In irrigation system, the water is delivered to the land artificially with the aim of farming. Normally, water is delivered to land that is produced through natural rain. But, in this case, the quantity of water is not sufficient to contribute to proper development of the plants. So, the main purpose of irrigation is to boost the natural supply of water to land in order to get maximum return from the crop developed on the land.

Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation also called as trickle irrigation or micro irrigation or localized irrigation stand for an irrigation process that saves water and fertilizer by granting water to drip gradually to the roots of plants, either onto the soil surface or directly onto the root zone, by means of a network of valves, pipes, tubing, and emitters.

Components of Drip Irrigation

• Pumping set
• Filters
• Mainlines
• Sub-main lines
• Laterals
• Emitters

Processes of Irrigation

Surface Irrigation: The water is used by expanding in it sheets or small streams on the land for irrigation.

Sub-Surface Irrigation: The water is used underneath the ground surface with the purpose of delivering it directly to the root zone of the plants.

Sprinkler Irrigation: The irrigation water is used to the land by means of spray, somewhat in terms of ordinary rain.

Drip irrigation is best suited for crop.

Fruit crops: Banana, Grapes, Citrus, Pomegranate, Papaya, Pineapple, Watermelon, Sweet lime, Mango.

Vegetable crops: Cabbage, Cauliflower, Okra, Tomato, Potato, Onion, Chillis, Radish, Brinjal, French been, Capsicum, Bhindi, Beans, Carrots, Cucumber, Bottle gourd, Gherkins.

Commercial crops: Sugarcane, Cotton, Ground nut.

Advantages of Drip irrigation:-

• Curtail the application of water
• Minimize pest issues
• Plainness
• Low pumping requirements
• Accommodation
• Automation
• Production benefits
• Weed control
• High return
• Joint management of irrigation

Disadvantages of Drip irrigation:-

• Monetary Investment is required for drip irrigation.
• Proper maintenance and superior-quality water is needed for drip irrigation.
• Water-application pattern should be identical with planting pattern.
• Shallow root depth.
• Safety
• Leak repair