BUBBLER IRRIGATION

This system is modified version of trickle irrigation system. In this method water is applied to the land surface as a small stream by tubular shaped bubblers that are attached to a buried or on the surface lateral line. The system is suitable for growing orchards (particularly for trees over two years of age).
Water is delivered at or near the root zone of plants in small basins around the trunks of the trees to cover the root zone. Efficiency is achieved through minimizing evaporation and deep percolation losses and eliminating runoff.

Generally discharge rate variations from bubblers due to system head losses and unevenness in land topography can be easily reduced with the help of a screwdriver. Deep percolation, where water moves below the root zone, can occur if a bubblers system is operated for too long a duration. On the other hand operating the system with short duration can cause deficit irrigation.
The following are bubbler used in the irrigation systems are,

Adjustable flood bubbler

Inlet size ½ bsp Female thread Operating pressure 1-2.75 bar
Flow rate 0-22 lit/ minute, Radius 0-60 cm

Adjustable flow bubbler Screw type Inlet size: ½ bsp Female thread
Operating pressure 0.7 – 4 bar Flow rate 4 to 9 lpm Radius 30cm to 90 cm

Stakes for bubbler Bubbler stakes 13mm Inlet size ½ Bsp outlets
Bubbler stakes 16mmInlet ½ inch Bsp outlet

Figure shows bubbler and bubbler nozzles with filter,

Photo taken by Al-Wassel group of industries in Saudi Arabia.

Distribution can be adjusted for uniformity throughout a field or for precise water delivery to individual plants based on calculation of the moisture holding capacity of the root zone and the daily irrigation requirements of the crop. Bubbler systems consisting of bubblers, pipes, valves, trenches, and basins etc. requires routine maintenance, which is not very technical.