Drip irrigation or micro-irrigation

Drip irrigation: what is it?

Drip irrigation, also called micro-irrigation, uses a very low water flow rate in relation to the unit of time and is able to administer the right amount of water to each individual plant or crop without any waste.

The drip system is generally composed of polyethylene taps with tap and programmer for automatic irrigation at certain times and for certain periods of time.

Advantages of drip irrigation

As already mentioned, micro-irrigation using a drip system allows you to automatically water the plants on your balcony or terrace or garden with only the amount of water strictly necessary, minimizing waste.

With drip irrigation it is also possible to avoid stagnation of water that could cause the roots of plants to rot and waste the nutrients contained in the fertilizers.

The installation of a drip irrigation system is quite simple and does not require excavations or major plant engineering works; moreover, as the plants increase, it is possible to expand the drip irrigation system with new pipes, drippers and fittings.

Operation of the drip system

There are commercially available kits for micro-irrigation complete with hoses, programmer and drippers: on Acquaclick we have several drip irrigation kits suitable for use on balconies, terraces, vegetable gardens or gardens.

Regardless of the choice of using a preassembled irrigation kit or selecting each component of the irrigation system individually, the products to be taken into consideration are the following:

- Pipes for micro-irrigation: create the irrigation network and are available with a diameter of 16-20 mm to create the primary lines and a diameter of 4 mm for the secondary lines to which the drippers are connected. They are usually sold in reels of varying lengths from 5 to 100m.

- Drippers: in the case of vases, a dripper is placed in each of them, while in the case of large planters, it is preferable to insert at least 2 each. The drippers can be fixed (with 2-8 L / h delivery capacity) or adjustable (0-40 to 0-60 L / h delivery capacity)

- Dripline: alternatively it is possible to opt for the so-called dripline, equipped with internal drippers generally spaced by 30-33 cm. Normalmetne has a flow rate of 2-4 L / h for each meter of pipe and is able to deliver water uniformly and constantly and have a length between 25 and 100 m.

- Programmer: allows you to automate the irrigation system by programming times, frequency, duration and quantity of water for the type of plant, allowing them to be watered evenly and regularly. Allows you to manage multiple zones with different programs. It is essential to install it in a dry place.

- Pressure reducer (or regulator): keeps the system pressure constant, avoiding sudden changes that can cause leaks or slippage of the drippers.

- Fittings for micro-irrigation: elbows, nipples and other connectors that allow you to join the system pipes.

The irrigation system must then be connected to a tap to allow the water supply: in the event that a tap is not available nearby, it is possible to opt for a medium-sized tank (in this case it will not be necessary to pressure reducer).

On Acquaclick you will find Irritec components and irrigation kits suitable for your balcony, terrace or garden.