When considering which irrigation method is right for your project, it is important to look at what you are trying to achieve and the potential costs; finances and resources such as water, time, plant etc.
Here we consider upright spray irrigation vs. Dripper line, specifically in relation to vegetation beds, as opposed to turf or other applications.
Upright Spray Irrigation
Water is distributed throughout the air over an extensive area.
Benefits:
Fast delivery of water to required zone
Arial spray possible
Potential Issues:
Misting
Overspray
Wind drift
Water runoff
Water collection on garden mulch
Easy to damage
Promotion of plant disease
Drip Irrigation
Water is distributed via dripper line/hose. Dripper lines are extruded from polyethylene and inserted with internal drippers that are moulded into the inner wall of the poly tube during the extrusion process.
Benefits
Water Savings of up to 60%
Reduced evaporation
Reduced wind drift
Reduced Over-spraying
Reduced plant disease
Reduced weed growth
Minimised potential for intentional or inadvertent damage.
Aesthetic appeal (can be easily disguised)
Safe to use with waste water
Potential Issues:
Slower water delivery to zone
In conclusion drip irrigation overcomes water wastage problems and can save up to 60% of water usage.
Drip irrigation allows for efficient irrigation by targeting the root zone and dispersing water at ground level, minimising susceptibility to the factors mentioned above. Dripper-lines may be used in most applications, from the irrigation of small home garden beds to advanced sub-surface lawn systems.