What is the Drip System?
The Drip system is a method of irrigation which is also called trickle irrigation system or microirrigation. This is a method of watering that promotes water conservation by making water drip slowly onto the roots of the plants, instead of spraying water all across the field. The dripping method can be on the surface of the soil or directly onto the zone of the roots location. This type of irrigation system makes use of valves; piping, tubing, as well as emitters that are connected at the base of the plants.

Uses of the Drip System
Mostly, drip systems make use of a filter that helps prevent clogging especially at the flow path of the small emitter where waterborne particles flow. There are new types of drip system equipment that are being created to minimize events of clogging. If the water is already filtered, there is no need to install additional filters. However, it is highly recommended to install them no matter what the circumstances. In fact, some manufacturers would not honor warranties unless additional filters are installed.

This type of irrigation system is usually recommended for use in areas where the water used for watering is not potable enough to be allowed to be sprayed into the air. Therefore, it is just allowed to drip onto the soil surface or root zone instead.

Drip systems, however, make the effectiveness of fertilizers decrease due to the dripping method it applies. The solution is to mix the fertilizer with the water being used for the drip system. This process of watering and fertilizing at the same time is called fertigation. This method of a drip system makes use of certain types of pumps to be able to add the chemical fertilizer into the irrigation system in certain intervals. This method has been proven to save water because of the reduction of unnecessary water spraying and it also helps farmers save on fertilizer.

A drip irrigation system is highly effective in saving water as long as it is designed, installed, and managed properly. This can be achieved by reducing the evaporation as well as deep drainage compared to other methods of irrigation like sprinklers. The drip system also minimizes the spreading of certain plant diseases unlike in spraying methods wherein diseases in one plant may spread to the rest of the foliage through the water being sprayed on one of them onto the other This method is also ideal in places where water supply is scarce.

Maintenance of Drip Systems
Flush the drip system first before making it run to make sure all tubes and emitters are cleaned of dirt and debris. Replace emitters and run each valve one at a time to observe for any issues on its performance. If you find one that is clogged, replace it immediately.
When replacing emitters, make sure it is installed correctly for it to work properly.
Water pressure should also be checked. If it is too high, it might push the emitter out of its tubing. If it is too low, it might not be able to provide enough water for all the plants.
Replace any part of the drip irrigation equipment that is broken or missing. Apply any adjustment or repair that is necessary.

Checklist for Drip System Maintenance
o Check all emitters and make sure that there are no clogs and that all emitters are installed correctly.
o Make sure the placement is spaced away from each other and from the plants to ensure optimum irrigation.
o Check the pressure of the water and install a regulator if necessary.
o Make sure all tubing are in good working condition.