Irrigation Resources

Drip irrigation delivers water drop by drop to crop roots. Water is supplied under low pressure through plastic tubing manufactured with emitters to regulate flow rate. Tubing can be placed on the ground or buried beneath the soil surface.

This method of irrigation is water efficient but requires more maintenance. Drip irrigation does not require as much land grading but drip systems can become clogged if irrigation water is high in sediments.

Furrow irrigation is a method of watering crops where water is directed into shallow, evenly spaced channels (furrows) that run between crop rows. Furrows are made with a hipper that forms parallel beds, and are usually spaced 30 or 38 inches apart. Water flows from a pump to furrows in lay-flat plastic pipes. Holes are punched in the pipe to obtain the desired flow rate.

Furrow irrigation has a relatively low initial capital investment but can be difficult to apply small amounts of water.

Sprinkler irrigation is the application of water under pressure to plants as a spray through nozzles. Pressure is usually obtained from a pump. Equipment can be fixed or continuously move. This method takes many forms, including center pivot systems.

Sprinkler irrigation allows water to be applied at low rates but sprinkler heads can become clogged with poor water quality.