What Is a Drip Tube?
A drip tube is a specialized type of tubing used to supply water drop by drop through small holes. This method allows for uniform water delivery to specific areas, overcoming the issues of over-humidity often associated with standard water sprinkling systems.
By applying water in small amounts, drip tubes prevent the formation of water channels and soil compaction, maintaining a healthy air layer within the soil. Another significant advantage of these tubes is that they do not wet the plants directly, which helps in preserving any chemicals sprayed on the plants. The materials used in drip tubes vary, with soft plastics being lightweight and cost-effective, while hard plastics offer durability and longevity.
Uses of a Drip Tube
Drip tubes are extensively used in horticulture for efficient and controlled irrigation. They are ideal for delivering nutrients in soil cultivation of crops like tomatoes and cucumbers, as well as for pot cultivation of plants such as okra and bell peppers. Due to the potential for clogging by suspended solids, filters are often installed when using raw water. These tubes can be extended to various lengths, provided the water pressure is sufficient, making them versatile for diverse horticultural settings.
Features of Drip Tube
Drip tubes offer targeted watering, contrasting with irrigation tubes that distribute water over a larger area. The benefits include:
Pros
They reduce the risk of crop diseases by not wetting the leaves and stems, minimize the chance of root rot due to overwatering, and promote water conservation and cost efficiency. Drip tubes also allow for uninterrupted farming work, as they do not wet the pathways between crop rows.
Cons
Installation of drip tubes can be more labor-intensive and costly than broader irrigation systems, as they must be placed along each row of crops. Regular surface watering can also encourage shallow root systems, which can be mitigated to some extent by burying the tubes.
Types of Drip Tube
Drip tubes are primarily categorized into two types:
1. Soft Drip Tubing
These tubes lay flat when empty and expand when filled with water. They are affordable and easy to handle but less durable, which can be a concern for long-term usage.
2. Rigid Drip Tube
Rigid tubes maintain their shape regardless of water flow, offering greater strength and longevity but at a higher cost and requiring more storage space after removal.
How to Choose Drip Tubes
When selecting drip tubes, the choice between soft and hard materials depends on the specific field conditions. On slopes, where water pressure is higher, rigid tubes are preferable to prevent breakage. On level ground, soft tubes are usually adequate. However, the increased pressure at the end of longer tubing may necessitate the use of rigid tubes. Budget considerations also play a role, as rigid tubes are more expensive than soft ones.
How to Use Drip Tubes
Drip tubes are particularly effective in controlled environments like greenhouses and institutional cultivation. A modern approach involves using these tubes for soil irrigation, where water mixed with fertilizer is applied directly to the plants. The setup involves connecting the drip tubes to a water source, such as an engine pump, and ensuring proper filtration to remove impurities. The tubing should be laid out along the base of the plants, using appropriate fittings like a tangent to join the tubing, an elbow to bend the tubing at a right angle, and a cheese to branch the tubing for even water distribution.