Less is more when you use drip irrigation technology

by Jaco Cilliers they use to tame their desert, and especially vegetable farmers should take note.

What is drip irrigation? Drip irrigation is the most efficient water and nutrient delivery system for growing crops. It delivers water and nutrients directly to the plant’s root zone, in the right quantities, at the right time, so each plant gets exactly what it needs, when it needs it, to grow optimally. Thanks to drip irrigation, farmers can produce higher yields while saving on water as well as fertiliser, energy and even crop protection products.

How does it work? Water and nutrients are delivered across the field in pipes called dripper lines equipped with drippers. Each dripper emits drops containing water and fertilisers, resulting in the uniform application of water and nutrients directly to each plant's root zone across an entire field.

Why do farmers prefer drip irrigation? The reason is simple. Drip irrigation not only delivers a greater return on investment (ROI) compared to other irrigation methods, it also gives farmers an efficient and simple way to operate their farms to achieve the following results: • Higher yields of consistent quality • Huge water savings: no evaporation, no run-off, no waste • 100% land utilisation – drip irrigates uniformly on any topography and soil type • Energy savings: drip irrigation works on low pressure • Efficient use of fertiliser and crop protection, with no leaching • Less dependency on weather, greater stability and lower risks

Southern Africa is classified as an arid region with an annual average rainfall of 464 mm compared to the global average of 860 mm. There are some areas with significantly higher rainfall than others, but in general farmers in this region face challenges of a very dry climate. Still, people have to eat, and farmers have to find ways to use the available water as wisely as possible. At the recent Farmers Day at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), visitors were surprised by the lush growth of the vegetables and maize on the demonstration plot during a severe drought. The secret lies in the black pipes running along the ground at the stems of all the plants, even the maize. In conjunction with an Israeli organisation, drip irrigation was installed to irrigate all the crops. Instead of using pivots and other methods of spraying water over crops, the Israelis specialise in making every drop count by using drip irrigation. This is the method

The dripper lines are connected to a reservoir that maintains a stable water supply. Liquid fertiliser can be mixed to the correct ratio in the reservoir. The dripper lines run down the planted rows and a dripper is installed at every plant to feed the plant.

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A small quantity of water is administered to each plant at a constant rate. Only the area reached by the plant roots is irrigated, thereby eliminating water wastage. The tempo at which the plant is irrigated matches the plant’s ability to draw moisture from the soil, thereby eliminating run-off and evaporation.

Why do plants prefer drip irrigation? Just like people, plants like to get their water and nutrients in a balanced way.

With dripper lines you can irrigate different types of crops in the same field, and it is possible to regulate the water flow according to the plants’ needs and the moisture level of the soil.

Note the easy installation with a wire keeping the line straight and the pipe simply folded over the wire and kept in place with a plastic band. You don’t need special tools to install dripper lines. The technology is built into the line and drippers themselves. Nobody wants to eat a month's food in one day, and the same goes for plants. Drip irrigation applies water and nutrients frequently and in small doses, ensuring optimal growing conditions that help produce the highest yields possible.

Here’s why plants are more productive with drip irrigation: • High availability of water and nutrients • Doses of water and nutrients tailored to plant’s development needs • No saturation and good soil aeration • Avoids high salinity caused by excessive fertiliser application • No wetting of foliage that can result in fungal diseases

Apart from the fact that drip irrigation is cost-effective and eco-friendly, it is also extremely versatile and can be used on any size or shape of field and for any plant species. It is also easy to install, and by following the manufacturers’ guide to maintenance, the pipes should last many seasons. Every season it can be removed to cultivate the land and installed again after planting.

It is worthwhile to learn from the Israelis about irrigation techniques. They produce enough vegetables in a desert to feed their own country and to export.

For more information on drip irrigation, visit www.netafim.co.za/ drip-irrigation/. If you need materials or equipment for your own drip irrigation system, visit Agri4All for the best products and prices. Simply follow this link to the website www.agri4all.com/ ad_category/water-management-and-irrigation/.

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