Drip Irrigation
The agricultural sector is one of the sectors negatively affected by global warming and increasing population rates. In order to solve this problem, drip irrigation method is one of the most preferred irrigation techniques for water to be absorbed by plants little by little as droplets. It offers great convenience to farmers by saving water and time by using basic irrigation tools such as dispenser droppers and tanks. In this article, we will focus on the advantages of drip irrigation, areas of use and issues to be considered.
Advantages of Drip Irrigation Water Savings:
Drip irrigation saves a great deal of water compared to hand irrigation. The use of water at irregular intervals and at an uncertain speed causes it to be wasted. In drip irrigation, it is aimed to use water in a certain order and speed regularly without wasting it. Thus, the water reaches the core without evaporation and reaches the plants. A more efficient irrigation is done by using less water.
Productivity Increase:
Plants that receive water regularly show more fruiting, growth and maturation. The productivity of plants that receive water regularly increases in direct proportion to this order. Decrease in Diseases: Diseases such as fungus and rot, which can be seen on the leaves of plants due to irregular and excessive watering, are significantly reduced. Fertilizer Saving: Regular irrigation ensures that fertilizers reach the plants directly, thus fertilizer use is reduced and more efficient products are produced with less fertilizer. Reduced Erosion Risk: Providing water to the soil in a regular and controlled manner reduces erosion.
Usage Areas of Drip Irrigation Systems:
It is used for irrigation of fruits and vegetables grown in gardens, increasing the number and quality of products. Since there is not much irrigation, the products can be collected without rotting or it also prevents the drying of the plants caused by insufficient irrigation. It provides convenience to farmers by being used a lot in the greenhouse sector, which is a source of livelihood for a part of our country. With one-time controlled installations, they spend less time for irrigation. Thus, it provides convenience to farmers. Again in our country, especially in the Aegean region, it prevents farmers who do viticulture work from doing irrigation work in very hot weather. With this system to be installed in gardens, vineyards and fields, farmers can have drip irrigation installed at once and increase their productivity in the long term.
How the Drip Irrigation System Was Invented
The drip irrigation system was born in Israel in the 20th century and revolutionized management irrigation technologies. In the 1860s, agricultural researchers in Germany realized that plants grew better when water was slowly introduced into the soil. But these early discoveries did not lead to modern drip irrigation systems. The foundations of the modern drip irrigation system were laid in Israel in the 1950s. Engineer Simcha Blass and his son Yeshayahu Blass developed the idea of drip irrigation. Simcha Blass observed that plants grew better around a pipe that leaked water in the root zone of a tree. This observation led to the idea of delivering water directly to the plants. In 1965, Simcha Blass founded Netafim in Israel to develop and market the first commercial drip irrigation systems. These systems, developed by Netafim, optimized water use in agriculture, increased plant productivity and quickly gained worldwide attention. Since the 1970s, the materials and technologies used in drip irrigation systems have developed rapidly. Pipes and drippers made of plastic made the systems more durable and efficient. In addition, filters were developed to regulate water flow and prevent clogging. This technology, which started in Israel, soon spread to other countries. The United States, Australia, India and many other countries have adopted drip irrigation systems to save water and increase productivity in agriculture.
Things to Consider
When Installing a Drip Irrigation System: It is very important to plan the area where the irrigation system will be installed. Pipe and dripper placement should be done correctly. There must be a tank or water source in the area. It is also very important that the water source is sufficient and clean. Drip irrigation systems should be constantly checked against blockages that may occur and the blockages should be removed. The necessary follow-ups for the proper functioning of the system should not be neglected. In addition, for healthier and more efficient results, the quality of the soil should be measured and its value in terms of nutrients should be determined. For more detailed and accurate information about drip irrigation systems, you can get support from experts and integrate it into your own system.
