Irrigation systems are the methods and devices that are used to provide water to agricultural crops, lawns, landscapes, sports grounds, commercial and other areas. The purpose of an irrigation system is to provide and retain constant moisture in the soil. This is crucial for the germination of seeds as well as the absorption of nutrients. This improves the health and development of plants as well as increases the overall yield.
The rate and time, quantity of water required and frequency of watering is dependent on factors such as crop type, soil type and the current season. There are many different types of irrigation systems that can be chosen from to meet these specific requirements.
The different types of irrigation systems include surface irrigation, localized irrigation, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation and subsurface irrigation.
Surface Irrigation:
Surface Irrigation is the most common method of irrigation. It relies on gravity to distribute water to the crops. It does this by flowing the water downhill over the contour of the land through a system of canals, dams, and basins that can be opened and closed off as required.
Although surface irrigation is the most widely used irrigation system, it is the most water intensive method. Surface irrigation is not suitable for highly sandy soils, it also leads to flooding and soil erosion while at the same time only a small percentage of the water actually reaches the roots. A large percentage of the water flows quickly past leading to a low level of saturation in the soil.
Localized Irrigation:
With this method of irrigation, water is distributed under low pressure to each plant via a network of pipes and tubes. The goal of this is to only water small areas, generally the root area. This method of irrigation is extremely efficient as it has a high level of water savings. This is because the flow rate of the water is very low and is applied regularly in smaller amounts. However this method of irrigation is still susceptible to evaporation and damages from external forces such as UV damage.
Drip Irrigation:
Drip irrigation is a sub-category of localized irrigation where droplets of water are applied directly to the root area at an extremely low flow rate. It is however more efficient as it minimizes evaporation and water runoff. Drip irrigation is ideal for areas that face high water costs and is also suitable for a wide range of applications and soil types.
Sprinkler Irrigation:
The purpose of sprinkler irrigation is to mimic natural rainfall. This system of irrigation uses hoses, pipes and pressurized sprinkler heads to apply water to the soil and crops from above. Sprinkler Irrigation systems are highly versatile as they can be used for flat as well as sloping landscapes.
This system of irrigation uses less water than surface irrigation methods but does not boast the same high water saving qualities as localized or drip irrigation. The water applied via this method of irrigation is also more susceptible to evaporation.
Subsurface Irrigation:
Through this method of irrigation, water is fed from underneath the surface of the soil through soaker hoses, this in turn reduces evaporation as well as excess water runoff. Water is emitted slowly but frequently in small amounts in order to thoroughly irrigate plant roots.
Subsurface irrigation is in fact the most economical method of irrigation as it has the highest level of water savings and at the same is the most beneficial to plants and crops as it maintains the ideal level of moisture in the soil and ensures that the necessary nutrients are supplied directly to the roots.
ecotube and ecotube Flex are some of the most robust subsurface irrigation systems on the market. These soaker hoses have undergone strict quality controls, making them highly durable and protected from external influences such as evaporation, UV damage, lawn mowers, animals and pests etc.
