There are so many means of irrigation, where do we start? Delivering water to crops, landscaping projects, within greenhouses, or home gardens is not a one size fits all. Let’s take a look at the different types of irrigation systems – the pros, cons and a few smart PrimeHort products to wet the whistle (see what we did there!)
Types of irrigation systems.
Irrigation systems vary depending on the crop or plants being grown, soil conditions, climate, and available resources. But ultimately the goal is the same, to maximise plant growth and crop yields, while conserving water resources wherever possible.
In New Zealand we mostly use a Spray or Drip system e.g. centre pivots are often used to irrigate grass or crops, while drip/micro systems are used to irrigate orchards, wineries or vegetable crops. Here is a full overview of the different Irrigation Systems available:
- Drip Irrigation: Drip irrigation involves drippers delivering water directly to the root zone of plants through a system of tubes, pipes, and emitters. Water is applied slowly and precisely, minimising water wastage.
Drip irrigation conserves water by delivering it directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff. It promotes healthy plant growth and can be automated for efficient water use. Initial setup costs can be high, and clogging of emitters may occur if not properly maintained. Our In Line Filter is a clever device designed to trap foreign particles in the water and reduce clogging of emitters. Ideal for low pressure irrigation systems.
- Subsurface Irrigation: In this system, water is delivered directly to the root zone below the soil surface. Subsurface Dripline Irrigation and buried Polythene Pipe systems are examples of subsurface irrigation techniques.
Advantages include water efficiency e.g. water loss due to evaporation and runoff is minimised. Weed growth is reduced because water is applied directly to the root zone. By delivering water underground soil erosion is prevented, and soil structure/fertility is preserved.
Once set up, a further merit is reduced labour costs to operate and maintain compared to surface irrigation. Its suitability for all terrains also makes it a smart choice.Things to watch include irrigation lines and emitters becoming clogged with debris over time. Being underground, it can be challenging to monitor and spot any issues such as leaks or malfunctions. It pays to consider the type of crop too, not all will be suitable for subsurface irrigation e.g. shallow-rooted crops, or soils with high water tables, as it may lead to waterlogging or root rot.
- Sprinkler Irrigation: Water is distributed through a network of pipes (dripper tubes) and nursery sprinkler heads and/or misters and foggers which spray water over the soil surface in a manner like rainfall.
Sprinkler irrigation provides uniform water distribution over large areas, making it versatile for various crops and good for consistent crop yields and soil health. However, it can be prone to water loss through evaporation and wind drift, plus installation and energy costs can be high.
- Micro-Irrigation: Including drip and micro-sprinkler systems. Water is delivered in precise doses directly to individual plants or small areas. Perfect for orchards, wineries, or vegetable crops as the system can apply water when needed, and the ground can still absorb some rainfall so is not wasted.
Micro-irrigation conserves water by delivering it straight to plants’ root zones, reducing evaporation and runoff. It promotes healthier plant growth and minimises weed growth. Initial costs may be high, but long-term water savings justify the investment.
We field a lot of interest from nurseries on our Spinnet Micro-Sprinklers. The sprinkler lacks a “bridge” structure to retain the spinner, which results in a drip-less operation. This design helps minimise dripping from the micro-sprinkler when it is not in use, reducing water wastage and preventing soil erosion or puddling around the irrigation area. Great for irrigating garden beds, container plants, or areas where excess water runoff is undesirable.
- Centre Pivot Irrigation: This method utilises a rotating sprinkler mounted on a pivot system, typically installed in circular patterns in large areas. Our Naan Impact Sprinkler are a popular choice for commercial nurseries wishing to efficiently automate their watering.
Centre pivot irrigation covers expansive areas, minimising labour and water usage. However, it requires significant initial investment and energy consumption can be high. Over time, soil compaction may occur along the pivot path, affecting soil health and crop productivity. But regular maintenance will ensure excellent performance and uniform water distribution.
- Fully Automated Irrigation Booms for Greenhouses: Watering crops in greenhouses is extremely effective when automated. Uniform water distribution and reduced labour are the key advantages. We have focused on providing our customers with modern Irrigation Booms that are not heavy or stressful on the greenhouse structure.
A couple of examples include the Monorail Irrigation Boom which is the most cost-effective option suitable for lightweight greenhouse structures. Customers report this option paying itself off within the first year of installation. Monorail systems offer streamlined movement along a single track (optimising space).
Our DaRos Double Rail Boom is the highest quality with cutting-edge technology and options for full stainless-steel components. The boom can be controlled via a mobile App (which is highly programmable to suit growers needs). Double rail booms empower our customers to fine-tune irrigation schedules based on real-time data – resulting in higher yields, reduced costs, and sustainable greenhouse operations.
Finally, Outside Holding Area Booms are ground-mounted and designed for irrigating large, containerised nurseries. Ideal for forestry nurseries for Pine, Eucalyptus, Redwoods etc. We can provide options of up to 48m width x 150m length on a single boom.
- Surface Irrigation: This method involves flooding water across the soil surface to allow it to infiltrate and reach the root zone of plants. Surface irrigation can be low cost because no specialised equipment is required and is suitable for various terrains. Proper management is essential because water can be easily lost due to evaporation and runoff. Likewise, uneven water distribution can lead to overwatering and underwatering in other areas, and soil erosion.
Surface irrigation may not be suitable for high-value crops requiring precise water management, or for areas with limited water availability – instead more targeted irrigation methods such as drip or sprinkler irrigation are wise.
- Flood Irrigation: Probably the most ancient method and rather inefficient on today’s standards. Like surface irrigation, but not the same – flood irrigation involves flooding the entire field with water, allowing it to infiltrate and reach plant roots. In NZ, it’s use is limited to crops that tolerate or benefit from consistent soil saturation e.g. rice in the Waikato, pasture grass to promote growth, maize cultivation in some regions and forage crops like lucerne or clover which require consistent moisture.
Flood irrigation is simple but can be less efficient, leading to water wastage through evaporation and runoff. Soil erosion and nutrient leaching can occur, impacting soil health.
- Manual Irrigation: Let’s not forget tried & true methods for our home gardeners, like hand-watering with hoses, soaker hoses and watering cans. Our exceptional range by The Gardener makes watering at home very simple and flexible.
Suitable for home gardens, lawns, or precise watering needs – our range of products allow direct control over water application and are cost-effective.
If you would like advice about the best irrigation method for your operation, please get in touch, our expert team would be delighted to assist.
