Irrigation Systems
The Benefits of Using Drip Irrigation Instead of Sprinklers
If you manage a landscape, from a small garden bed to a large crop field, having an irrigation system in place is a must. The regular supply of water, in the right amounts, serves as a source of nourishment, one resulting in healthy plants and crops, colorful flowers, or lush green grass.
Although multiple irrigation systems are used across the spectrum of such options, two of the most common are drip irrigation and sprinkler systems. The former is ideal for plants, flower beds, vegetable gardens, or ornamentals; a small amount of water is emitted at a slow and steady rate toward plants' roots. The water, as a result, goes deeper into the soil. Water from sprinklers falls in the opposite direction. Sprayed into the air, water from a sprinkler showers down on plants.
Out of these two options, drip irrigation systems offer a controlled system of watering to plants. This in-ground system disperses water through a network of sprinklers attached to risers, which are connected to a series of pipes passing through the lawn. Over ordinary sprinklers, drip irrigation has two distinct advantages: cost-effectiveness and conservation. For your garden or yard, what can drip irrigation offer?
- More precise watering
- Deeper root growth
- More foliage
- A better balance of water and air around the roots
- Less evaporation and water lost to wind
- 70 percent less water waste
- Less time spent on watering by hand
- Less weed growth
Sprinkler System Store carries a large range of irrigation parts. For building your own system, which are necessary?
- Irrigation Valves include anti-siphon and in-line models, which both can be operated electronically and manually. Anti-siphon valves assist with controlling water flow and prevent backflow contamination.
- Pipes and Fittings
- Sprinkler Heads come in rotor or fixed options. Rotor, a rotating head, has a lower application rate but is better for slopes. Fixed disperses water in a set pattern with a higher application rate.
- Risers elevate sprinkler heads and spray a few inches. PVC, metal, and polyethylene are common materials for this part. Flex, or funny, pipe is an alternative, allowing you to move the sprinkler head to the best position for hard-to-reach spots.
- Drip Tubing integrates with an in-ground system. A hose positioned above the ground, drip tubing is connected to a riser and effectively hydrates plant beds, ground covers, and gardens. Through Sprinkler System Store, customers can pick and choose parts for creating an optimal drip tubing system.
- Timers allow watering and flow control to be automatic and assist with conserving water. Systems offer single and multiple programming options, allowing you to divide a garden, yard, or field up into zones with specific watering requirements.