerals and nutrient distribution, root rot, and wilting. On the other hand, overwatering significantly affects the roots of a plant by decreasing oxygen access. This is why drip irrigation systems are so beneficial for plants.
The water is quickly absorbed into the ground with a drip irrigation system because of the slow release rate. Moreover, it eliminates plant diseases that may occur in the presence of moisture on plant surfaces. Lastly, drip irrigation can adapt to any slope and most soils.
In contrast to commercial drip irrigation, simple self-made systems are cheap and effective.
How Does Drip Irrigation Work?
A drip irrigation system is a low flow watering system that uses drippers to control the flow rate of water delivered to each plant in a garden. Unlike sprinklers that shoot out water rapidly, you can control water flow, allowing plants to absorb the correct amount of water without being overwatered.
Many people think that giving your plants a lot of water during the middle of the day will help them grow nice and strong. However, this isn’t the case. Not only is watering your plants during the day wildly inefficient but overwatering your plants is incredibly easy to do and very bad for your plants.
That’s where a drip irrigation system comes in. Using a drip irrigation system, your plants won’t be drowned with water. Instead, they will have a low flowing stream of water delivered directly to their roots slowly over a longer period. The system uses drippers, which you can change to get the exact flow rate required for your specific plants.
A drip line system is perfect for growing plants like fruit and vegetables as they are prone to overwatering, which can cause bad growth and even disease. Because drip irrigation systems apply the water slowly, it gives your plants a chance to absorb the water instead of drowning in it.
Types of Drip Irrigation
There are two types of drip irrigation: subsurface drip irrigation and surface drip irrigation. Surface drip irrigation is an irrigation system installed on or slightly below the top layer of soil. In contrast, subsurface drip irrigation is dug and installed deep underground, closer to the plant’s roots.
Subsurface Drip Irrigation
Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) refers to the drip irrigation system that uses narrow tubes buried at 20-50 cm depth to prevent interference on the soil surface. These tubes may either be porous or not.
Porous tubes continuously emit water into the soil, while non-porous tubes are fitted with emitters to release water only at specific points. SDI is often used in fruit tree plantations and perennial crops.
Surface Drip Irrigation
Surface drip irrigation is the regular drip irrigation found above the soil surface. It uses emitters or drippers that control the water flow rate and quantity.
Emitters and drippers can either be connected with drip line tubing or drip tape. While similar, drip tape is a thinner type of tubing that is a more temporary solution that can be faster and easier to install. Alternatively, drip line pipes are thicker piping solutions that feature tough pipes that will last far longer than drip tape and can handle much higher water pressure passing through the system.
Surface drip irrigation emitters are classified into four types according to the emitters used:
- Point-source emitters (drip bubbler) are plugged into the tubes.
- In-line drip emitters are spliced into the lateral supply tubes.
- Basin bubblers use a round or square basin around the plant where water from the system is concentrated and delivered to that specific plant.
- Micro spray sprinkler rotates to cover larger areas.
What Is the Difference Between Drip Tape and Drip Tubing?
The main difference between drip tape and drip tubing is its thickness and sturdiness. Drip tape is a lot thinner and more flexible, meaning it’s ideal for short term irrigation, but doesn’t have the same strength or longevity as drip tubing.
Drip tape and drip tubing are very similar drip irrigation supplies. They are installed in the same way and only have slight differences. Physically, although they almost do the same thing, drip tape is much thinner and more flexible.
Because of this, drip tape is much less permanent and weaker than drip tubing. Drip tape is usually found in temporary or semi-permanent irrigation systems, like in the garden of a renter, for example, where they don’t want to commit resources to a short term garden. The thickness of drip tape is much thinner as well, making it a poor choice for homes and applications with a heavier flow of water or water with a higher PSI.
Inversely, drip tubing is much more stable and permanent. The thickness and strength of the tubing is much more formidable. It can handle higher PSI flow rates and will last much longer. Drip tubing is installed the same way as drip tape, and drip tubing can even replace drip tape in the same system. However, if you know you are going to be committed to an irrigation system, it’s often best to go straight to drip tubing and cut out the hassle of drip tape.
Pros & Cons of Drip Irrigation
Like the other types of irrigation, drip irrigation has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages, too. It is important to know its pros and cons to help you decide whether to use drip irrigation in your plants and crops or not, as well as prevent any possible damage or issues.
Pros Of Using Drip Irrigation
The advantages of drip irrigation include:
- Minimises soil erosion – Because a low flow rate of water is coming from a drip irrigation system, there is no water pooling, meaning soil won’t be washed away from pools of water.
- Suitable for most soil types – The low flow rate of the water coming from the drippers is easily absorbed by plants no matter what soil type they are planted in.
- Helps retain nutrients for plants – Because there is no excess of water, water cannot pool and wash away fertiliser applied to your plants before they get a chance to absorb it. Alongside home fertigation, drip irrigation is one of the best ways to irrigate your plants without washing away nutrients.
- Even water distribution – Each emitter supplies a constant amount of water, so the water will be distributed evenly to each plant over several drippers. Each plant requires different amounts of water, and each emitter has a different flow rate, so it’s important to know about the different types of emitters.
- Reduces plant diseases – There is a reduced chance of plants becoming diseased from damp leaves rotting or state water sitting for long periods, attracting bugs.
- Less water wastage and runoff – With no pooling water eroding the soil, it’s much harder for water to runoff. Water is specifically delivered at a rate that your plants can absorb it.
- Requires less maintenance – Drip irrigation systems are equipped with timers, so there is nothing you manually need to do to keep your waters planted. Drip irrigation systems also require little time on maintenance once set up.
- More energy efficient – Because the water is flowing at such a low rate and pressure, your home uses less energy to keep the drip irrigation system going, making it more energy-efficient.
Cons Of Using Drip Irrigation
The key disadvantages of drip irrigation include:
- Higher initial investment – There are many components required for a proper drip irrigation system, making it a more costly installation. Even though they are incredibly efficient long term, the initial financial investment is often a barrier to entry.
- Vulnerable to faster deterioration in direct sunlight – Although the drip line pipes are thick and resilient, they can deteriorate faster than other types of the irrigation system as the pipes themselves are in direct sunlight all the time.
- Requires a filtration system – Drip irrigation systems need an irrigation filter installed. Without one, they can either clog up or pass pollutants through the irrigation system to your plants. As a result, you need a filtration system, which is an additional thing that needs to be budgeted for.
- Professional installation required to prevent inefficiency – Because there are many manual connections in a drip irrigation system, and each emitter must be hand chosen and installed, it’s important to have it installed professionally. This is especially important because a professional will be able to install a filtration system at the same time.
- Not necessarily beginner-friendly – Because drip line emitters will need to be installed specifically for the type of plants you have, you’ll need to know how much water each plant needs, how much water drip line emitters will provide, and how to ensure you aren’t over or under watering your plants. As a result, it’s not a simple irrigation system for a beginner to set up.
If you are struggling with installing your drip irrigation system, it’s worthwhile having a chat to an irrigation specialist or hiring one to install the system for you.
When Should I Use Drip Irrigation To Water My Plants?
Drip irrigation is so flexible that it is suitable for most types of gardens, farms, and even commercial compounds. It easily adapts to irregularly shaped and uneven slopes. It is suitable for most types of soil. Drip irrigation is most suitable for row crops (vegetables, soft fruit), trees and vine crops.
Drip irrigation is usually used for rooted plants like fruits and vegetables as the dripline irrigation drippers are installed directly over individual plants. These drippers will efficiently water plants with enough water that won’t runoff, drown plants or get caught by winds. Generally, drip irrigation is used on high-value crops because of the high capital costs of installing a drip system.
Drip irrigation is less ideal for larger areas like lawns and fields and other regions with low-value vegetation due to its low water flow system. Open areas like grassy lawns benefit more from a traditional spray irrigation or sprinkler system.
Can You Water Grass With Drip Irrigation?
Drip irrigation is not recommended for watering grass and lawn because drip irrigation will not provide the coverage or amount of water that the lawn requires to grow. Pop up sprinklers with wide arcs are ideal for watering lawns, while drip irrigation is better for fruit and vegetables.
Drip irrigation is a slow, deep water system that is common across agriculture. However, it’s not the best way to water your lawn. Because lawns cover a large area, drip irrigation systems won’t work anywhere near as well.
Because grass has much thicker and dense root systems, they are less prone to waterlogging and overwatering compared to planted vegetables. As a result, pop up, and rotor sprinklers are much more efficient. They provide ample amounts of water for a growing lawn, and the placement of the sprinklers will ensure that any water that runs off or is caught by winds is compensated for.
How Much Water Does A Drip Irrigation System Use?
The amount of water used in a drip irrigation system depends on several factors, such as the pressure, type of emitters, size of the land, and the plants you have, among others. On average, the flow rate in drip irrigation is 2L up to 20L for every hour.
You can use the bucket method for flow rate to work out the throughput of your drip irrigation system – essentially, by placing a container under one of the emitters for a specified time. Measure the amount of water collected, and multiply it by the number of emitters in your system.
Drip Irrigation vs Spray Irrigation
Drip irrigation and spray or sprinkler irrigation are the most common and widely used types of irrigation. While drip irrigation is often recommended as more efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly, you’ll only get these benefits with the right setup and plants.
Let’s look at their similarities and differences to know what type of water irrigation suits your needs.
Drip Irrigation vs Sprinklers: Which Is More Efficient?
Drip irrigation systems are far more efficient than spray irrigation. That’s because the slow flow rate of the water delivered from the drip line emitters isn’t able to pool, runoff or get caught by the wind. In addition, a drip irrigation system requires less energy to run.
Drip irrigation systems use less water at a lower flow rate and enable water to reach the deepest roots of your plants. Because of the way water is slowly supplied to plants, your utility bills will be lower, making drip irrigation an efficient irrigation system that will make its money back over time.
Drip Irrigation vs Sprinklers: Which Is Better For Plants?
For delicate, high-value plants and crops, it is better to use drip irrigation because it waters gently and precisely close to the roots of the plants, preventing any damage that may occur if too much water and pressure is applied. For a much larger region like lawns and fields.
Drip Irrigation vs Sprinklers: Which Is More Environmentally Friendly?
Drip irrigation is more environmentally friendly because it uses much less water than spray irrigation. Furthermore, drip irrigation can use recycled water, which prevents water wastage and contributes to water conservation.
Drip Irrigation vs Sprinklers: Which Is More Cost-Effective?
If we are to look at the systems and materials alone, sprinkler irrigation is clearly cheaper. However, given that drip irrigation uses less water and can recycle water, it is cheaper to use in the long run compared to spray irrigation, which uses large quantities of water.
How Much Does a New Drip Irrigation System Cost?
The average cost of installing a drip irrigation system at home is between $2,000 and $5,000. This cost covers the installation assessment, all parts, labour and expert installation. However, the cost will vary depending on the size and complexity of your irrigation needs.
The overall cost of a new drip irrigation system will depend on the brand and type of components you choose. Like any other purchase, you have the choice between top-of-the-line pumps, filters and injection systems or saving money with more budget-friendly components.
This price factors in the difficulty of installing a drip irrigation system, which requires expert knowledge from a trained professional. Like most professional services, what you are paying for is expert experience and knowledge. When installing a drip irrigation system, an irrigation expert needs to know the flow rate of the irrigation system, the compatible emitters and which emitters to choose based on the plants you have.
If your garden has a variety of plants, as most gardens do, this will need to be taken into account as not all plants require the same amount of water. This is why the cost of a new irrigation system, including installation, does require you to spend money upfront. However, if you are serious about growing big, healthy plants, drip irrigation is well worth the investment.
What Components Do I Need For Drip Irrigation?
A basic drip irrigation system is composed of the following parts:
Water Source – A water source is obviously a key component of your drip irrigation system. This can be a mains water tap or rainwater collection system. The water source and its own water flow rate will affect the size of your irrigation size and the types of emitters you use.
Pump System – A water pump system is another important part of your drip irrigation setup. They are in charge of ensuring the proper transferral of water through the entire irrigation system.
Filtration System – An irrigation filtration system is another essential component to your drip irrigation system. Not only will a filtration system help reduce toxins and contaminants in the water, but it will help reduce debris in the system that can cause clogs and builds ups.
Pressure Controller – Irrigation pressure controllers are used to help regulate drip irrigation water pressure. Without a pressure controller, you risk blowing out your irrigation system with water that has too high of a PSI. This is one of the key applications for pump pressure controllers.
Backflow Prevention – A drip irrigation backflow preventer device is used to ensure that water cannot go back through the drip irrigation system. The main reason why you need a backflow prevention system is to stop contaminated water from making its way through the system, and to keep sensitive filters and membranes clean and safe.
Hydraulic Valves – Hydraulic control valves and safety valves are installed at different points throughout your drip irrigation system and used to maintain a safe level of pressure within the system.
Irrigation Piping or Tubing – Drip irrigation systems use pipes or tubes to pass water through the irrigation system. Drip irrigation piping is the most commonly found way of supplying water through your drip irrigation system, due to its strength and sturdiness. However, drip tape is another option for a way to transport water that is more flexible, albeit less resilient to high PSI water flow rates.
Poly Fittings – Poly fittings are used to create the irrigation system and ensure it’s watertight. Rural poly pipes are a particular subset of high-quality poly fitting that are sturdy and UV resistant, making them perfect for outdoor applications, such as gardens in particularly hot climates.
Drip Emitters – Drip emitters are the attachments connected to your drip irrigation system that controls the flow rate of water applied to each plant. Different drip emitters have different flow rates, allowing you to customise your irrigation system based on your plants.
Can I Use A Timer In My Drip Irrigation System?
Yes, timers are one of the best things in drip irrigation. You can be away from your plants and still be assured that they are well-watered. A timer can not only organise watering routines, but modern models have weather detection technology, which will prevent you from accidentally overwatering during rain.
When it comes to timers, you can install a simple tap timer or a full-on smart irrigation controller. A tap timer will allow you to have the water running for set amounts of time, but that’s about it for most models.
On the other hand, an irrigation controller will do everything a tap timer can do and then some. Some of the best irrigation controllers allow you to customise watering zones, schedule times for your irrigation to go on and have compatible apps that allow you to alter your watering routine from your phone or tablet, no matter where you are.
Do I Need a Filter in My Drip Irrigation System?
Yes, filters are necessary for drip irrigation systems because irrigation filters remove toxins and other contaminants present in the water, preventing entry to the plants. Unfiltered water may cause danger to both plants and humans. Filters can also help prevent blockages.
The best type of irrigation filter for a drip irrigation system is a screen filter. These fine filters will catch debris, help keep the water clean and affordable and are easy to clean, maintain and replace.
Can I Install Drip Irrigation Myself?
While you can install a drip irrigation system yourself, it’s best to consult with an irrigation specialist because your emitters and piping will need to be compatible with the PSI of your water source, which can be difficult to do if you are inexperienced.
However, having the system professionally installed ensures that everything will be done properly. A professional irrigation specialist has the right knowledge, tools and equipment to do the job. Also, installation can get complicated in terms of knowing whether your farm or garden area needs pressure reducers and when determining the proper controller.
FAQs about Drip Irrigation
How Long Should I Run Water With Drip Irrigation?
You should aim to run your drip irrigation system for ten to thirty minutes on the days that you water them. This will give the system enough time to deliver the water your plants require without over or under watering them. The type of plants and drippers you have will affect how long you need to run the system.
If your drippers have a high flow rate, you’ll need to run them for a shorter time than those with a much lower flow rate. Drippers with different flow rates are installed depending on the type of plants you have and how quickly they can absorb water. The type of soil your garden has will also impact the water absorption rate and the flow rate of the drippers, and how long the system needs to run to water your plants properly.
Naturally, hotter climates will need to run water for a longer period to give your plants more of a chance to absorb water, even if you are watering your plants early in the morning. This is because the ground will stay hotter for longer, which the additional water helps compensate for.
Of course, the species of plants you are watering will also dictate the time required to water your plants. Species that are more thirsty and require more water will require the system to be run for a longer period to ensure they are sufficiently watered.
How Often Should I Water My Plants With Drip Irrigation?
To properly water your plants, they should be irrigated with a drip irrigation system two and three times a week. This frequency will give your plants more than enough water without drowning or starving them.
It’s important to remember that you need to increase your watering during summer and decrease it during winter. While watering them every two to three days is ideal for spring and autumn, it’s far hotter during the summer and will require watering every one to two days.
Alternatively, it’s far colder and rainier during the winter months, so it’s best to scale back the watering to just once a week during those months. This will prevent your plants from being overwatered and having mould and diseases from where unabsorbed water has been left to sit.
Some irrigation controllers have in-built seasonal adjustment technology, which will compensate for weather and seasonal changes, but you may need to adjust your sprinklers for different seasons manually.
What Time of Day Is Best for Drip Irrigation?
The best time of the day to water your plants with drip irrigation is just before sunrise or just before sunset. Watering before it gets too hot during the day ensures that your plants have a chance to absorb the water before it is evaporated by the sun.
For drip irrigation, the best time to water your plants is between 5 am and 7 am. Although watering your plants at night is better than in the middle of the day, watering your plants too late at night can promote diseases in your plants. Before the sun comes up is the perfect time to water your plants, ensuring they will get the water they need before a long day of being in the sun.
Although it may make sense to water your plants during the day when it’s the hottest, it’s not advisable. While on paper, you may be giving them the water they need when they need it the most, you’re starving your plants of water and nutrients. During the day’s peak, the sun will evaporate any water much faster. As a result, your plants will be dehydrated as they will not receive the water you think they are getting.
How Long Do Drip Irrigation Systems Last?
A subsurface drip irrigation can last from 12 to 15 years when properly maintained, while a surface drip irrigation system may have a shorter lifespan due to sun exposure. A common issue with surface drip irrigation systems is the irrigation dripline cracking, meaning it may not last as long as other components.
What Crops Use Drip Irrigation?
Almost all crops can benefit from drip irrigation, as it’s the best watering method for individual plants. From vegetables like tomatoes and onions to tea and coffee plants, any crop that is harvested benefits from a drip irrigation system.
Disclaimer:
This article is published for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website is strictly at your own risk. Always ensure you have the right qualifications and certifications to carry out DIY work and never put your safety at risk. Hills Irrigation recommends consulting a professional for all electrical and plumbing work.
Vince is Managing Director of Hills Irrigation and is supported by Lisa in an administrative capacity. Andrew, Isaac and Megan look after the day to day needs of both online and shop customers. As Project Manager, Vince is also responsible for installation projects along with his team. It is his responsibility to work closely with clients to ensure that scope of work is understood and followed.
