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Irrigation: Drip Irrigation Technology

Introduction:

Drip Irrigation is the process of slow application (droplets) of available water on or below the soil surface as per the requirement of the crop. The first account of drip irrigation system is recorded in Germany in 1860. The drip irrigation as known today was introduced (or made mainstream) by an Israeli engineer Simcha Blass in 1930's. He noticed a tree near a leaking faucet was growing greener and healthier than the ones surrounding it.



                                              Figure 1: A typical Drip Irrigation Field View

He then founded a company in called Netafim which is a giant in the industry of High Efficiency Irrigation Systems. Thus, irrigation and agriculture was never the same and was revolutionized by Drip irrigation technology.


Components of A drip Irrigation System:

• Head Unit:

Head unit consists of prime mover (motor or engine), water pump, G.I or PVC pipe fittings, by pass valves, air release valve, filters, flow meter, non-return valve, pressure gages and fertigation(mixing of fertilizer with water) unit.

• Field Unit:

Field unit consists of main line, sub-mains, manifolds, and lateral lines with emitters, end plugs and flush valves. A typical layout is shown below.

                                                         Figure 2: A 2-D Layout of drip system



• Hydro- cyclone Filter:

A hydro-cyclone filter, also known as a hydro-cyclone separator, is a device used to separate solid particles from liquids like water.
In simpler words, to filter unwanted particles from water by means of centrifugal action before it reaches the crop.

                                                           Figure 3: A hydro-cyclone

Main Line:

The principle pipeline taking water directly from the water source. (Figure 2)

Sub- Main Line:

Submain line acts as the intermediary between the main line and the lateral lines. It's like a branch carrying water from the main source (mainline) to smaller delivery channels (laterals) that reach individual plants. (Figure 2)

Laterals:

They act as the delivery network, bringing water directly to the roots of the crop. (Figure 2).


Emitters:

They are the drippers which are present on the lateral line providing stable flow rate to each and every crop plant.

Figure 4: Emitter (red) on lateral 
End Plugs:
Caps put at the end of the main pipeline to prevent water escaping from the main line during operation. It ensures the water is only discharged from laterals( emitters) only.


Flush Valves:

Prior to irrigating the water is flushed through flush valves to ensure no unwanted particles are deposited in crop by means of water.



Design Considerations:

1. Area to Be irrigated
2. Type of Crop
3. Soil Type
4. Crop Water Requirement
5. Estimate of Materials
6. Water Source Selection
7. Pump Selection
8. Cost of operation.
9. Flow requirements


The numerical method to design a drip system will be discussed in a future article.



Conclusion:

Drip irrigation offers a water-saving and efficient solution for delivering hydration directly to plant roots. With its network of pipes, emitters, and strategically placed laterals and submain lines, drip irrigation promises targeted watering and reduced waste. As we delve deeper into this system, we'll explore the different different design method to implement a drip irrigation.











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