Monday, October 26, 2009

ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF TRICKLE IRRIGATION


ADVANTAGES

Ø The depth of water penetrating in the root zone can be improved appreciably.


Ø Water saving is achieved by low application rate, reducing the total evaporation surface, reducing run off, and controlling deep percolation.

Ø Greater weed control and improved quality of crops through direct fertilizer application and meeting exact crop water requirements.

Ø Dry soil between crop rows makes cultural operations and labor movements easier.

Ø Fertilizer can be injected in the irrigation water.

Ø Use of saline water is possible because irrigation are frequents and salts are diluted.

Ø Requires low energy requirements while achieving fairly high application uniformity.

Ø Bacteria, fungi, pest and diseases that depend on moist environment are reduced.

Ø Applicable to all types and topography.

Ø Minimum labor requirements to maintain and operate the system.



DISADVANTAGE

Clogging of system components by physical, chemical and biological factors.

Crop root development is normally limited to the wetted portion of the root zone, which reduces the plant’s stability to withstand winds.

Not economical for high plant density crops.

Excess salts may accumulate at the soil surface and towards the fringes of the wetted soil.

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