Trickle Irrigation

Bill King Irrigation Agrologist, Sask Water, Outlook, Saskatchewan

Narrow wetted area along trickle pipeline.

Interest in drip or trickle irrigation is growing rapidly as more and more people are becoming concerned about using available water supplies efficiently. On the prairies, the primary uses of the trickle system is to irrigate high value horticulture crops such as vegetables, small fruits and for landscaping.

Trickle irrigation is defined as a frequent slow application of water to soil through emitters located at selected points, often at each plant, along water delivery pipelines. Although most trickle systems are placed on the ground they can also be buried. Low flow rate emitters are the key to minimizing pipe size and pressure requirements. Filtering of the water source is usually required to prevent emitters from clogging.

Using trickle irrigation, rather than sprinklers or flooding of the complete soil area, can result in significant gains in crop productivity with less water. As an example, trickle irrigation has become the method of choice for raspberry and saskatoon producers. It allows the producer to limit water application to a narrow wetted area along the base of the plants and to leave the inter-row areas dry. The results are much lower water use, particularly when plants are young; reduced tillage or weed control costs; and more flexibility n management because irrigation does not inhibit other operations.

A trickle system is an excellent way to irrigate farmyard shelterbelts, hedges, flower beds, home gardens and, in some cases, lawns. A well designed and operated trickle system will put irrigation water only where it is needed and in the amounts needed. No longer will areas receive too much or too little water. water can be applied to meet the exact needs of each plant and tree. Trickle irrigation equipment can be automated to apply water during convenient periods such as late night or early morning when evaporation rates are low or to supply water to several small zones or areas in sequence.

Installation of buried trickle system.