Methods

of
irrigation

The four methods of irrigation:

Surface
Sprinkler
Drip/trickle
Subsurface

Surface irrigation:
consists of a broad class of irrigation methods in
which water is distributed over the soil surface by
gravity flow. The irrigation water is introduced into
level or graded furrows or basins, using siphons,
gated pipe, or turnout structures, and is allowed to
advance across the field. Surface irrigation is best
suited to flat land slopes, and medium to fine
textured soil types which promote the lateral spread
of water down the furrow row or across the basin.

Surface Irrigation

Sprinkler irrigation:
Sprinkler irrigation is a method of irrigation in which
water is sprayed, or sprinkled through the air in rain
like drops. The spray and sprinkling devices can be
permanently set in place (solid set), temporarily set
and then moved after a given amount of water has
been applied (portable set or intermittent
mechanical move), or they can be mounted on
booms and pipelines that continuously travel across
the land surface (wheel roll, linear move, center
pivot).

Sprinkler Irrigation

Fixed sprinkler:
Fixed sprinkler systems that operate at relatively low
pressures and use low volume spray nozzles (microsprays/ micro-sprinklers) can disperse water in an
array of shapes and spray patterns.

The system should also be programmed to suit

the site specific planting scheme and the infiltration
rate of the soil. It is important to use coarse mulch so
the spray can penetrate to the soil. If you are
watering with a moveable sprinkler on a garden hose,
dont forget to move it around your garden to ensure
even watering. As the potential to set and forget
these sprinklers is high, it is recommended that you
use a tap timer to automatically turn off the sprinkler
after the required watering time. As plant growth can
block or divert water, you may need to add more
spray heads as your plants grow.

Drip/trickle irrigation:
Drip/trickle irrigation systems are methods of micro
irrigation wherein water is applied through emitters
to the soil surface as drops or small streams. The
discharge rate of the emitters is low so this irrigation
method can be used on all soil types.

Drip/trickle irrigation

some advantages of drip irrigation:

It enables water to flow at low volumes and low pressure
and can be set to provide effective cyclic or pulse watering.
This allows time for the water to infiltrate the soil and
therefore reduces the chance of runoff.
Water is delivered directly to the soil surface (under the
mulch) and not to leaves. This limits evaporation, avoids
wind drift and can reduce the occurrence of fungal
infections and avoids water loss from wind drift.
When combined with a rainwater tank, drip irrigation can
free you from water restrictions, allowing you to respond
quickly to your gardens water needs

types of drip systems

in-linetubing with in-built dripper holes at
regular spacings.

on-linesoft poly pipe into which you insert

drippers where you require them.

In-line drip tubing:

In-line drip tubing is ideal for high density plantings,
vegetable gardens and around groups of plants or
larger shrubs and trees. Most products are available
in 1.6 to 2 litres per hour (LPH). Generally the emitters
are spaced at 300 mm, but wider spacing is
sometimes used. For large blocks or sloped sites,
pressure compensated emitters should be used.

On-line drippers:
On-line drippers are available in 2 LPH, 4 LPH and 8
LPH. The 2 LPH emitters are generally best suited for
compacted soil types that occur throughout
Canberra. This lower application rate will allow the
water to move deeper into the root zone, reducing
the risk of runoff or pooling.

Subsurface irrigation:
consists of methods whereby irrigation water is
applied below the soil surface. The specific type of
irrigation method varies depending on the depth of
the water table. When the water table is well below
the surface, drip or trickle irrigation emission devices
can be buried below the soil surface (usually within
the plant root zone).

Subsurface Irrigation

If you decide to install an irrigation system yourself, seek advice on

the installation and operation from a qualified irrigation stockist.
some points to note:
Ensure your system meets any local regulations, especially backflow
prevention regulations.
Ensure the system waters evenly around the root zone avoid wet and dry
spots.
Ensure sloping areas are adequately watered without flooding other areas.
Use separate watering zones for areas of the garden that have different
watering requirements, e.g. garden beds, vegetable gardens or lawn
areas.
Once you have different zones you may need an electronic controller.
Use soil or rain sensors that override electronic controllers so you only water
when the garden needs to be watered.
Dont mix drippers with different application rates on the same irrigation line.