Drip Irrigation Systems and Water Conservation

 

Drip Irrigation Systems and Water Conservation TV

Drip irrigation systems, at the most basic level, are constituted of a series of tubes that have holes opened along them at intervals. The location of the open holes is tailored so as to irrigate most efficiently the specific garden beds in which drip irrigation systems will be buried, promoting water conservation. If you have a bed in which perennials are spaced at two-foot intervals, then there will be corresponding holes in the tubing at two-foot intervals, through which water will be discharged. You don’t waste any water with drip irrigation systems because you’re not watering the intervening area between plants. The dripping occurs only where the plants are stationed.

Sprinklers, in contrast with drip irrigation systems, spray water into the air first, before it ever reaches the ground. Wind can carry airborne water away, distributing it elsewhere than where it was intended to go–an inefficiency not conducive to water conservation. Drip irrigation systems preclude this unnecessary water loss by taking the water right to the roots.

What Are the Best Sprinkler Heads to Use?

 

What Are the Best Sprinkler Heads to Use?

Consider how the factors of topography and lawn size come into play in selecting a type of sprinkler head. Let's take a closer look at the two common types of lawn sprinkler heads:

Spray or "Fixed Spray" Heads

Spray sprinkler heads are sometimes designed to pop up out of the ground when the sprinkler system is activated, while others rest on pipes that remain above-ground at all times. Spray heads discharge a large volume of water in a relatively short amount of time, giving them a “high application rate.” For this reason, sprinkler systems with spray heads are most suitable for even surfaces, not slopes. If you do have to use a spray head on a slope, program your sprinkler system such that water is discharged over several shorter periods. This will help you avoid wasteful run-off.

Pros and Cons of Sprinklers

 Automatic irrigation systems are convenient, especially for those who travel. The main disadvantage is that, initially, they cost more than the alternative. But, if installed and programmed properly, a lawn irrigation system can save you money in the long term and help you conserve water. If your lawn or flower die they need to be replaced, and that can be expensive; if automation can save you this expense, it will be worth the investment.

The pros of having sprinklers installed can go beyond saving money on replacing flowers. Watering with a hose or with an oscillator wastes water. Neither method targets plant roots with any significant degree of precision. Automatic irrigation systems can be programmed to discharge more precise amounts of water in a targeted area, which promotes water conservation.

Equipment You Need

Four basic components make up a sprinkler system: the timer or "controller," irrigation valves, underground piping, and sprinkler heads.

All About Automatic Irrigation Systems

 Many people consider having an automatic irrigation system, or sprinklers, installed to water their lawns for a few simple reasons. First, sprinklers prevent having to carry garden hoses around. An irrigation system will also prevent kinks in hoses, and won't get caught under car tires or on other items in the yard.