Drip irrigation refers to the process of dripping water onto the soil surfaces usually at very low rates of 2 to 20 liters per hour through a system of plastic pipes known as drip lines with small diameters.
These pipes come fitted with small outlets which are referred to as drippers or emitters. The emitters are usually spaced at 15cm, 20cm and 30 cm for vegetable farming. In fruit farming, the emitters are fitted depending with the spacing of the fruit trees.
The application of water is done close to the plant, and usually, the region near the plant is the only part where the roots close by are wetted, ensuring maximum use of available water.
Other Advantages of Drip Irrigation include:
- Conserves water as there is no wastage of water
- Maximum crop yield as all the plants get sufficient amounts of water due to drip irrigation close to their roots, resulting in increased water intake by the plant, hence encouraging better growth
- High efficiency in the use of fertilizers as drip does not cause runoff of fertilizers.
- Easier weed management since there is less water available for weed growth hence restricts population of potential hosts.
- Low labour and relatively low operation cost as you control water at the gate valve.
- No soil erosion as it does not encourage runoff water.
- Improved infiltration in soil due to low intake.
- Less evaporation losses of water as compared to surface irrigation.
At FarmLINK Kenya, we are now offering drip installation services (drip kit kadogo kit) from as low as ksh. 7,500 for your vegetable kitchen garden. We also offer affordable installations for 1/8, ¼, ½ and 1 acre pieces of land. For more information contact us at 0705554425 or farmlinkkenya@gmail.com