Drip irrigation system components are the responsible for circulation of water within the system. Drip irrigation is a crop watering technique in which water is distributed through filters into special drip pipes with emitters located at various intervals at each crop root zone precisely, and directly into the soil. Proper designing, and installation of drip irrigation systems can help reduce water wastage due to their efficiency in nature. Secondly, drip irrigation is a feasible option for water conservation, as it achieves minimal water wastage through evaporation and overwatering runoff. As the world turns into precision Agriculture as a result of shifting climatic conditions and increasing global temperatures, water conservation has become a key component of precision, and conservation Agriculture.
Drip irrigation system Components.
A drip system comprises various components that efficiently distribute water from the source to the crop.
Water source.
Water can be sourced from various reservoirs such as ponds, wells, rivers, groundwater, and government/municipal water. More importantly, the source should be reliable and clean. Farmers should also test their source for high iron content to prevent clogging of emitters.
Filters as a drip irrigation system Components.
They remove contaminants such as dirt, sediment particles, and debris that clog the emitters. Farmers should be able to access filters easily for cleaning to avoid blockages in delivery pipes and emitters. Several types of emitters are available for example, disc filters, scream filters, and lastly sand media filters.
Pressure regulation unit.
These devices maintain the water pressure in the supply system to ensure optimal operating pressure. This ensures that emitters distribute water evenly, and last longer due to minimal damages caused by unregulated pressure.
Distribution tubing.
These are PVC or HPDE pipes that carry water from the source to the crop beds. They are available in various sizes, diameters, and colors depending on irrigation requirements.
Emitters/ drippers.
They consist of a major component of the drip irrigation system, which delivers water to the plant root zone. The choice of emitters farmers use depends on the plant type being grown, crop water requirements, soil type, and spacing used between the crops. They come in different forms, such as drop emitters, microjets, and micro-sprinklers.
Connector/fittings/accessories.
These are for connecting various sections between tubing, creating branches, and connecting emitters. The choice of fitting is based on size, types of tubes, and emitters. They include elbows, tees, couplers, caps, and valves. Farmers should select ones that are durable and leaf-proof.
Timers /controller as a drip irrigation system Components.
These are automated devices programmed to control the frequency and duration of watering. They control how long the system operates and how much water is delivered. Unlike other irrigation systems, drip systems with automated timers ensure precise timing on when to water, and when to stop watering the plant. This automated system conserves irrigation water.
Pumps/pressurized water source.
In case irrigation water does not have enough pressure to circulate throughout the irrigation system, farmers are advised to install a water pump to ensure even distribution of the water.
Pressure compensating device.
They ensure a constant flow rate regardless of pressure variation during watering.
Backwash controllers.
These are devices that prevent the backflow of irrigation in the supply system to avoid contaminating the water source.
Meters as a drip irrigation system Components.
They help the farmer know the volume of water used in the drip system.
Chemical injectors as a drip irrigation system Components.
This is a drip irrigation unit that farmers use to deliver nutrients through the system to the crops. This includes dosing pumps, piston motors, and venturi injectors.
Current innovation on the drip irrigation system.
One major impact of climate change is the scarcity of water for cultivation and consumption. Therefore, water conservation and management are important for Sustainable Agriculture. Being propelled by increased population demand for food, water has become a key in conservation Agriculture as mentioned above. In response to this, scientists have come up with various innovative techniques to aid in water conservation
Pressure compensating devices/drippers for drip flow.
As mentioned above, these are devices installed in the dip system to ensure there is a constant flow rate of water regardless of variation during watering. This is one of the most significant upgrades of the drip irrigation system that has enhanced the workability of drip irrigation. Furthermore, this upgrade has made drip irrigation adaptable to farmers in different locations, despite the slope or the terrain. In addition, farmers can install more than one dripper in a single. The common Pressure-compensating devices farmers use are;
Pressure compensating No-drain (PCND).
Farmers use them in drip systems to prevent water from draining out of drip pipes. When water pressure falls below a certain threshold, seals prevent water from draining out of the pipes.
Pressure compensating Anti-siphon.
Farmers use them in drip systems to prevent any clogging as the siphon prevents contaminants such as debris from passing through the drip pipes.
Smart watering controllers as a drip irrigation system Components.
This innovation has emerged as a remarkable trend in drip irrigation. It combines the use of sensors, and high-tech analytics to fully automate the frequency and duration of watering. The data used in this system is based on crop needs, soil conditions, and predicted weather conditions. Smart watering controllers are highly efficient, and precise and can save 20 to 50% of the total water used in drip irrigation compared to conventional irrigation. This is according to the Irrigation Association (IA), and the International Center of Water Technology at California State University.
Unlike traditional controllers, smart irrigation controllers monitor soil conditions, weather conditions, rate of evaporation, and plant water intake. Farmers use this data to adjust the crop watering schedules automatically according to the actual conditions of the place.
Whether-based smart irrigation controller (EC).
These devices use local weather data from the soil evaporation, and plant transpiration to adjust watering schedules. Farmers using this data obtain the most accurate results as they are based on four weather parameters including temperatures, solar radiation, wind, and humidity.
Soil moisture sensors.
Farmers use this device to measure soil moisture content. It enables farmers to know the amount of water available in the soil for plant growth and also makes it easy to adjust watering schedules. Due to the accuracy of this device, farmers get real-time data on soil moisture content; therefore watering is only when a plant needs water, and stops when there is enough water for the plant.
Micro irrigation.
This is a watering system that delivers water precisely, and directly into the crop root zone. It minimizes water wastage by reducing overwatering runoff, wind drift, and evaporation. Farmers normally customize them to meet different requirements depending on soil characteristics, and climatic conditions, therefore enhancing crop productivity through controlled water, and nutrient uptake in required amounts, reducing crop stress.
Advantages of micro irrigation.
- First, microirrigation operates on a low pressure and low volume of 1.1 liters per hour which is suitable for high-return value crops such as fruit and vegetable crops.
- secondly, if managed properly, microirrigation can increase yields and decrease water, fertilizer, and labor requirements.
- Thirdly, microirrigation is water efficient. It is the most precise watering method as compared to all other irrigation systems.
- Compared to traditional irrigation, microirrigation can irrigate sloping or irregularly shaped land areas that cannot be flood-irrigated.
- Lastly, a micro irrigation system allows the injection of water-soluble fertilizers into the system.
Artificial intelligence AI system.
Artificial intelligence AI is devices that aid farmers in decision-making based on the data generated by soil and weather sensors. In addition, they help with data management for precise water scheduling and finally reduce water wastage.
Wind, rain, and freeze sensors.
Strong winds cause a drop in drip irrigation waves away from the intended crop root zone. In that case, wind sensors help farmers to control the watering, stopping when winds are strong, and resume when winds calm.
Robotic application.
With increasing technological development, farmers are adopting robotic systems in drip irrigation to aid them in the management of various tasks such as assessing plant health, detecting pests, and diseases, and identifying stressed plants. This information aids farmers in decision-making.
Weather station.
Intelligent irrigation systems get information from sensors or weather stations. These stations collect data, and based on the information, they determine whether the system will run or not. This ensures plants get sufficient nutrients at the right time and amount.
Data collected on weather stations is accessible through mobile phones, hence in case of any alert, farmers can adjust the watering system anywhere. According to estimates, utilizing a station in drip irrigation can save 20 to 40% of the total water used for crop irrigation
In conclusion, Combining the proper installation of drip irrigation components with current technology innovation can help with the automation of drip irrigation, and meet the water conservation. This is achieved by ensuring sustainable water use by minimizing water wastage. While drip irrigation techniques are rising, farmers should integrate them with other farming techniques. This is due to proven long-term results regarding high yield, cost economics, and water savings capacity. Lastly, drip is adaptable for both small-scale and large farmers.
