Using Irrigation Drippers in Specific Areas for the Greatest Efficiency
In many cases, gardening is about using the right equipment and materials for a particular job. That’s equally true of irrigation, where sprinklers are best for lawned areas, but an irrigation drip line is more appropriate among plants, including vegetables.
Sprinkler systems spray water around and it isn’t always possible to be sure where it’s going to land due to variations in pressure and the effect of wind. As a result, sprinklers are reckoned to be 75-85% efficient whereas irrigation drippers, which deliver water directly to a plant’s roots, have a 90% or greater efficiency rate.
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The efficiency of drip lines is due to them applying water slowly and directly where it’s needed. Because of this, the exact design of a system isn’t as complicated as one using sprinklers and there is more margin for error. Nevertheless, since a system is made up of several components, it is important that you acquire the correct drip irrigation supplies:
- Valves govern the flow of water through the pipes. Control valves are used to turn on and off water to each separate circuit within the garden and can be operated manually or automatically. You may have separate circuits for vegetable gardens and flower borders. Isolation valves are used to temporarily shut off the water flow, either for repairs or during the winter when irrigation isn’t needed.
- Drip tubes carry water from its source to where it’s needed and should not be longer than 200 feet (60 metres) from end to end. If the water enters the middle of a tube, it can be 200 feet in each direction and there may be laterals running from the main tube to distribute the water.
- Emitters output the water at required points and can be turbulent flow emitters for flat areas, pressure compensating emitters where there is a gradient or short-path emitters for gravity flow systems with low pressure. In general, install an emitter every two feet (sixty centimetres) over plant roots, possibly two for large plants and more for shrubs and trees. The number of emitters per valve will depend on the flow rate and the maximum can be anywhere from 180 to 700.
Fasten down the drip tubes with staples to stop them from moving but don’t bury them or the emitters under the soil. Cover them with bark, mulch or spreading plants if you wish to prevent them from being damaged by pests. And, since the drip emitters are on soil, it’s worth installing a backflow preventer to avoid contamination of your water.
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Although designing a drip line system isn’t as complex as for sprinklers and won’t need to be as precise, you still need to include all the components. Using our free design service, you can be sure you won’t miss anything and will have a system that works effectively.
We provide watering and irrigation supplies of the highest quality, suitable for your needs and at a very competitive price. Whether you’re irrigating your vegetable garden, flower borders, potted plants on a patio or a combination, we’ll enable you to keep them well watered. Read Less