How does Drip Irrigation work?

Drip irrigation is a type of micro-irrigation system that has the potential to save water and nutrients by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants, either from above the soil surface or buried below the surface. The goal is to place water directly into the root zone and minimize evaporation. Drip irrigation systems distribute water through a network of valves, pipes, tubing, and emitters. Depending on how well designed, installed, maintained, and operated it is, a drip irrigation system can be more efficient than other types of irrigation systems, such as surface irrigation or sprinkler irrigation.

Drip irrigation is a low-pressure, low-volume lawn and garden watering system that delivers water to home landscapes in a variety of methods.

Though a drip, spray or stream, a drip irrigation system keeps roots moist, but not soaked, using less water than other irrigation techniques.

You can hide much of the system under a layer of mulch as long as you keep any part that emits water on top of the mulch to prevent clogging. The system can also run on top of the soil or mulch, allowing the plants to conceal it as they grow and spread.

While drip irrigation systems use less water than underground sprinkler systems or lawn sprinklers, watering of any kind may be restricted in some areas. Learn your local water regulations before buying and installing any irrigation system.