Methods Of Water Proofing

DISADVANTAGES

Sensitivity to Clogging
Salinity Hazards
Moisture distribution Problems
High first cost compared with surface or portable sprinkler irrigation system
Dry soil and dust formation during mechanical operations.
High skill required for design, Installation, Operation and maintenance

The small openings used in many discharge mechanisms make them extremely sensitive to clogging. Thus water must be finally filtered, and this can be expensive.

Back

Salinity hazards

Although drip system can be used under saline conditions, they must be managed properly. Otherwise reverse pressure gradients in the soil will cause flow of salts towards plant roots, with resulting detrimental effect.

Back

Moisture distribution problems

There is some evidence that not all crops respond well to localized wetting only. This procedure can restrict root development.

Back

High first Cost compared with surface or portable sprinkler irrigation system

This is one of the major drawbacks of drip irrigation system. Although equipment now in use and being developed is significantly less costly than that originally used, high initial cost is still a major consideration in the selection of this type of irrigation system.

Back

Dry soil and dust formation during mechanical operations

The fact that a large part of the soil surface may receive no water during irrigation, causes any tillage operations which cross this area to result in extreme breakup of the soil. This can result in dust problems and soil erosion during windy periods.

Back

High skill required for design, Installation, operation and maintenance

Any irrigation system is most efficient when properly designed. However, when a surface irrigation system is improperly designed, it can often be altered in the field with little problem of expense. The same is not true in drip system because of the large amount of specialized equipment needed. In addition, the small discharge openings require that the equipment be properly places to keep out soil particles. Finally, failure to properly maintain the filtration equipment can make the entire system inoperative and costly to repair.

Back