What is Trickle Irrigation?
Trickle irrigation is a low-pressure system that reduces water usage by 30 to 70 percent by placing water slowly and directly in the root zone of the plants. Trickle irrigation systems are operated at pressures between five and 15 pounds per square inch (PSI). Drip tape is laid to the side of the plant row or between two rows, and water seeps slowly through small emitters. Emitters are located every four to 24 inches along the drip tape, depending on the desired wetting pattern and plant spacing. Benefits of trickle irrigation • Water use is reduced. Trickle irrigation places the water at the roots, where plants can use it best. • Fewer weeds germinate. Water is directed to the crop, leaving the area between the rows dry, so weed seeds located there are less likely to germinate. • Fewer leaf diseases occur. Wet leaves encourage fungal and bacterial plant diseases. Trickle irrigation does not wet leaves. • Wetting patterns are uniform. In contrast, overhead irrigation allows the wind to
