When planning your garden, it is necessary to think about efficient irrigation tailored to your needs. Depending on the plot area, topography and the number, specificity and arrangement of plants, various solutions will be used. Garden irrigation is often provided by a pop-up sprinkler system or drip lines. In this article we are looking at the drip line. When will a drip line be a better choice than, for example, tape? What materials should it be made of? And what is the difference between a drip line with pressure compensation and a variant without compensation? You will find out in this article!
Check the drip lines at the Onninen wholesaler
What should a drip line be made of?
The drip line takes the form of a tube made of plastic, usually polyethylene. It should be characterized by high flexibility, increased wall thickness and resistance to UV rays and breakage. The use of plastic material is necessary if you plan to run irrigation in an arc, e.g. in a garden with a non-standard shape.
Inside the drip line there are emitters (drippers) installed at equal distances, whose role is to ensure even water flow from each hole. The water flow along the length of the line depends on the emitters. It is worth paying attention to their quality. They should be constructed in such a way as to offer uniformity of emissions regardless of the slope of the ground.
Is drip line or tape better?
Drip lines are perfect for irrigating long, narrow areas, which is why they are often installed next to hedges and parallel to planted trees. The flow of water from the emitters allows for optimal irrigation of plants growing on unusual surfaces, e.g. those with a complex shape or those planted on slopes.
Drip tape is as easy to install as a drip line, but less flexible and more sensitive to mechanical damage. It works well when there are small distances between planted plants, when growing species with small root balls, straight sections and even terrain.
It is primarily used to irrigate crops under cover, e.g. in greenhouses and foil tunnels. Water is distributed through holes located close to each other. Tapes are not used in typical home gardens. The lack of flexibility does not allow you to freely avoid obstacles or change the shape of the sequence.
When is it worth choosing a pressure-compensated drip line?
There are two types of drip lines available on the market.
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Drip line without pressure compensation - the water flow from the emitters is influenced by the supply pressure. The water flow may therefore vary and gradually decrease with the length of the line. This is a cheaper solution, intended for irrigation of smaller gardens, flower beds and hedges, when the vegetation covers a section no longer than 80 meters. Water should reach each plant without any problems. With longer rows, it is necessary to divide the row into shorter sections, which involves an increased risk of defects and water loss. - Drip line with compensation of supply pressure - pressure compensation allows for optimization of the operation of the entire irrigation system with very long runs, measuring min. 110 meters. Pressure-compensating emitters ensure a constant, uniform flow rate along the entire length of the string, which translates into even water outflow - regardless of the slope of the terrain and the distance from the water source. This variant is perfect for irrigating the ground cover, dense plantings, hedges and trees, especially those growing on uneven areas and slopes. This type of drip line is considered more durable and more economical.
Drip lines at the Onninen wholesaler
In the Onninen hydraulic wholesaler you will find modern underground and above-ground drip lines with pressure compensation, based on patented technologies. Trouble choosing? Contact us! We will be happy to help you complete all the elements of an automatic garden irrigation system.