drip irrigation in the garden

Drip irrigation

In the Garden

© 2012 Tom Barrett

History of Irrigation Systems

History of Irrigation Systems

History of Irrigation Systems

Drip History

• First commercial drip systems were developed in the early 1960’s

• mid 1980’s drippers are incorporated inside the tubing

Grid Layout

• Larger Commercial Systems & Turf

• Header and footer

Advantage of Drip Irrigation

• Efficiency

• Drip 92% to 98% Distribution Uniformity

• Rainfall 92% to 95% Distribution Uniformity

• Soaker Hose 65% to 70% Distribution Uniformity

• Sprinklers 55% to 85% Distribution Uniformity

– Irrigation Association reports drip irrigation can achieve a 60% water savings over conventional irrigation systems

VISUAL HOW IT FLOWS

Faster and more reliable plant establishment

Before - August 95 After - April 96

Advantages

Promotes healthy plant growthReduces weed and disease problems

Advantages

Average Plant Water Use (30 Year Average – Ottumwa, Iowa)

Month Rain Fall Plant Water Use Difference

April 3.21” 2.24” 0.97”

May 3.93” 4.43” -0.50”

June 5.05” 6.31” -1.26”

July 3.42” 7.44” -4.02”

August 3.77” 6.44” -2.67”

September 3.15” 4.12” -0.97”

October 2.44” 2.25” 0.19’

- Techline subsurface turfgrass installation. Woodward Avenue Streetscape, Birmingham, Michigan. Installation July 2003.

- Techline subsurface turfgrass installation. Blank Techline used for headers and footers. Woodward Avenue Streetscape Project, Birmingham, Michigan. Installation July 2003.

- Completed Techline subsurface turfgrass installation two years later.Woodward Avenue Streetscape, Birmingham, Michigan, July 2005.

- Completed Techline subsurface turfgrass installation two years later.Woodward Avenue Streetscape, Birmingham, Michigan, July 2005.

- Operating Techline subsurface turfgrass installation. Notice there is no overspray which could create a traffic hazard.Woodward Avenue Streetscape Project, Birmingham, Michigan, July 2005.

- Operating Techline subsurface turfgrass installation with a non-irrigated island in the background. The far island is does not have an irrigation system. Woodward Avenue Streetscape Project, Birmingham, Michigan, July 2005.

- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Netafim Techline CV subsurface turfgrass installation, June 2005.

Top Left -Netafim Techline CV subsurface turfgrass installation utilizing concrete rebar supports to correctly position the in-line emitter tubing.

Bottom Right - Netafim Techline CV subsurface turfgrass installation with an 1-½” header and footer using the TLIAPVC-B insert adapter with grommet.

- Earle Brown Elementary School, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Less weeds and distinctly better turf are apparent during droughty conditions, August 2005.

Thank You