Drip Irrigation
- Drip Irrigation Video
- Drip Irrigation Resources
- Drip Irrigation for Small Farms and Urban Landscapes
Drip Irrigation Resources
Drip irrigation (also referred to as trickle or micro irrigation) is the slow, frequent, even application of low pressure water to the soil surface near the base of plants or directly into the root zone of the plants (subsurface) through a network of tubing and outlets (emitters). In 2005 and 2006, a study was conducted at the Agricultural Science Center (ASC) to evaluate a low-tech, low-cost, gravity-pressured drip irrigation system. The system was developed in India by International Development Enterprises (IDE) and was designed to provide an efficient means of irrigation for small-scale, resource-poor farmers, in developing countries, who cannot afford conventional drip systems.
The ASC researchers became interested in evaluating the system for potential use on isolated homesteads of The Navajo Indian Reservation where water resources are extremely limited but where vegetable production is desirable. Through funding provided by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's Water Conservation Field Services Program, researches at the ASC evaluated the system as used to irrigate a vegetable garden consisting of chile peppers, sweet corn, and tomatoes.
Drip Irrigation for Small Farms and Urban Landscapes
ASC Farmington researchers have been studying a low-tech, low-cost, gravity system for use on small crop plots. A presentation of the latest research is provided for your printing convenience.