History Of Drip Irrigation

Drip Irrigation, also commonly referred to as micro-irrigation, trickle irrigation, low volume irrigation or xerigation. This is a method of irrigation which efficiently delivers water to the soil surface or the root zone; this is done by having water drip slowly from emission devices, most commonly called "drip emitters" or “drippers”.

Early forms of drip irrigation can be traced back to ancient times where clay pots were filled with water and then buried in the ground, this allowed the water to gradually leak out and into the root zone of nearby vegetation. The first formal development of drip irrigation supplies began around 1866 in Afghanistan, where they tested drip irrigation and drainage systems by using various types of clay pipe. A researcher at Colorado State University, Mr. E.B. House, began applying subsurface water directly to the root zone in 1913. Perforated Pipe was first used for irrigation in Germany around 1920.

After WWII, the ability to mold plastics became widespread and more cost effective. This helped pave the way for innovations in the manufacturing of drip irrigation system components. At this time, Polyethylene (PE) tubing, also referred to as "micro tubing" or"spaghetti tubing", and early versions of emitters (drippers), became more common and began to be installed throughout the US and Europe.

In Israel, Simcha Blass & Yeshayahu Blass were innovating in the area of emitter design. They created a method that allowed water to flow through longer and wider passageways inside of the emitter. These “labyrinths” as they were called, resulted in less clogging. The velocity of water moving through the labyrinth, and resulting...

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...rigation focuses on the following three soil types: Clay, Loam and Sand.

Clay soils have densely packed particles that have little space for water or air. Water is absorbed very slowly and run off can occur if water is applied to quickly. When wet, water tends to move outward, away from the drip emitter. Clay soils will hold water very well and can stay wet for several days. Choose ½ & 1 GPH drip emitters when planting in clay soils. Drip emitter spacing tends to be further apart.

Sandy soils are very loose and have plenty of space for water or air. Water is absorbed very quickly and runoff usually doesn’t occur. When wet, water tends to move straight down through the soil. Sandy soils do not hold water very well and can dry out very quickly. Choose 2 & 4 GPH drip emitters when planting in sandy soils. Drip emitter spacing tends to be closer together.