DRIP IRRIGATION :
Drip irrigation is a method which optimises the use of irrigation water by providing it uniformly and directly to the roots of the plants, through a closed network of plastic pipes and emitters. Nutrients can be dissolved in the water to reach the roots.
Drip irrigation has had a remarkably successful track record in India. Today it irrigates more than 6,00,000 ha. in the country. Adoption of drip irrigation has resulted in high yields in sugarcane, grapes, banana, mango, guava, pomegranate, sapota, okra, cabbage, cauliflower, cotton, coconut, arecanut, and roses in the country.
There are over 50 drip system manufacturers in the county. Industry is likely to grow at a much faster rate in the coming years.

ADVANTAGES OF DRIP IRRIGATION :
•Saving of water by 30 to 50% as compared to conventional mode of irrigation.
•Yield increase from 50 to 100%.
•Reduction in fertilizer usage - resulting in cost saving.
•Increased pest control management / efficacy.
•Cultivation of undulated land possible.
•Efficient water management of heavy and light soils.
•Weed growth control.

Disadvantages of surface irrigation methods :
 •Loss of water through deep percolation
•Loss of nutrients through leaching beyond root zone
•Ground water pollution through leaching of agrochemicals beyond root zone and surface water pollution through runoff water.
•Salinization/alkalization of soil.
•Plant suffers from water stress due to both water scarcity and water logging.
•Plant nutrient uptake may not be optimum due to unfavourable soil water regime in the root zone.
•Plant is more susceptible to soil borne diseases.
•More Insect pest attack.
•Labour intensive. 

Microirrigation System:
Microirrigation is frequent application of water directly on or below the soil surface near the root zone of plants. It delivers required and measured quantity of water in relatively small amounts slowly to the individual or groups of plants. Water is applied as continuous drops, tiny streams, or fine spray through emitters placed along a low-pressure delivery system. Such system provides water precisely to plant root zones and
maintains ideal moisture conditions for plant growths.
The available literature and the results obtained at Precision Farming Development Centre, IIT Kharagpur and other research centres report that there is 50 to 70% saving in irrigation water and 18 to 152 % increase in yield of fruits and vegetable crops through drip irrigation. 

Types of Microirrigation System :
The basic types of microirrigation system are as follows:

Surface System..
It is the system in which emitters and laterals are laid on the ground surface along the rows of crops. The emitting devices are located in the root zone area of trees. 
Sub-surface System..
It is a system in which water is applied slowly below the land surface through emitters. Such systems are generally preferred in semi permanent/permanent installations. 
Bubbler system..
In this system the water is applied to the soil surface in a small stream or fountain. Bubbler systems do not require elaborate filtration systems. These are suitable in situations where large amount of water need to be applied in a short period of time and suitable for irrigating trees with wide root zones and high water requirements.
Micro and mini Sprinklers.. 
These are small plastic sprinklers with rotating spinners. The spinners rotate with water pressure and sprinkle the water. These are available in different discharges and diameters of coverage and can operate at low pressure in the range of 1.0 to 2kg/cm2. Water is given only to the root zone area as in the case of drip irrigation but not to the entire ground surface as done in the case of sprinkler irrigation method. 
Pulse.. 
Pulse system uses high discharge rate emitters and consequently has short water application time. The primary advantage of this system is a possible reduction in the clogging problem.
Biwall.. 
It is extruded dual chamber micro-irrigation tubing manufactured from Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). This system is suitable for all closely spaced row crops like sugarcane, cotton, vegetables, onion, tea etc.


 COMPONENTS OF MICROIRRIGATION SYSTEMS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Application of Fertilizers and other Agro Chemicals
(Fertigation and Chemigation)
Fertigation is the method of application of soluble fertilizer with irrigation water. Fertigation is a prerequisite for drip irrigation. Since the wetted soil volume is limited, the root system is confined and concentrated. The nutrients from the root zone are depleted quickly and a continuous application of nutrients along with the irrigation water is necessary for adequate plant growth. Fertigation offers precise control on fertilizer application and can be adjusted to the rate of plant nutrient uptake. 
Advantages of Fertigation :
Several distinct advantages of fertigation in comparison with conventional application methods are as follows:
i) The supply of nutrients can be more carefully regulated and monitored.
ii) The nutrients can be distributed more evenly throughout the entire root zone or soil profile.
iii) The nutrients can be supplied incrementally throughout the season to meet the actual nutritional requirements of the crop.
iv) Nutrients can be applied to the soil when crop or soil conditions would otherwise prohibit entry into the field with conventional equipment.
v) Soil compaction is avoided, as heavy equipment never enters the field.
vi) Crop damage by root pruning, breakage of leaves, or bending over is avoided, as it occurs with conventional chemical field application techniques.
vii) Less equipment may be required to apply the chemicals and fertilizers. 
viii) Less energy is required in applying the chemical. Usually less labor is needed to supervise the application. 

FOR ALL IRRIGATION SOLUTIONS............CONTACT
www.himalyairrigation.com