Drip irrigation equipment in Kenya

Drip irrigation equipment in Kenya has played a very vital role in ensuring that crops are well watered and yields increase.

Drip or trickle irrigation is a very efficient method of applying water and nutrients to crops. If you want irrigate many crops at the same time, this type of irrigation will help reduce the amount of water used by 50 percent.

It’s important to note that yields can increase through improved water and fertility management and reduced disease and weed management. But they are bound to increase even further when drip irrigation is used with polythene mulch.

Drip irrigation in Kenya

Some of these benefits are only possible when a drip irrigation system is properly designed, managed, and maintained. Irrigation system design is complex and is beyond the scope of this publication.

It’s therefore important that one consults a qualified agricultural engineer, or irrigation equipment dealer to design a good irrigation system.

You will also need to understand the various designs factors to help ensure that your drip irrigation equipment or system is properly designed and operated.

Advantages of drip irrigation equipment in Kenya

With drip irrigation, lower volume water sources can be used because trickle irrigation may require less than half of the water needed for sprinkler irrigation.

Reduced energy costs for pumping because of lower operating pressures.

High levels of water use efficiency are achieved because plants can be supplied with more precise amounts of water.

Disease pressure may be less because plant foliage remains dry.

Labour and operating costs are generally less, and extensive automation is possible.

Water applications are made directly to the plant root zone. No applications are made between rows or other non productive areas resulting in better weed control and significant water savings.

The system allows field operations such as harvesting to continue during irrigation because the areas between rows remain dry.

It also allows fertilizers to be applied efficiently through the drip system

Irrigation can also be done under a wide range of field conditions.

Compared to other types of irrigation, like sprinkler irrigation, soil erosion and nutrient leaching can be reduced.

Disadvantages and limitations of drip irrigation

The initial investment costs per acre may be higher than those of other irrigation options.

Frost protection is not possible drip system. Therefore if it is needed, sprinkler systems are necessary.

Water filtration is necessary to prevent clogging of the small emitter holes.

Rodents, insects and human damage to drip lines are potential sources of leaks.

Water distribution in the soil is restricted as compared to sprinkler irrigation.

Management requirements are somewhat higher. Delaying critical operation decisions may cause irreversible crop damage.

It’s also good to note that drip irrigation works well with plastic mulch in an efficient production system that helps retain moisture for the crop and control weeds. Water and nutrients can be placed into the crop root zone very efficiently with little loss.

One needs to ensure that the drip irrigation system is well maintained so as to avoid clogging. 

Clogging is the most serious threat to a drip irrigation system and it arises from physical, biological and chemical contaminants.