Micro-Irrigation – All You Need To Know
Micro-irrigation is a type of irrigation that works with lower water flow and pressure than the conventional sprinkler irrigation system.
Micro-irrigation as a type of low volume irrigation can be used in gardens, orchards and large farms. Micro-irrigation can also be used for vegetable farming like the cultivation of cucumbers, tomato, pepper and watermelon etc.
Micro-irrigation can also be used for the growing of cocoa, cashew, rubber and other tree and fruits crops. It can also be used for nursery, landscaping, ecological restoration and remediation of the environment.
Micro-irrigation can be called trickle irrigation, low-flow irrigation, low volume irrigation and localized irrigation.
Drip irrigation is a type of micro-irrigation system. Some drip irrigation kits are called micro-irrigation kits.
The main applications of micro-irrigation are:
- Drip Irrigation
- Subsurface drip irrigation
- Micro-spray irrigation
Components of a typical micro-irrigation system
The following are the components of a typical micro-irrigation system:
Hoses
Hoses are often used in micro-irrigation systems. The hoses can serve as the main hose, sub-main hose and drip tapes or drip tubes.
The hoses are used for the distribution of water to the root zones of plants.
Filters
Filters are used for the separation and removal of impurities from the flowing water that enters the micro-irrigation system.
Some of the types of filters that can be used in a micro-irrigation system include disc filter, media filter, screen filter, sand separators and pre-filters.
Setting up an irrigation system without the use of filters can damage the irrigation system. It is a must in an irrigation system.
Microtubing
Microtubes are small diameter tubes often used as drip tapes or drip tubes to pass water to the root zones of plants. Microtubings use low pressure to function.
Microtubings are usually fitted with emitters. The emitters emit water to the root of plants. Microtubes are laid parallel to the rows of crops.
Emitters
Emitters are the small devices installed or fitted on drip tapes, drip tubes and other types of microtubings.
Some emitters are pre-installed on hoses or drip tapes by the manufacturer. These types of emitters emit water at a constant flow rate per hour. Some of this type of emitters emits water at 1 litre per hour, 2 litres per hour and 3 litres per hour etc.
Some of the emitters are also self-cleaning, they do not get clogged.
The adjustable emitters are called button emitters. They can be adjusted to emit water at a desired flow rate. Some adjustable emitters emit water from 2 litres per hour to 80 litres per hour.
Adjustable emitters are usually used for crops with large root systems.
Drippers
Drippers are like emitters. They also emit water to plants in a dripping manner. Some people use emitters interchangeably with drippers.
Drippers are commonly used in drip irrigation system.
Micro-Sprinklers
Micro-sprinklers are not like the traditional sprinklers. They sprinkle low volume of water. They are usually attached to riser pipes and microtubings.
Micro-sprinklers are usually installed on a height and they are used for orchards and gardens. They do not need a high rate of water flow and pressure.
Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation is a type of micro-irrigation system that emits water to the root zones of plants in a trickle manner.
Drip irrigation tubes can be used as components of a micro-irrigation system. Drip irrigation can be used in fields, pots and sacks etc.
Advantages of using a micro-irrigation system
Micro-irrigation uses low volume of water. It encourages water conservation.
Micro-irrigation ensures all year round farming. This can boost the aggregate yield and profit of farmers.
Water run-off is reduced if micro-irrigation is used.
Leaching of nutrients can also be reduced or eliminated if micro-irrigation is used for the cultivation of crops.
Micro-irrigation can be used for fertigation and Chemigation.
Micro-irrigation has a better efficiency in terms of power, labour and water requirements than the traditional sprinkler irrigation.
The need for weeding is reduced if micro-irrigation is used.
There can be savings in the fertilizers used for farming.
There is the possibility of lesser incidences of pests and diseases.
Do you need to buy or order a micro-irrigation system for your farm? If yes, why not call us on 08025141924 or send an email to sales@veggiegrow.ng.
