Drip irrigation is the most efficient watering method, saving up to 70% water compared to traditional methods. In this guide we'll examine in detail how to properly choose system for your plot.

What is drip irrigation and why is it better?

Drip irrigation is water delivery system directly to plant roots through special drippers or perforated tape. Instead of watering entire soil surface, water flows point-by-point, ensuring maximum efficiency.

Benefits

Water savings up to 70%
Reduced weed growth between rows
Uniform moisture throughout season
Automation possibility with timers
Reduced plant diseases (no leaf moisture)
Yield increase up to 30-40%

Disadvantages

• Requires initial investment
• Regular maintenance needed
• Dripper clogging with poor water quality
• Installation complexity for large areas
• Tape replacement every 2-3 seasons

Drip irrigation system types

1. Drip tape (most popular for gardens)

Flat polymer tube with built-in drippers. Laid along plant rows. Most economical option for gardens, greenhouses and berry fields.

Main characteristics:

Wall thickness: 0.15-0.30 mm (thicker = more durable)
Dripper spacing: 20-30 cm (depends on crop type)
Water flow: 1-3 l/hr per meter of tape
Service life: 1-3 seasons
Working pressure: 0.4-1.0 atm

Recommended for:

Tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, peppers, potatoes, strawberries - any crops with row planting.

System cost

Tape (100m): 300-500 ₴

Fittings: 150-300 ₴

Main pipe: 200-400 ₴

Total (per 100m²): 650-1200 ₴

2. Drip hose (for perennial crops)

Rigid hose with built-in or external drippers. More durable than tape, suitable for orchards, vineyards, perennial plantings.

Main characteristics:

Diameter: 16-20 mm
Dripper spacing: 30-50 cm
Flow rate: 2-4 l/hr per dripper
Service life: 5-10 years
Working pressure: 1.0-4.0 atm

Recommended for:

Apple trees, pears, grapes, currant bushes, roses, hedges - perennial plants with permanent location.

System cost

Hose (100m): 1500-2500 ₴

Drippers: 500-800 ₴

Fittings: 300-600 ₴

Total (per 100m²): 2300-3900 ₴

3. External drippers (individual watering)

Separate drippers installed on main pipe. Allow setting individual water flow for each plant. Ideal for container growing, greenhouses with different crops.

External dripper types:

Compensated

Maintain same water flow regardless of pressure. Ideal for slopes and long lines.

Flow rate: 2-8 л/год

Adjustable

Can manually change water flow for each plant. Universal for different crops.

Flow rate: 0-10 л/год

How to calculate required materials?

Drip tape calculation formula:

Bed length × Number of rows + 10% reserve = Required tape length

Example 1: Garden plot 10×20m

• Bed length: 20 meters
• Number of rows: 8 beds
• Calculation: 20m × 8 = 160m
• 10% reserve: 160m + 16m = 176m
Need: 2 rolls of 100m or 1 roll 200m

Example 2: Greenhouse 3×8m

• Bed length: 8 meters
• Number of rows: 4 beds
• Calculation: 8m × 4 = 32m
• 10% reserve: 32m + 3m = 35m
Need: 1 roll 50m or 100m

What else needed besides tape?

Essential components:

Main pipe 25-32mm (for connecting rows)
Start fittings (tape connection to pipe)
End caps (for closing tape ends)
Faucet for water connection

Recommended components:

Disk filter (clogging protection)
Irrigation timer (automation)
Pressure reducer (if pressure > 2 atm)
Fertilizer injector (plant feeding)

Step-by-step installation guide

1

Preparation and planning

Draw site plan with bed dimensions
Determine water connection point
Calculate required materials
Prepare tools: scissors, punch

2

Main pipe laying

Lay 25-32mm pipe perpendicular to beds
Connect to water source through faucet
Install filter after faucet (mandatory!)
Add pressure reducer if needed

3

Drip tape connection

Make holes in main pipe (16mm punch)
Insert start fittings in holes
Attach drip tape to fittings
Lay tape along rows drippers up
Close tape ends with caps

4

Testing and setup

Turn on water and check for leaks
First 2-3 minutes flush system (remove caps)
Put caps and check watering uniformity
Set timer (if available): morning 6:00, 30-60 minutes

Common mistakes in selection and installation

Wrong

Buy thinnest tape 0.15mm to save - lasts only 1 season
Not install filter - drippers clog in week
Lay tape drippers down - disrupts uniformity
Make line longer than 100m - pressure drops, uneven watering
Not drain water for winter - system bursts from frost

Right

Choose tape 0.20-0.25mm - optimal price/quality, lasts 2-3 seasons
Mandatory install 120 mesh disk filter after faucet
Lay tape drippers up for uniform watering
Divide long sections into zones of 50-70m each
In fall drain water, blow with compressor, remove drippers

Drip irrigation system maintenance

Weekly

• Check watering uniformity
• Inspect for mechanical damage
• Identify clogged drippers

Monthly

• Filter flushing
• System flushing (remove caps)
• Check connections for leaks
• Clean clogged drippers

End of season

• Complete system flush
• Drain all water
• Blow with compressor
• Dismantle drippers for storage

Frequently asked questions

Which dripper spacing to choose - 20cm or 30cm?

Depends on crop. For dense plantings (carrots, onions, radishes) - 20cm. For tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage - 30cm optimal. Universal option - 25cm suitable for most crops.

Is pump needed for drip irrigation?

If connection to water supply with pressure 0.5-1.5 atm - pump not needed. For watering from barrel need pump or raise barrel to height 1.5-2 meters to create pressure.

How long does drip tape last?

Depends on thickness: 0.15mm - 1 season, 0.20mm - 2 seasons, 0.25-0.30mm - 3-4 seasons. With proper use and winter storage. Some manufacturers give up to 5 years warranty on thick tape.

Can system be left in ground for winter?

Main pipes can be left after complete water drainage and blowing. Drip tape better remove - quickly fails from frost. External drippers must be removed.

How often and how long to water?

For most crops optimal: 1 time per day in morning (6:00-8:00) for 30-60 minutes. In heat - 2 times (morning + evening). Check soil moisture at 10-15cm depth - should be moist but not wet.

Need help choosing?

Our specialists will calculate irrigation system for your plot free and help choose equipment

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