Microtubing – All You Need To Know

Microtubing is a small diameter plastic tubing used in micro-irrigation and drip irrigation. Microtubing is often used as drip irrigation tubes in greenhouses, small farms, gardens and pots etc.

Microtubing is also called spaghetti tubing. They are used to supply water to the root zones of plants.

Microtubings are usually connected to the sub main hose or pipe. Small emitters are also often fitted on the Microtubings. The emitters emit water to the root zone of plants.

Microtubing can be used as part of the components of a micro-irrigation system.

How does Microtubings work?

Microtubings are manufactured with polythene. Microtubings are like very fine and small hoses that run parallel to the rows of plants. They are used for the wetting of the root zone of plants.

Microtubings are connected to the lay flat hose or PVC pipe or the sub main pipe. The sub-main pipe brings water from the main pipe or the source of water.

The sub-main hose or pipe supplies water to the Microtubings and the Microtubings distribute water to the plants.

Microtubings are now being replaced by the more efficient drip tapes or drip tubes. Some drip irrigation kit may have microtubings.

Why drip tapes are replacing Microtubings?

Drip tapes have largely replaced microtubings because of the demerits of using microtubings.

Microtubings are easily damaged by insects, moths and caterpillars.

The roots of some crops can also damage microtubings.

For microtubings that are not black in colour, algae can grow and block the internal structure. This can render them useless.

Microtubings have been largely phased out; we recommend the use of drip tapes or drip tubes instead of microtubings.

Microtubings are not common in Nigeria. You will hardly see anyone using microtubes in Nigeria. A lot of farmers we advise in Nigeria now use drip tapes and other forms of drip irrigation kits.

Do you use microtubing in Nigeria? If yes, why not share your experiences with us in the comments’ section.