Save Water by Using Drip Irrigation
by Guest Post on Apr 30, 2012
For several years I have been encouraging my design clients to use drip irrigation for their planting beds. Recurring drought in many parts of the country has made us reconsider how we use one of our planet's most valuable resources. The following is a brief introduction to the basic principles and advantages of drip systems.
The term "drip irrigation" describes the application of water not only by drip emitters but also by micro sprays. Both of these have two traits in common: they operate at low pressure, and they deliver a low volume of water compared to standard sprinklers.
Because the water is applied slowly on or near the ground, there should be no waste from runoff and little or no loss to evaporation. You position the emitters to deliver water just where the plants need it; you control penetration by varying the time the system runs and/or the emitters' delivery capacity (rated in gallons per hour).
You can also regulate the volume of water delivered to each plant by varying the type and number of emitters you set up for each.
Besides water conservation, the chief advantage of drip systems is flexibility. You can tailor the system to water individual plants by providing each with its own emitter(s), or you can distribute water over larger areas with micro sprays.
The standard layout might include hookups to two or more valves and many kinds of parts. Because the lines are above ground (they're easily concealed with mulch) and are made of flexible materials, changing the system is simple: just add or subtract lines and emitters as needed.
Your drip system can be simply attached to a hose end or screwed into a hose bibb. Or, if you prefer, you can connect it permanently to your main water source.
Drip irrigation is perfect for the driest zones of a landscape. A drip system saves water because very little is lost to evaporation or runoff.
By delivering water slowly and directly to a plant's root zone, drip irrigation promotes healthy plant growth. Water savings can easily be 50% or more versus traditional sprinkling. Drip emitters are well-suited for most xeric trees, shrubs, and perennials.
Keep in mind that sprinklers and drip emitters apply water at different rates (measured in gallons per minute and gallons per hour, respectively). It's best to put sprinklers and drip emitters on different irrigation valves. Also, a drip system requires a pressure regulator to limit pressure to the system and a filter to ensure that the tiny emitter openings do not clog.
One of the most interesting drip products developed recently is a dripper line with built-in, self-cleaning emitters spaced from 12" to 24" apart depending on the types of plants being watered. The line can be placed above or below the soil surface.
If you're installing a new landscape, or just a new shrub bed, consider using drip irrigation - you'll save a lot of water and energy and your plants will be healthier. For more information on drip systems, and anything else related to irrigation, see Jess Stryker's excellent tutorials at: http://jessstryker.com
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
88765 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
70039 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
69888 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
48567 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
29122 Views
Latest Articles
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Shower Envy: Elevating Your Bathroom with a Stunning Walk-In Shower
Are you tired of the same old routine in your bathroom? It might be time to consider a change, and one way to elevate your bathroom to a new level...
on Jan 22, 2024
Exploring Crowdfunding as an Innovative Approach to Real Estate Investment
The landscape of property selling has been transformed significantly due to the advent of property crowdfunding. This innovative approach,...
on Jan 10, 2024
The Rise of Co-Living Spaces in Asian Cities
Asia, home to 21 of the worlds 30 largest cities, is a significant player in the global economy, contributing 38% of the goods and services of the...
on Jan 5, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Dormant Pruning - Part 2
Pruning cuts must be made with full knowledge of future consequences, relying on our perception, or visualization, of the plant's growth...
Home Office Flooring - Whats Best for You?
Okay, you are up to speed on all the other DIY projects else in your house, now it is time to move on to your home office. Even if you do not spend...
What Size of Best Sump Pump Should You Buy for Your Basement?
Pick a rainy day to try this experiment. Take your current sump pump and run it until the water level recedes to shut off level. Unplug the pump...
Learn Them All in Minutes: Six Essential Wiring Skills
Take a few minutes to review the essential wiring skills shown on the following pages. Many have helpful animations that show you exactly what...
Repairing Wall Switches
Sometimes a light fixture that is in perfect operating condition does not work because the wall switch to the receptacle is faulty. There are...