Traditionally, irrigation water is applied to the entire field, whether by sprinklers or by flood

irrigation, resulting in a significant loss of water. Drip irrigation (or trickle irrigation) is a modern
irrigation method in which water is delivered directly into the root zone of the plant.

This kind of system uses low pressure and low flow rates and water is applied only to specific
zones in the field, where plants are grown. Typical drip emitter flow rates are 0.6 – 16 L/hr (0.16-
4.0 gal/hr), and the most commonly used emitters are of 1-4 L/hr.

When properly designed and managed, drip irrigation has many advantages over other irrigation
methods, including: elimination of surface runoff, high uniformity of water distribution, high water
usage efficiency, flexibility in fertilization, prevention of weed growth and plant disease. Drip
systems are also easily integrated in fertigation systems and automation.

Efficient application of Nutrients

Drip irrigation allows for flexibility in the application of fertilizers, since fertilizers can be easily
applied through the irrigation water. Since the nutrients are delivered with the irrigation water,
they are directly supplied to the active root zone of the plants. Nutrients are supplied frequently
at low concentrations, to meet the plants’ needs. It was found that roots in the wetted area
increase their efficiency of water and nutrient uptake. Therefore, selective wetting of the soil, as
achieved by drip irrigation, allows for savings both in water and fertilizers. Drip irrigation can
also reduce nitrate losses due to leaching.

Irrigation & Soil-water content

Traditional irrigation methods are characterized by high fluctuations in soil-moisture content, as

high quantities of water are applied at long intervals. These fluctuations affect plant growth and
crop yields. Drip irrigation systems are able to supply small amounts of water at high frequency
intervals. As a result, a relatively constant moisture level of the soil can be maintained. The
optimal range of moisture in the soil can be maintained at all times and managed more easily,
because water is applied in precise quantities on a precise schedule, according to the crop
requirements. This promotes water saving, as well as enhances growth and production. In
addition, the selective wetting prevents evaporation of water from areas outside the wetted
zone.
Salt content

If properly designed and managed, drip irrigation allows for better salinity management, and a
lower salt content of the soil can be achieved, compared with other irrigation methods. Because
water is applied at high frequencies and the moisture content of the soil is relatively high, the
salt content of the soil is similar to that of the irrigation water. In addition, fertilizers applied
through the irrigation water are much more diluted. The high frequency of fertilizer applications,
given at precise rates, can prevent salt stress to the crop.

However, in drip irrigation salts tend to accumulate close to the margins of the wetted zone,
midway between the drip emitters. The accumulated salts may be washed by rain into the root
zone of the plants and cause salinity shock. Another problem that might occur is that during the
change of crops, the high concentration of salts at the top soil may prevent the germination of
new seeds and damage young plants planted in the regions of high salt concentrations.

Possible solutions to these problems are to design the drip system with closely spaced emitters
or alternatively, leach the salts periodically, using a sprinkler system.

Emitter Number and Spacing

The main challenge in designing a drip irrigation system is selecting the right combination of
dripper spacing, their total number and their required discharge for a given soil and crop.

The two major factors that affect the selection of the proper combination are the physical
characteristics of the soil and the water requirements of the crop.

Drip emitters create different sub-soil wetting patterns in different soil types.

The texture of the soil determines the vertical and horizontal distribution of water in it. In coarse
textured soils (sandy soils) water will tend to spread more vertically, while in fine textured soils
(clay soils) there will be a considerable lateral movement, resulting in a larger radius of the
wetted zone.

‫פה מתאימה תמונה קטנה להבהרה‬

Therefore, spacing between drip emitters in sandy soils should be smaller than in fine textured
soils. To get a uniform irrigation in row crops, spacing between drip emitters should result in an
overlap between the wetted zones of each two drip emitters.

Another factor affecting the radius of the wetted zone is the emitter discharge -

The water requirement of the crop and the time available for irrigation are used to determine the
number of emitters needed. For example, if 1.2 l/hr drip emitters were selected, the water
requirement of the crop is 3 l/day, irrigation frequency is once in 4 days and time available for
irrigation is 2 hours, then:

Water amount needed per irrigation : 3 l/day/plant X 4 days = 12 liter/plant.

Irrigation rate required: 12 liter / 2 hours = 6 l/hr.

Number of drip emitters required: (6 l/hr) / (1.2 l/hr/emitter) = 5 drip emitters per plant.

Drip Emitter plugging

Because pores in the drip emitters are very small, emitters tend to clog frequently. Read more
about emitters clogging potential.