Drip Irrigation

 History

Drip Irrigation Pipe

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Drip Irrigation has been used for centuries across the globe to more efficiently make use of scarce water resources. Early examples of the use of drip irrigation range from clay piping in Afghanistan in the 1880s to the invention of perforated piping in the 1920s in Germany. Modern drip irrigation came about with the invention of modern plastics and use of friction based piping that emitted water through larger holes that prevented the clogging that plagued earlier models. Simcha Blass, an Israeli water engineer, is often credited with the invention of these systems and their first implementation in the kibbutz of Israel. Today, various technologies and techniques for drip irrigation using modern plastics and technology are used throughout the world.

Drip Irrigated Field

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Advantages

Drip irrigation allows for the direct transmission of water to the plant's root system. In some cases, fertilizer and other nutrients are also delivered along with the water in a process known as fertigation. The direct application of water reduces use, sometimes by as much as uses 30% to 50% less water than surface irrigation¹ In addition to conserving water, drip irrigation reduces the problems of salinization and waterlogging.² Drip systems have been shown to achieve up to 95% water efficiency.³ In water scarse environments, drip irrigation may allow for agriculture in areas where impact, furrow or flood irrigation would not be possible.

Disadvantages

These irrigation systems, however, do not come without a price. They are expensive, may be energy intensive, and require clean water to prevent the clogging of the fine delivery tubes.⁴ The systems may, if not installed correctly or without knowledge of the landscape or crop, not give any boost in production or reduction in water use and may ultimately be a waste of time. The plastic above ground lines of surface irrigation systems have also been known to break down in extreme temperatures.

Footnotes

1. W van Tuijl. 1993. Improving Water Use in Agriculture: Experience in the Middle East and North Africa. Washington (DC): World Bank.

2. W van Tuijl. 1993. Improving Water Use in Agriculture: Experience in the Middle East and North Africa. Washington (DC): World Bank.

3. W van Tuijl. 1993. Improving Water Use in Agriculture: Experience in the Middle East and North Africa. Washington (DC): World Bank.

4.  D Pimentel, B Berger, D Filiberto, M Newton, B Wolfe, E Karabinakis, S Clark, E Poon, E Abbett, S Nandaopal. 2004. Water Resources, Agriculture, and the Environment. Ithaca (NY): New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University. Report 04-1.