Drip irrigation, also known by the name of micro irrigation or localized irrigation, is one of the most popular irrigation methods in the world.

Its success is mainly due to its great efficiency compared to other irrigation methods, such as overhead or gravity irrigation. In general, micro-irrigation helps to have greater water savings by reducing water evaporation and deep drainage, since water is given directly to the roots of the plants. Main advantages can be summarized by following points:

Water efficiency

By water efficiency, we mean the ratio between the water actually available at the roots of the plants and the water supplied.

In a localized irrigation system water is distributed in such a way that the speed of liquid discharge is equal to the speed of its lateral infiltration into the ground, avoiding gravity losses towards the deep layers and with minimal evaporation losses. This ensures a maximized system efficiency. Drip irrigation uses from 30% to 50% less water compared to other conventional irrigation methods. This irrigation technique is over 90% more effective in terms of permitting to the plants to use water in the best way.

Easy to install

During the installation of a drip irrigation system, the soil rarely requires excavation and deterioration of its surface integrity. In addition, the mainline pipe is positioned in such a way in order to guarantee all plants an adequate supply of water for maximum growth.

Maximize crop yield

All plants get adequate quantities of water close to their roots, and consequently this is expressed by an increase in water intake by a plant, therefore favoring its better growth. Crop yield increases up to 50% compared to other irrigation systems. By wetting the soil in a strictly localized way, drip irrigation strongly inhibits the growth of weeds, which often die thus avoiding competitive stresses for water and nutrients with cultivated crops.

Soil erosion reduction

Soil conditions do not vary using micro-irrigation: the compaction does not occur, although it is typical of gravity and overhead irrigation systems, and the soil always maintains permeability to gas exchange, as it always has the right structure in terms of humidity values, without ever becoming saturated.

Monetary savings

Since drip irrigation efficiently uses the amount of water necessary to adequately water the plants, significant cost savings are obtained, compared to less efficient irrigation methods. Therefore, in order to improve the profit margins of your agricultural activities, drip irrigation is the best irrigation method to choose.

Low labour costs

When using drip irrigation, less labor and lower energy costs are needed. Since water is distributed at low pressure, there is a considerable energy saving, as well as, water saving per surface unit.

Sustainability

This represents a sustainable choice, because the use of a drip irrigation system significantly reduces the consumption of water, energy, and fertilizers. Moreover, drip tapes are made from virgin plastic, so they they are 100% recyclable.