Water efficiency in the irrigation sector refers to the amount of water used to irrigate one hectare of land and the amount of water that actually reaches the plants’ roots. Various systems are available to improve water efficiency in irrigation, such as sprinkler irrigation and drip irrigation – in both surface and subsurface forms – amongst others.
It is therefore essential to use water efficiently for irrigation in order to ensure sustainable water use and food security. There are various irrigation systems, each with different uniformity coefficients, which have gradually been adapted to farmers’ needs:
- Flood irrigation. This is the oldest and simplest method of irrigation, based on allowing water to flow by gravity from a source, such as a river or canal, onto farmland. It is mainly used on flat land, where the water can be distributed evenly. Globally, gravity-fed irrigation accounts for approximately 38 per cent of irrigated land. It has endured over time and continues to be used in many parts of the world, but it is becoming an increasingly uneconomical system.
- Sprinkler irrigation. Water is distributed via emitters (sprinklers), creating an artificial rain over the crop. This type of irrigation is widely used for various crops and is well suited to uneven terrain. It is used in both large-scale farming and in gardening and landscaping. Globally, sprinkler irrigation accounts for around 36 per cent of the irrigated area.
- Drip irrigation. It delivers water in a precise and controlled manner directly to the base of the plants via irrigation emitters (drippers). It is one of the most efficient and widely used methods in agricultural production and horticulture due to its ability to reduce losses through evaporation and deep percolation. The drip irrigation system consists of a network of pressurised pipes for distributing water to each plant. The drippers release the water slowly in the form of droplets, allowing it to seep into the soil gradually. Currently, drip irrigation accounts for approximately 16 per cent of the irrigated area. In addition to surface-mounted emitter networks, more advanced irrigation systems are also being developed, such as subsurface drip irrigation (SDI), which is the preferred option in areas where water resources are limited.
When choosing one of these irrigation systems, it is important to consider a number of factors to determine which one best suits your needs. Here are some of the key factors to bear in mind:
- Type of crop. The type of crop you wish to water will determine the most suitable irrigation system. Some plants may require a constant supply of water at the base of the plant (drip irrigation), whilst others may benefit more from foliar irrigation (sprinkler irrigation).
- Area size. The size of the area you need to irrigate is an important factor. Examples: centre-pivot irrigation on large areas of cereal crops, drip irrigation on vegetable crops using irrigation tape
- Water use efficiency. Water use efficiency is crucial to conserving this resource. Surface drip irrigation and subsurface irrigation (RGS) systems are highly efficient, as they deliver water to the base or roots of plants, minimising losses through evaporation and runoff.
- Water availability. Some irrigation systems, such as flood irrigation, may require proximity to a water source, such as a river or pond. Other systems, such as drip irrigation, can operate with less water and are suitable for areas with limited water supplies.
- Weather conditions. Local weather conditions, such as temperature, humidity and wind speed, must also be taken into account. For example, sprinkler irrigation may be less efficient in certain areas due to evaporation and water drift.
- Budget and installation costs. The investment in the irrigation system and the installation costs must be taken into account. Some systems, such as sprinkler irrigation, may involve a lower initial investment, whilst others, such as drip irrigation, may require a higher initial investment but offer long-term savings on water and energy.
- Maintenance and ease of use. Assess how much maintenance you are prepared to carry out and how user-friendly the irrigation system is. Some systems require regular maintenance, such as cleaning filters or repairing emitters, whilst others, such as flood irrigation, which does not have such sophisticated control elements, do not require these operations.
At Caudal, we offer a wide range of pipes that ensure water efficiency and thus make your crops more profitable, such as our PC700 ND drip irrigation pipe, which features an anti-drainage system fitted with a sealing ring capable of keeping the laterals pressurised when irrigation stops. This is the most suitable option for setting up short, pulsed irrigation cycles.
Generally speaking, the choice of irrigation system will depend on the specific requirements of each situation, but it is important to prioritise water efficiency and environmental protection when selecting the appropriate irrigation method.
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