Water is very precious to all the humans and as well as to the plants. There only a very few percent of water in the earth can be used for drinking and they are called as the fresh water. They can be obtained from various sources such as the mountains, streams, rivers, rainfall, and underground water. This contributes only a very few percent, which hardly comes as 2% of the total water present in this world. This 2% water should be used in a very efficient and effective manner, so that all the living things are able to use this fresh water. The major amount of fresh water is utilized by the agriculture industry for irrigation.
Why does irrigation require so much water?
Dig Drip Irrigation
Irrigation is one of the important techniques in the field of agriculture. This is very important because this can only ensure the survival of the plant. If we irrigate the fields heavily with water, there are chances that the plant may die because of excessive irrigation. The water could also wash them away during irrigation if very strong force of water is released at the same time. On the other hand, if there is insufficient water, then also there are chances that the plants may die due to lack of water. So it is very important for the farmer to maintain the water content on the field.
How to ensure correct irrigation?
how-to-install-drip-irrigation
There are many techniques in which we can irrigate the plants. One such technique is by using the Dig Drip Irrigation, which is one of the products from the Dig irrigation systems. The Drip irrigation technique is the most widely used technique as they also contribute for the conservation of fresh water. In this technique, the water is made available to individual plants by means of pipelines, which have a dripper at each point near the plant. This can ensure that all the plants get the correct and equal amount of water and nutrients. Nutrients and fertilizers can also be mixed into them so that they can be easily dispersed to all the plants in the field with a very minimum manual effort with the help of Dig Drip Irrigation. Dig irrigation systems is a very reputed company for its after sales service. Also the products from the Dig Drip Irrigation systems are also very less in cost and all the products are guaranteed. Also it will be very easy for us to get spare parts from the Dig irrigation systems if at all any product fail during its use.
Things around the world have been changing thick and fast. Ever changing climatic and rain patterns have always been a struggle for many human as well as plants lives. They have to strive hard so as to meet the needs. Meeting needs suggests about what is to be left out for the future. So sustainable development is a key factor aimed by each and every country so as safe the world for the future. Irrigation simply implies the supplication of water to the water scarce region. But this thing has to be done in an effective manner. Efficiency in irrigation directly points out to correct utility of water. Hence great utility of the water can be done by means of drip irrigation.
Factors concerning drip irrigation
installing drip irrigation on orchard
Soil forms one the prime factor for installing these type of irrigation. The reason behind it is that, drippers or micro spray emitters are to be placed under the ground near the root region of the plants. Hence soil should have such a capability that it can retain these micro spray emitters firmly into the soil. Installation depth has to be calculated with utmost accuracy. This is because inadequate depths may not also the proper water supply, which is most required during the germination stage of a plant. After considering and calculating all the above said factors one has to design a layout.
Design of layout and implementation
installing drip irrigation
Various governing facts are taken into consideration and the layout is prepared. The layout consists of a main supply water pump which in turn is connected to a large diameter pipe. This pipe carries out various accessories on them. Various accessories such as pressure relief valve, alarm, pressure indicating system, back lash control system and so on. There is a loop system which inter connects the pump and the main pipe. The loop contains the most important component which called the filter. It is useful in filtering the pumped water. Thus any unnecessary chemicals or foreign agencies found inside the pipe are filtered. The large pipes run for certain distance and spreads up into various channels. These channels run perpendicular to the main pipe. From each channel, a micro spray runs vertically downwards into the ground. It goes on till a defined depth so as to deliver the adequate water to the germinating seeds. Thus the particular layout is installed o perfection and irrigation can be carried out effectively by serious monitoring of the system.
Irrigation is one of the most important practices that man has developed as years have passed. Water being the life source of all biotic organisms, require water o have a healthy life. But the nature has been created in such a manner that nearly 97% of world’s water engulfed by means of enormous proportions of salt. Nearly 2% of world’s total water is been locked by the glaciers and large ice caps. This leaves around a very meager proportion of usable water. Mast of plants require adequate amount of water over an extended period of time. But due the fact of ever changing scenario in world’s climate, monsoons have been erratic. This leaves the farmers and other agriculturists left out with no other option than that of proper irrigation. Irrigation not only ensures the supply of water to the crops but also to maintain the lands so as to retain its fertility.
Emerging field in irrigation
Sustainable agriculture
Drip irrigation has made its way out as an emerging technology in the field of irrigation. It utilizes various automatic computing systems so as to control the supply of water to the roots of the plants. This ensures the correct level of moisture content retained near the roots. Excess of water oozing out the soil is controlled by the check valve. This type of irrigation is very conservative and popular. The most interesting fact is that the micros spray emitters which goes deep into the soil emits water around the root region. Thus no water or moisture content is found outside thus minimizing the loss of water due to evaporation process. Hence unnecessary water loss is checked. All these computerized controlled systems are employed in large scale farms and gardens. Drip irrigation can be adopted in home by means of mechanizing certain calculation parts instead of computing feature.
Cheap dripping system- installation procedure
Large Cron
A long PVC pipe is to be procured in which one end is sealed and other end is fitted to the water hose or tap. Now make small holes under the pipe. This will process as a spraying channels or emitters. Now the pipe is installed under the ground to the required depth. Now the water tap is opened. The adjustable knob feature allows one to maintain the correct water onto the roots. Thus water is flushed through the main pipe which in turn drips out of the small holes provided at the bottom of the pipe. This makes out for a cheap homemade dripping system.
Water is the most important thing for every living creature. No doubt it is called the elixir of life. Without water life would be impossible. When dealt about plants, some may require more water and some may just need them very little. Many plants which have been domesticated by human beings need adequate supply of water. It is not possible for the plants to get water in water scarce region. So irrigation is only solution to make up to the water requirement by the crops. There are numerous types of irrigation which helps the farmers to provide water to the plants. Surface irrigation is the most common type of irrigating agricultural fields. Among the various types of irrigation drip irrigation has been proven to be most efficient form of irrigation. Drip irrigation is one of the forms of localized irrigation techniques.
Components involved
Basic drip irrigation kit for raised bed gardening
In this type of irrigation water is supplied to the near root region. This plays a vital role in minimizing the loss of water due evaporation. Hence water is used effectively without any form of wastage. This type of irrigation can be accomplished by means of the following components: water pump which is used to pressurize the water, water filtration system which is used to filter sand from water, fertigation system which is employed in such a manner that both water and fertilizer is introduced into the near root region, backlash controller which is provided so as to prevent the back flow of pressurized water, a pressure control valve, main pipeline which connects various sub lines or channel pipes, hydraulic or electrically operated valves, emitters which emits the water at the appropriate region.
Forms and use of drippers
Drip irrigation in a box kit
Emitters or drippers are the most important component of a dripping system. There are various forms of emitters namely micro spray heads, inline drippers, trickle rings. The most striking feature of a dripper is that it reasonably controls the clogging of water. Grapes are grown in semi arid region and this cultivation mainly is aided by this form of irrigation. Water conservation is the key factor which adds up to its advantage. Drippers, which are designed in such a manner to it, ensure the proper delivery of all forms of nutrients to the plants in the form of water and fertilizers plays a vital role in the success of output.
The only demerit to this kind of irrigation and the setup is that, initial cost which ultimately pays off by delivering great outputs thus enhancing the profits.
Drip irrigation is gaining large amount of popularity due to the wonderful amount of benefits that is being provided by this irrigation technique. Nowadays there is more and more number of farmers who are implementing drip irrigation method which gives them the opportunity to automate the process of irrigation. In order to maximize the amount of benefits that are derived through drip irrigation it is necessary that the person possess adequate knowledge regarding the selection of proper field that will provide him best results. This article will be providing good deal of idea that will help in increasing the harvest of crops and also improve the quality of plants. The factor which influences the selection of field is technology, nature of crops, climatic conditions, labor inputs and many more.
Soil selection in fields
In drip irrigation there will constant spraying of water uniformly around the field. The soil type that is most suitable for drip irrigation is sandy soils. Surface irrigation cannot be applied for sandy soils since these soils have high penetration and very less storage capacity. Thus drip irrigation is the only best method that makes sure that proper level of water is supplied to plants without water wastage. It is also essential to note that clay or loamy soils should not be selected for fields that are being irrigated by drip irrigation since it will make soil slippery and water logged.
Climatic conditions and slope of field
example
Drip irrigation can be greatly affected if the wind velocity in field region is on the higher side. When the wind velocity is higher then the throw of water will be disrupted and non uniform spread of water will be made. The effect of drip irrigation can be maximized in which the flow of wind is uniform and stable. Another important factor which influences field selection for drip irrigation is slope of field. This irrigation technique will provide more benefits if field is sloppy or non uniform since it will ensure proper path for flow of water. Best example for sloppy field is rice grown in terrace space. Surface irrigation cannot be applied in regions which contains slope.
Water quality and type of crops
One of the important requirements for drip irrigation is quality of water which is present in field. It is essential to select field space in which water contains very less level of sediments or salt particles. Presence of higher level of sediments or salt particles will clog the sprinklers and decreases the efficiency of water spray. Since there is large level of investment which is being made for this irrigation technique only those fields which supports growth of higher value cash crops should be selected to ensure the farmer gets good returns for the money invested
Available labor
Drip irrigation provides the possibility of reducing the labor requirement due to automation process. Fields where lower level of labors is available will be well benefited by adapting drip irrigation technique. It is essential to maintain sprinklers in good condition to maintain efficiency in operation.
Agriculture has found drastic changes in past few years. The world has witnessed revolutionized approach in carrying out tasks in the field. The on-field agricultural practices have been greatly supported by inventions and discoveries that have hit the science world. Also usage of sophisticated tools and equipments has gathered substantial interests of farmers. This has empowered them to build up comprehensive farming with less effort generating huge dividends for the money invested. Importance of ambient conditions can be visualized with development of hybrid seasonal crops. The modern scientific aids to modern agriculture are also provided through researches carried out all over the world. Farming has now channeled its path towards thoughtful use of conditions with optimized usage of resources available. For instance, one can get huge throughput by planting right crops at right seasons. For instance during summers, one can engage cultivation of crops that favor higher temperature during their growth. This makes the overall process of farming refined totally conducive for people to march down to sustainable development.
Basic Irrigation Facilities
Winter Drip Irrigation Farming, Hose Couplers in Use
Irrigation plays a major role in the development of crops. Water can be utilized judiciously for the growth of the crop. There are various types of irrigation facilities available for the farmers present globally. Starting from ground water supply to supply from rivers. Researchers have also modularized the irrigation facilities to cater to ever-increasing demands. The use of sprinklers can be used to cover large area of field in short duration of time. This can also be by-passed by usage of overhead irrigation. Some of classical methods of irrigation include terracing and furrow irrigation. Furrow irrigation involves constant monitoring of farmers to regulate channeling of water to respective fields. Recent developments of science and technology have included drip irrigation to this long list.
Importance of Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation involves the type of irrigation wherein the supply of water is confined to the root zones of each and every plant. This can greatly lessen the fritter of water. Also one can be sure of getting necessary supplied nutrition to the plant. Every other types of irrigation include surface evaporation of water. This can reduce moisture content that is required for the growth of plants. The pressure of water channel can send the water deep down into the earth at desirable spots near the root zone. Also by utilizing efficient computer module, one can monitor the flow of water and timing of watering to crops. This can be cashing for labor in many ways but the operating cost can fetch fruitful results for farmers. In recent years, sprinkler type of irrigation is replaced by unique type of drip irrigation referred as sub-surface drip irrigation.
Usefulness of Drip Farming in Winter
Microsprinklers wet larger soil volume, irrigation emitters monthy water contents
Drip farming includes the laying down structural lines for channeling water to respective spots underneath the soil. This can also be aided by several hydraulic components such as pressure relief valves and hoses. These can have handsome impact from lowering of temperature during winters. The temperature changes can affect any physical element by changing the microscopic properties of materials used. Drip farming has major impact during the winter as it can get hoses and hydraulic accessories to get frozen with water that is capsulated within them. So to avoid mishaps, one can adopt popular winterizing technique. This involves expelling the water contained through special equipments that employs purging air to accomplish this act. Blown air would remove all contaminants and undesirable particles present in hydraulic lines. Electronic components associated with drip farming methods can be stored in secured place avoiding direct exposure to moisture. Regular checking is to be instituted for retaining cleaner fluid lines over the field area during winter season.
Agriculture is a vast field. Every human has to consume food in order to live. These food items are got only from the hardship of a farmer. As the technology improves many modern methods have evolved to sophisticate all including the farmers . Most of these focused only on reduction of burden on the farmer and not on the improvement of farming. One step was taken to provide optimized resource utilization in the agriculture field. The new invention and the one which takes care of this optimizing step is the drip irrigation process. Many are not aware of the drip irrigation process. Some of them are stubborn and are not ready to go in for another process. They feel safe and secure with the conventional process.
Why we have to go in for Drip irrigation?
As we all no water scarcity is the most faced problem around the globe. Not sufficient amount of water is present with many villages and their crops get spoiled due to it. So saving of water is a must for all of us. This can be easily achieved by the use of drip irrigation process instead of the conventional process. The wastage of water can be drastically reduced when drip irrigation is followed. The working principle of drip irrigation process is very simple and uses small openings in the hose to water the plant. The holes are so small that only drops of water emerge from these holes. So the water usage rate is so minimum and this is even smaller than the water intake rate of the plants. So the wastage of water is minimal and the utilization of water is optimum. The type of hoses used for this process is the soaker hose. This hose has minute holes of 1/6 to 1/4 inch diameter. And this is also has unique capability to work both on the surface and under the surface. The most important thing that is to be mentioned here is about the fittings.
Fittings in the drip irrigation process:
Water leakage and water loss in the fitting is the major loss in the case of any hose usage. The wear and tear is mostly felt at the fitting region. This can be reduced drastically if the special fittings are provided. The fittings used in the drip irrigation process is one of its kind. The fittings are more precisely manufactured and they form a tight fit. The clearance in between the threads are so minimum. The material these fittings are made up of is the brass. In addition to it hoses also posses this capability to fit perfectly with any pipes.
Some of us would have come across the word drip irrigation. We all know irrigation is a process of providing water to the plants, but we don’t know what is drip irrigation. Drip irrigation is nothing but, providing water to the specific plant at specific place at specific time. The conventional process of irrigation satisfies these thing, then why is that we should go in for a new process of irrigation. The answer to this question is very simple.
Why drip irrigation is needed ?
The need for drip irrigation is due to the difference or advantage it has over the conventional process. The drip irrigation saves water while the others waste them. Water is a big problem faced by many of the countries. So saving water is very essential to all of mankind. The process of drip irrigation is very simple and its application is also very easy. The working principle involved is that the plants are provided water with minute holes in the hoses. These hoses are known as soaker hoses. The soaker hose works by the principle of capillary outlets. There are very small holes in the range of 1/6 to 1/4 of an inch. These holes form the outlet or source of water supply to the plants. The other great advantage in these hoses are that, it can fit with any type of fittings and pipes. This advantage is got by the hose due to the fact that it poses brass fittings at the ends. The higher end hoses even poses greater advantages than the lower end hoses. They are manufactured precisely to meet the standards. The hose can be placed above the soil or as in some cases buried in the soil. This is how people grow plants in dry places. They are highly advantageous and capable of providing plants in any soil conditions. The other thing is that, it saves water by reducing the sprinkling and showering.
Drip irrigation timing :
The other important thing that is so far not mentioned about the drip irrigation is that it can be integrated with mechatronics system. The water is provided to the plants based upon the actuation of valves. The valve opening and closing time can be automated using mechatronics system. So the water is provided to the plants at proper intervals and proper amount of water can be given to the plants. The advantage of the drip irrigation is doubled on application of the timing system in the process.
Irrigation is a common terminology to all of us. But the real meaning of it, is not known by many. Irrigation is a process of watering the plants artificially. This is done because, sufficient amount of water may not be present in that area or the season may not be correct for the cultivation. There are many artificial ways of irrigation possible. The normal way of irrigation is the way in which the water is sent to the plants via a channel or tunnel and sprayed at the end. But the major problem faced in this process is that, the amount of water wasted in this is too high. The problem solver that originated due to tiresome effort of many scientist is the Drip irrigation process.
What is drip irrigation process ?
Drip irrigation is a new and advanced process, that is not known by many. The way it differentiates from the other process is by, making the water directly available to the most needed part, rather than spraying it or converging a large amount through channels. This is achieved by making small openings in a pipe and focusing the water supply to the plants. The advantage associated with it is that it can save water to a large extent. The other thing about it is that it can even make a dry land into a fertile land. It is environmental friendly and to add to its advantages it can even challenge the nature itself. This was developed due to many hours hard work of many scientist. It is environmental friendly and accepted world wide for its capability. The limiting factor for this process, is the efficiency of the soaker hose.
What is soaker hose and why it is needed ?
All would have come across what a irrigation process is and what are the advantages associated with it. The item required to incorporate this method on the field is a soaker hose. The soaker hose is a item which resembles the structure of a normal garden hose. The difference it has over the garden hose is that, it has minute holes throughout its external surface. This forms the outlet for water to escape and irrigate the plants at particular places. The holes are so small that each hole is of the diameter of one by sixth to one by fourth of an inch. This is the working principle of a soaker hose. The unique advantage of the soaker hose over the other hoses is that it can fit with and pipes and fittings.
Agricultural practices have refined in last few years. People have broader idea about getting fruitful results out of their investment on the lands. One can ensure effective growth of plant only if the plant or whole plantation is administered with good irrigation facilities. These facilities can be helpful in providing useful gains for the farmers. By far technological advancements have gathered minds of farmers to render useful ideas into planned actions. These technological advancements can be adjudged with useful application in day-to-day life.
Importance of irrigation system
Irrigation plays a vital role in the modern day agriculture. The root tips are in search of water when they travel down inside the ground. These can be ably supported by irrigation administered by the cultivators. The irrigation methods are of varied types that are available for cultivators. Starting from drip irrigation to center pivot irrigation. Some of irrigation methods take care of all the necessary topological features that prevail in particular land. The contour of surface changes from place to place. It is quite evident that it can affect watering scheme adopted by the farmers. But this would be justified by the amount of water needed. Some crops would need large supply of water to be supplied to root tips.
Irrigation facilities promised by drip irrigation
Drip irrigation is one of the popular methods adopted by the farmers all over the world. This method could bestow useful irrigation to the crops that are planted. Drip irrigation is preferred in the gardens. The gardens that are small can be well sheltered under effective watering through drip irrigation scheme. Also some watering scheme require some additional components such as tubing that can add to the cost of establishment of watering facility. This can be cashing for the farmers initially but with effective maintenance it can fetch huge profits on long run. Drip irrigation also ensures correct level of moisture that is to be maintained around the root tips. Any variation in this can cause adverse effects on the plant.
Drip irrigations systems – Components
Drip irrigation involves use of valuable wit to design the overall plan of the system. The system includes tubing and piping needs to be satisfied before going for commissioning of irrigation system. There are several components that form integral part of drip irrigation systems. Also one needs to ensure proper design of irrigation systems can be employed to facilitate moisture monitoring. The shoot system of the plant needs supply of water and other nutrients through root. The watering of plants at optimum level ensures proper supply of nourishments for the development of crop into sizeable yielding. Special simulation software is available to map all the essential failure nodes that can lead to drastic changes in the irrigation channel. Hence it is advisable to use that software to clear out all the loopholes present in irrigation channel.
Effective maintenance of irrigation systems
Maintenance of irrigation system largely depends on the design of irrigation system. The maintenance of the drip irrigation system involves series of actions that can ensure proper working of overall system. Subsurface drip watering schemes are widely used by the farmers pertaining to different parts of world to irrigate the lawns. These can be effectively monitored for pressure inside the channel. This pressure if not checked periodically can institute massive technical failures for the entire irrigation system. People can seek expert advice to have proper maintenance. The tubing can be checked for correctness periodically to eliminate water leakage. The inlet and outlet nozzle can be cleared off from dust and mud in order to have proper entry and exit of water inside the whole watering system.
It’s a well a known fact that plants require sufficient amount of water to survive. With no chances of obtaining natural water sources for the plants placed in greenhouse, there is a great need to develop an artificial greenhouse irrigation to fulfill the water requirements of plants.
Why greenhouse irrigation?
Watering the plants using the water cans will solve a part of this problem but the efficiency of this method will be very less and also there is a great amount of hand work that is required to water plants. This method will only let the user to water plants only to a certain extent and the entire plant region cannot be covered using this method. There is also other option of using hose pipe to water the plants, but it will not be possible to water the targeted region. Hence there is a great demand for greenhouse irrigation that will greatly water all the areas in a uniform manner
Nowadays, it has become possible to water all the parts of the greenhouse in an automated manner using irrigation systems such as drip irrigation, sprinklers, misters and seep hoses. The watering operation can be operated by using parts such as controllers and sensors.
Automatic greenhouse irrigation
There are water timers that will be very significant in watering the plants in regular interval of time all through the day. There are many advantages that are associated with this system since it will let you to irrigate the greenhouse even during night time without your actual presence. This can also be of great importance in watering the plants when you go out from your home for a period of time.
There are also special instruments that will measure soil moisture and will water plants according to specific needs of plants, hence maintaining proper water requirements in the best possible manner.
Article Summary: Greenhouse irrigation is an essential part that should be given prime importance since these are the only source that provides water to the plant and prevent drying up of soil. There are many technologically advanced methods that will be providing many good solutions for water requirements of plan. There are also methods to automate this greenhouse irrigation process to maintain proper watering of plants.
Importance of irrigation for farmers
Water to crops is equally necessary compare to the food for humans. Crops convert the water and the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for converting into the glucose which is available in the form of seed and granules in the crops. Hence if we need to have a good crop cultivation then it is very important that you provide a good irrigation system to the fields so that the crops get enough amount of water to convert them to starch and glucose. A good irrigation system provides water to all the plants in the fields. The best irrigation system should distribute equal amount of water to all the crops. No crop should get les amount and no crop should get more amount of water. As if a crop is provided with more amount of water then they many lead to soil erosion and the crop may not have nutrients in the soil to grow, thus limiting the productivity of the field.
Some methods of irrigation by farmers
Water is distributed by either using power or just simply by means of gravity. The water is distributed by gravity automatically thus requiring no external power. This type of method is mainly used in hilly terrains where the terrain is inclined in nature thus giving way for automatic powerless irrigation. Some other innovative thinking has lead to another type of irrigation called as the drip irrigation in which water is injected directly into the root part of the plant so that they can absorb the water in very less time and hence can produce the crops in a very fast manner. This can also be added with the injection of water and fertilizers and other essential nutrients into the roots of the plants directly as if the fertilizers are sprayed in the soil then there is very less chance for the plants to absorb the fertilizers.
Disadvantages in irrigation system for farmers
Gravity cannot be used in very inclined regions as they can cause large amount of soil erosion that too in a particular piece of land. Also it will be difficult to cultivate crops and harvest them in inclined placed. They might cause fatigue to the farmers who harvest them. The disadvantage in the drip irrigation system is that the initial cost becomes too high that it can not be implemented by poor farmers. This can also be implemented only over a large piece of agricultural land.
Article Summary: Although there are many techniques which are used to cultivate crops in large quantities, the demand is still high than the produced goods. The farmers are developing more and more irrigation systems to cope up with the increase in the demand for the food supplies and the crop cultivation.
Resource Box Info: This article describes various irrigation process followed by the farmers in a place where the annual rainfall is usually less compared to other place in the country. You can visit the following site to get more information about the irrigation systems of the farmers http://agricultureguide.org/agriculture/irrigation/ .
