Drip irrigation is the most water-efficient irrigation system, capable of drastically reducing water use on a farm while increasing crop yields and quality. When properly designed, maintained, and operated, a drip irrigation system can be a productive asset for a small farm. It is irrigation for profitable crop production that necessitates an understanding of several fundamental engineering and irrigation concepts, as well as their application.
What is drip irrigation?
Drip irrigation is an efficient and cost-effective method of watering your lawn and garden. It is becoming increasingly popular in Kenya, where it is regularly applicable in drier sections of the nation. Unlike sprinkler irrigation, which is only 65-75% efficient, drip irrigation is 90% efficient in allowing plants to utilize the water delivered. Furthermore, it lowers runoff and evaporation. It progressively delivers water to the plant root zone, where it is most required.
It has traditionally been applicable in large nursery and agricultural operations, but homeowners are increasingly discovering its uses and benefits. You may utilize it as a homeowner to irrigate your vegetable and perennial gardens, as well as trees and bushes.
What are the components of drip irrigation?
The mainline, valve, sub-main, backflow preventer, pressure regulator, filter, tubing adapters and fittings, drip tubing, emitters, and end caps are the essential parts of a drip irrigation system.
- The mainline is the pipe that connects your outside faucet, which serves as the water supply, to the valve. The sub-main extends from the valve to the location where the drip tubing is attached. Sub-mains are typically only utilized when there are several drip tubing lines and zones flowing off of the same mainline water supply. The mainline and sub-main should not be longer than 400 feet together.
- The valve regulates water flow into the system and can be adjusted for automated or manual operation. Backflow preventers are required to prevent irrigation water from flowing back into the pipes and contaminating your main water supply.
- Filters prevent dissolved contaminants in your water from blocking the emitters. Install filters at the emitters or at the water supply to protect the valve and pressure regulator as well as the emitters. It is preferable if the filter has a mesh screen of at least 150 mesh or greater.
- Pressure regulators are used to controlling the water pressure. If the water pressure is greater than 40 pounds per square inch, this is the case. If you don’t know what your water pressure is, it’s a good idea to get one installed just in case.
- Tubing adapters and fittings are used to attach the drip tubing to the rest of the system. To avoid them blowing apart under pressure, it’s critical that they are the proper size for the tubing.
How drip irrigation works
Water and nutrients are transported across the field in pipes known as ‘driplines,’ which contain small units known as ‘drippers.’ Each dripper emits water and fertilizer-containing drops, resulting in the uniform application of water and nutrients directly to each plant’s root zone across an entire field.
Benefits of drip irrigation
Drip irrigation entails laying down tubing with emitters next to the plants. The emitters slowly drip water into the root zone of the soil. Plant productivity and quality improve as moisture levels are kept within an optimal range. Furthermore, drip irrigation:
- Prevents disease by reducing water contact with plant leaves, stems, and fruit.
- Allows for dry rows between plants, improving access and reducing weed growth.
- Because the system is so efficient, it saves time, money, and water.
- Reduces labor.
- Improves performance on uneven terrain.
- Reduces water and nutrient leaching below the root zone.
Prices for drip irrigation installation
| Size of the Land ( In sqm) | Price in Ksh. |
| 1/8 ( 500 sqm) | 25,000 |
| 1/4 ( 1000 sq’m) | 40,000 |
| 1/2 ( 2000 sq’m) | 64,000 |
| 1 ( 4000 sq’m) | 130,000 |
For more details contact us through: NAIROBI: 0790719020 | ELDORET: 0759372241
