Drip emitters were sampled in a vineyard system designed with two 0.5 gph drip emitters per vine and the vines planted on a 7 foot x 11 foot spacing. Thirty-six drip emitters were sampled by measuring the water discharged from each emitter for a 30-second period.
Microsprinkler with missing head Photo: L. Schwankl.Leaks in above ground microirrigation systems are easy to detect, but to do so you really have to inspect the system.
Citrus orchard snail blocking the distribution pattern from a microsprinkler Photo: L. Schwankl.Partial clogging of emission devices, especially drip emitters and drip tape, is often difficult to detect.
Filter station with both sand media filters and screen filters Photo: L. Schwankl.Filters are most frequently located at the head of the microirrigation system, but they may also be located in the field (secondary filters, often screen filters).
Flushing of drip tape lateral ends Photo: L SchwanklA 200-mesh filter will not remove particles of fine sand, silt, and clay or fine particles of algae. They will pass through the filter and be deposited in the drip lines.
Pre-set pressure-regulating valve at the head of a drip tape lateral line. Photo: L. Schwankl.Pressure-regulating valves are used in a microirrigation system to maintain a desired, constant pressure downstream of the regulating valve even if the pressure upstream of the valve fluctuates.
The display of a propeller meter registers both gallons per minute and total gallons. Photo: L. Schwankl.Flow meters serve the dual purpose of providing water application information for irrigation scheduling purposes and monitoring for clogging (for more information, click here).
Here is an example of how to determine the average discharge rate for emitters in a drip irrigation system. Drip emitters were sampled in a vineyard system designed with two 0.5 gph drip emitters per vine and the vines planted on a 7 foot x 11 foot spacing.
