ABSTRACT
Drip irrigation is the slow, precise application of water and nutrients directly to the root zones in a predetermined pattern using a point source. It saves water and fertilizer by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots, either onto the soil surface or directly onto the root zone, through a network of valves, pipes, tubing, and emitters. The modern methods of irrigation have number of advantages over the conventional irrigation methods like border, check basin, furrow or surge irrigation. Drip irrigation may also use devices called micro spray heads, which spray water in a small area, instead of dripping emitters. These are generally used on tree and vine crops with wider root zones. Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) uses permanently or temporarily buried dripper line or drip tape located at or below the plant roots.
