Agriculture

Drip Irrigation

Any crop. Any topography. Any climate. Any soil. Anywhere.

Drip irrigation systems are transforming the lives of millions of farmers around the world enabling higher yields while saving on water, fertilizer and energy.

What is drip irrigation?

Drip irrigation is widely recognized as the most efficient way to deliver water and nutrients to growing crops. It can help reduce water use and runoff dramatically, which is beneficial for farmers and the planet while also substantially increasing crop yields and quality. In fact, drip irrigation has been shown to increase water efficiency by 70% and even cut energy costs in half.

Drip irrigation systems apply water and nutrients directly to a plant’s root zone frequently but in small doses to ensure optimal growing conditions that produce high-quality yields. This is achieved using systems of pipes called “driplines” that have small units that we like to refer to as “drippers,” which emit drops containing water and nutrients. By delivering water and nutrients directly to the plant’s root zone, drip irrigation significantly reduces water runoff and evaporation loss, which are two of the most common inefficiencies of other irrigation systems.

In addition to farming and agriculture, drip irrigation also has uses in landscaping and turf, greenhouses and nurseries, wastewater, mining, and recycling. As the leader in drip irrigation systems and technology for over 40 years, Netafim has worked with a wide variety of industries to create applications specific to their operations.

How does drip Irrigation work?

Water and nutrients are delivered across the field in pipes called ‘driplines’ featuring small 'emitters'. Each emitter puts out drops of water and fertilizers, resulting in the uniform application of water and nutrients directly to each plant's root zone, across an entire field.

Why do farmers prefer drip irrigation?

Farmers using drip irrigation systems can consistently produce higher yields while also saving on the costs of water, energy, and fertilizer. This delivers a greater return on investment (ROI) when compared to other irrigation methods, and means farmers won’t have to be dependent on weather, which offers greater stability and lower risk.

  • Higher consistent quality yields
  • Huge water savings: no evaporation, no runoff, no waste
  • 100% land utilization - drip irrigation uniformly in any topography and soil type
  • Energy savings: drip irrigation watering system works on low pressure
  • Efficient use of fertilizer and crop protection, with no leaching
  • Less dependency on weather, greater stability, and lower risks

"Drip irrigation is the key to growing more with less water, using technology and innovation to boost efficiency in sustainable agriculture."

Mike Hemman, President & CEO

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How can you benefit from drip irrigation?

How can you benefit from drip irrigation?

Why do plants prefer drip irrigation?

Just like people, plants prefer their water and nutrients in a balanced way, in small doses directly to their roots. Nobody wants to eat a month's worth of food in one day. With drip irrigation plants uptake water and nutrients in smaller doses, more frequently, ensuring optimal growing conditions that produce the highest yields possible. These doses can be uniquely tailored to the plant’s development needs. Drip irrigation also eliminates the risk of wet foliage that can lead to fungal disease and provides good soil aeration.

 

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drip irrigation systems

Why the world needs drip irrigation systems?

By 2050, there’ll be 10 billion people living on our planet, and 20% less arable land per person to grow enough food. Include increasing water scarcity, and it’s clear why we need a way to increase agricultural productivity and resource efficiency. This is where drip irrigation watering system come in, changing the economics of global agriculture by allowing farmers to produce more crops per acre with less water.

Drip irrigation can increase resource efficiency and agricultural productivity – two things that will be very important to the world as the population continues to grow and fewer resources may become available. It also reduces the impact climate change will have on food production, prevents fertilizer from contaminating rivers and groundwater, and can be used to change the economics of rural communities so there is less poverty and hunger.

Drip irrigation systems will be most beneficial in areas where resources are scarce, or there is a lack of viable farmland that can produce high-value crops. At Netafim USA, we see drip irrigation technology as a global solution to not only hunger but also economic growth in underprivileged areas of the world.

See how drip irrigation is the key to sustainable agriculture
Need help finding the best solution for your farm?

Need help finding the best solution for your farm?

Get in touch, and we can talk about what your crop needs.