What Are Drip Irrigators?

Definition

• A drip irrigator is a system that allows the precise application of water directly onto the root system of a plant. An drip irrigation system uses point sources to create predetermined patterns for the release of water into the ground. These types of irrigation systems maintain the proper amount of moisture in areas that may be negatively impacted by runoff or areas that receive high amounts of wind and sun exposure.

Water Usage

• Drip irrigators are more effective for conserving water and preventing over-watering in times of drought. While most conventional irrigation systems that use sprinklers or bubblers use between 60 and 180 gallons per hour, drip irrigators use between 1 and 4 gallons per hour. Water from conventional sprinklers can also be lost due to runoff and evaporation, while water from a drip irrigator is slowly absorbed only into areas designated by the predetermined patterns.

Installation

• Drip irrigation systems can be installed without the use of glues, clamps or components that may be difficult to connect. The systems are held together by drip tubing, drip emitters and drip fittings. A drip irrigation system can be installed more easily than a conventional sprinkler system and can be moved and reused depending on need.

Negative Aspects

• Although drip irrigation systems are more efficient than conventional sprinkler systems, drip irrigation systems are susceptible to potential damage caused by rodents and pets. Drip irrigation systems also require filters; if the filter is not installed correctly or is left out of the system, it can cause clogging of the water passageways.