Drip irrigation is an efficient system because it allows for plants or crops to be watered through a direct ground-based control mechanism. With tubing placed along rows of crops, this allows for less water to be wasted through evaporation, creating a system that costs less while providing crops and plants that are stronger. Here are some of the other benefits that are associated with drip irrigation.
1. It is very easy to install.
Drip irrigation systems rarely require any excavation to install. The croplands, landscaping, or garden beds are not disrupted, which means it can be installed at any time during the growing season. These systems can be moved as well, meaning you’re not stuck with a permanent system like a traditional irrigation system.
2. Drift is prevented with drip irrigation.
Instead of having water be taken by the wind to provide resources elsewhere, drip irrigation allows for an efficient water dispersion system. This means lawns don’t have to water sidewalks and driveways. Because you’re not watering items that don’t need water, this form of irrigation is able to prevent a lot of waste.
3. There are fewer water quality hazards created.
Drip irrigation creates less water runoff when applied to crops or landscaping. This limits the amount of runoff that goes into streams and wastewater treatment systems, lessening the chemical and nutrient impacts that occur within these systems. With drip irrigation, the water typically stays at the plants which need the water.
4. It creates watering uniformity.
When applied over the course of an entire field, drip irrigation creates uniformities throughout the growing cycle. This produces more consistent yields because sufficient soil wetting is able to be achieved over the entire space instead of certain areas of it. The quality of the yields is often better as well.
5. It limits weeds without the need for weed killers.
Because drip irrigation puts the water exactly where it is needed, the potential for weed growth is naturally limited. This is especially true for area that typically see dry summers. By limiting this growth, the needs for weed killers is dramatically reduced.
The benefits of drip irrigation are clear. You’re able to increase crop yields, prevent nutrient runoff, and you can save money when installed in landscaping or gardening. This is why it is a system that should be considered anywhere that irrigation is required.
Crystal Lombardo is a contributing editor for Vision Launch. Crystal is a seasoned writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience. She has been an editor of three popular blogs that each have had over 500,000 monthly readers.
