Drip Irrigation Systems

1. Save Water

 

Drip irrigation is a water-efficient method of watering your landscape that can save up to 50% of water usage by directly and slowly delivering the water directly to the soil. While drip irrigation decreases the amount of water you use, it also increases water efficiency. Unlike conventional overhead sprinklers, drip irrigation systems ensure that 90-95% of the water reaches the soil surface, reducing water loss due to factors such as humidity levels, temperature, wind speed, and water droplet size. With normal overhead sprinkler watering, up to 30% of the water applied is lost, meaning that only 0.7 to 0.8 inches of water will reach your plants if you set your irrigation controller to apply 1 inch of water. Irrigation Experts recommend only using conventional overhead sprinkler watering early in the morning when humidity is high, the sun is not out, and air temperatures and wind speed are low to minimize the amount of water loss. By installing and utilizing a drip irrigation system, you can conserve water while still providing your landscape with the water it needs to thrive.

 

2. Save Money

 

Drip irrigation is the most efficient method of watering plants that not only conserves water it can save you a significant amount of money on your water bill. Traditional overhead sprinklers can lose up to 30% of the water they use, which means you're paying for water that never even reaches your plants. With a Smart drip irrigation system, you can ensure that every drop of water goes directly to the roots of your plants, resulting in healthier and more vibrant growth. Plus, the savings on your utility bill can quickly offset the cost of the initial investment in components and installation. If you're new to drip irrigation, consider starting with a DIY kit to make the process easier and less frustrating. Most box stores carry a variety of DIY Drip Irrigation Kits in several different brands and sizes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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3. Prevent Soil Erosion and Water Run-off

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Erosion and runoff can cause significant issues for storm water departments, farmers, and home gardeners. Drip irrigation is a solution that can help reduce these problems. Erosion occurs when soil is moved by water or wind, often ending up in bodies of water. Runoff happens when water doesn't absorb into the soil and carries sediment, pesticides, phosphates, and fertilizers into storm drains or bodies of water. By using drip irrigation, overwatering can be avoided, reducing erosion. This method delivers the right amount of water for plants and soil types, helping to maintain soil integrity and water supply.

 

4. Control Weed Growth

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Drip irrigation is a the most effective way of watering plants and a Smart Drip Irrigation System can also help reduce weed growth. By efficiently delivering water directly to the roots of your plants, there is less water available for stubborn weeds to grow. To ensure the maximum efficiency of your Drip irrigation, it's important to match the spacing between emitters with the spacing of your plants. This will help ensure that your plants receive the right amount of water without wasting any on unwanted weeds. So if you want to keep your garden or landscape lush, healthy, and weed-free, consider installing a drip irrigation system.

 

5. Discourage Plant Disease

 

Drip irrigation is an irrigation gardening technique that has many benefits, one of them is reducing the risk of plant diseases. By delivering water directly to the root base of the plant, the leaves stay dry and are less likely to become a breeding ground for fungi or pathogens. this in turn further promotes plant health. In addition, adding mulch can be helpful as well. Mulch not only prevents water from splashing onto the lower leaves, but it also reduces evaporation and helps prevent the spread of pathogens from the soil to the plant. With these Smart Irrigation Techniques, your landscape can thrive and stay healthy.

 

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6. Save Time

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You automate your bill pay, calendar reminders, and Amazon deliveries, so why not your garden, as well? Put your drip system on a Smart Irrigation Controller so it gets watered regularly, without adding one more thing to your to-do list.

Consider a Smart Irrigation Controller with an automatic rain sensor, such as the ones from Hunter™ or RainBird™, to avoid overwatering during rainy weather.

 

7. Easily and Effectively Fertilize Your Landscape

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Drip irrigation is not just for watering plants, it can also be used to apply fertilizer directly to the plant's root zone. This process, known as fertigation, involves adding liquid fertilizer to the drip irrigation system. By doing so, the fertilizer does not encounter the leaves or weeds, ensuring that it goes directly to the plants. If you're interested in trying this out in your own landscape, I suggest you contact a Licensed Irrigator.