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Weed and every other crop need frequent watering for proper growth. However, keeping up with the watering process is a challenge to many weed growers due to various reasons, including busy working schedules, vacations, changes in weather conditions, and even forgetting. Instead of allowing your crops to wither because of the challenges, you can opt for the easiest way out-  install the best drip irrigation system to quench your plants’ thirst.

What is a drip irrigation system?

The best drip irrigation system consists of hoses, pipes, nozzles, tubes, and sprinklers that provide the right amount of water to each weed plant without over-or under-watering. The best drip irrigation systems come with timers that automatically water the plants. They are also easy to set up and maintain even for first time weed growers.

Drip irrigation systems also come in different types, for different garden types. In this article, we look at some of the best drip systems in the market and a buying guide to ensure that you know what to look for when you go shopping for the best quality systems.

A Brief History of Irrigation

Drip irrigation dates back to ancient times when people filled clay pots with water and buried them into the ground, allowing water to seep slowly into the grass. In 1866, researchers started to experiment with modern drip irrigation systems using clay pipes that came with a drainage system as well. Colorado University successfully applied water to the roots of some of the crops without raising the water table in 1913.

Germany introduced the use of a perforated pipe in the 1920s. In the early 1930s, O.E Nobey of Michigan University used porous canvas hose to carry out an irrigation experiment, which was a success. The advent of modern plastics saw New Mexico vineyards take up drip irrigation with much more improvement from past systems.

From here, the use of plastic macro tubing and other types of emitters became common irrigation systems in American and European greenhouses. Israel was the first country to invent drip irrigation systems using modern technology. The invention by the father-son pair of Simcha Blass and Yehayahu saw the introduction of pipes that released water through longer and larger passageways instead of the tiny holes that blocked easily due to particles.

The system used velocity that slowed water contained in a plastic emitter. The first company that came up with this system was a partnership between Blass and Kibuzz Hatzerim, who called their company Netafirm. The method was successful, and by 1960, other countries in North America and Australia started using the best drip irrigation system.

In 1960, Richard Chapin developed the first drip tape, the dew hose which saw several other countries promoting it soon afterwards. Today’s modern irrigation systems are some of the most treasured agriculture innovations since the invention of a sprinkler in the early 1930s.

Best Drip Irrigation Equipment for Growing Marijuana

Raindrip RS60DP Automatic Watering kit

The Raindrop Watering Kit is the perfect choice for the best drip irrigation system as it delivers the right amount of water to each plant in your garden with precision. The watering kit for container and hanging baskets provide the water directly to the roots slowly with very little wastage. The kit comes with everything you need to start watering your plants immediately after installation.

The installation process follows three easy steps to follow. It also comes with an automatic timer that makes it easier to use the system without manual interference. The customizable kit comes complete with elbows, connectors, barbed tees, battery-operated timer, 20-1/2 GPH drippers, a supply tubing, a clamp, ten nails and 20 stakes for drippers.

The system also comes with a five-year limited warranty and excellent customer service. Besides being highly effective, the system is inexpensive as compared to traditional overhead sprinklers.

Jeteven 132ft/40m Drip Irrigation Kit

The 132 ft drip irrigation kit by Jeteven is another high-quality best drip irrigation system that provides your plants with uniform water at all times. The water-saving kit is an irrigation tubing, made with the highest quality ABS plastic that comes with durability and enough strength. The watering system is precise and comes with automatic faucet on/off features that help to save 70% of water.

The nozzle of the system comes with two spraying modes with adjustable features. The modes are foggy and columnar, and they help to provide your crops with water only when they need it. The kit comes with easy installation features that do not need an expert to setup. It is versatile and applicable for a variety of crops ranging from flowers, hydroponics, weed, potted fruits, and many others.

The long hose of the kit makes it convenient to water as many plants as you can in your garden. The system also comes with a full package of different accessories that allow you to start watering immediately after installation. Some of the items that come with the kit are a 132 ft tubing, various sizes of threaded faucet connectors, tee, ten nylon ties, a Teflon tape, twenty atomizing nozzles, tubing holder stakes, and others.

Senninger Pressure Regulator Drip Irrigation

The Senninger Pressure Regulator Drip Irrigation Kit is a versatile unit that works well on different applications that require lower flows. You can also use the versatile and flexible unit on both commercial and residential small scale gardening irrigation. The PRLG helps to maintain consistent outlet pressure of 25 PSI with a low flow range.

It is 100% water tested for accuracy and reliable performance. The kit with its low flow water regulator distributes maintains the uniform distribution of water using droplet and sprinkler flow. The flow mechanism also helps to conserve water and energy and extend the life of the system. It works well with three quarter inch standard faucets, water hose, hose bib, garden soaker, home irrigation systems, sprinkler manifold, and a garden hose.

You can also install the system below or above the ground. It does not come with any metal parts that could cause corrosion. The system is a product of USA Engineering Grade Thermoplastics. It is easy to install, use, and it provides value for money.

Flantor Garden Irrigation System

The Flantor Garden Irrigation System is one of the best automatic kits in the market. The equipment allows you to water all plants at the same time without worrying about manually turning the system on or off. The automatic feature helps you to save in energy, money, and water. The watering kit is ideal for an irrigation area of 20 to 25 square meters.

The nozzle is easy to adjust, which helps to meet all the demands of each plant at the same time. The package comes with a user manual, and the irrigation system, which consists of durable and high-quality nozzles, pipes, and tees. The tubing system provides you with a service life of more than two years.

KINGSO Drip Irrigation Kit

The KINGSO Drip Irrigation System is an excellent kit that features a 360-degree bubbler and twenty adjustable water nozzles. It is easy to use and comes with everything you need for easy installation that allows you to start watering your plants immediately and connect the kit directly to the soaker hose. The best feature of the system is the automatic timer that activates at specific times during the day.

The preset watering timing sessions help to save on water, time, energy, and money. The system also provides flexibility and versatility, and you can use it on your lawn, patio, garden greenhouse, flower beds, grow tent, and more. It can water twenty plants at a time, and it comes with easily adjustable drippers for columnar and drop watering methods.

The construction material of the pipes is high quality and durable UV-resistant material with an interface that makes the connection stable. It also comes with a 100% money-back guarantee, free replacements, and a complete set of accessories.

KORAM IR-50 Feet Blank Distribution irrigation drip kit

The KORAM 30 ft Blank Distribution Irrigation Drip Kit is a superior quality best drip irrigation system that provides your plants with a consistent supply of water all year round. The kit, made with high-quality UV-resistant materials is resistant to chemicals, and it stays the same throughout. It offers precise drip watering at the roots of the crops, which helps to save 70% of water.

The kit also comes with customization features that allow you to adjust the emitter head individually to provide the plants with the exact amount of water they need. It has an easy installation process, and it is just as easy to use. The versatile and flexible kit is ideal for greenhouses, garden, patio, lawn, grow tents, and many more. The system is durable and provides value for money.

Philonext Drip Irrigation System

The 130 ft Philonext Drip Irrigation System is another great purchase for anyone that prefers quality and reliability to anything else. One of the best features of the system is the watering customization displayed by adjustable nozzles that meet all the needs of individual plants. The irrigation system delivers the right amount of water to the roots of the plants helping to save 70% of water. It is precise, slow, versatile, and flexible.

You can use the system on your loan grow tent, for balcony cooling, humidification greenhouse, mist cooling and much more. The construction material is UV- resistant, durable material that will serve you for many years. It comes with an easy installation process, ease of use, and value for money.

Types of Nozzles in Drip Irrigation Systems

Drip irrigation systems come in different types. The most differentiating feature amongst many of the drip irrigation systems today is the emitter nozzle, which you have to consider depending on the needs and design of your garden. Suppose you want to understand everything you need to before buying a drip irrigation system. In that case, it is wise to familiarize yourself with the types of emitter nozzles in drip irrigation systems.

Micro-Spray Sprinklers

Micro-spray sprinklers come in different configurations and varieties. They operate at low pressure in areas that drip irrigation is not a viable solution for keeping the plants watered. Rating if micro-spray sprinklers depends on their flow rates, a spray method, and wetting diameter. The watering devices are available in 90, 180, and 360 degrees.

They also come in strip patterns that spray water right or left. Because of their low precipitation rates, micro-spray sprinklers take a longer time to water the crops with a lesser wastage.

Inline Drip Emitters

If you prefer a more simplistic approach to drip irrigation, inline drip emitters will be a great option for you. Unlike many other irrigation systems, in-drip emitters are easy to use, and their water distribution to the crop is fast and efficient. They come in different lengths and are smaller than the main hoses.

The emitters have a tubing mechanism that covers their entire length making it easier to weave them in between the plants easily without interfering with the main hose. The irrigation method provided by inline drip emitters is low maintenance and does not come with leaking. Inline hoses come in half and quarter-inch diameters with 6 and 12 spaces between them.

The difference between point source models and the inline emitters is that GPH ratings do not determine the latter.

Point-source Emitters

Point-source Emitters are ideal for landscape gardeners ad plants that do better by receiving water on their roots rather than on their leaves. The emitters come with preset nozzles at ½, 1, and 2 gallons per hour. They are also non-adjustable and great at distributing specific amounts of water per hour to each plant. They are also suitable for hanging basket plants, plants in planters, and sensitive crops.

You can use three different methods to install point source emitters. You can plug the emitters directly into the main hose, use a tubing connected to the main hose to fit under the plant or plug them into the main hose with a pipe that runs to the plants. It is crucial to buy the right point source emitter to avoid over or under watering your plants.

Basin Bubblers

Basin bubblers are another worthy addition to drip irrigation. They are sprinkler-style nozzles with low pressure, that stake into the ground, and their size is small. The bubblers connect to the main hose of the system. It sprays the crops with water in a 360-degree rotation, which provides all the plants around the device with ample water.

They are ideal for plants that grow in clusters as they help to eliminate the need for having individual nozzles to water each plant. A small length bubbler tubing hooks to the main hose with screws for screwing in or out to enhance the flow of water. They come with simple installation mechanisms. They are also easy to reposition and adjust pressure.

Benefits of a Drip Irrigation System

The drip irrigation system allows water to trickle to the base of the crops slowly by using valves, tubings, emitters, and pipes. If you are considering watering your plants with the drip irrigation system, you can expect great benefits that also include easy installation processes. The benefits that come with drip irrigation are as follows.

Less water wastage

Drip irrigation system helps to reduce water wastage as it uses about a quarter to half of the total amount used by overhead sprinklers. 90% of the water from the drip irrigation system goes directly into the soil with a minimal amount of evaporating. Traditional overhead sprinklers, on the other hand, deliver only 70% of the water into the ground while the rest evaporates.

Enhanced plant health

Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly into the soil, which penetrates the roots, providing the plants with moisture any time they need it. Uniform watering of the plants provides them with faster growth as they do not lack water at any time.

Benefits the environment

With a drip irrigation system, you do not have to worry about any runoffs that end up contaminating rivers and streams. There is also fewer chances of soil erosion with the system.

Cost-effective

If you are looking for the best irrigation system that will save you money, you should opt to go with the drip irrigation system as it helps to reduce your monthly water bills.

Fewer risks of disease

Another benefit of using the drip irrigation system is that it helps to prevent mold and mildew to the plants as it keeps the foliage dry, which is not what you get if you use overhead sprinklers. Since most crop diseases occur due to dampness, you can trust the system to keep your plants free from any of that.

Easy to use

The majority of the drip irrigation systems come with a simplicity that makes them easy to assemble and use even for first-time gardeners.

Time-saving

Unlike traditional irrigation systems, drip irrigation system saves you time from dragging sprinklers and hoses around your garden. Some of the kits come with timers that automatically release water only when the crops need it, saving you the agony of shutting them on and off at all times.

Easy adaptability

Properly configured drip irrigation systems adapt well to different landscapes and on different types of soils.

Better weed control

Drip irrigation systems starve weed seeds, making germination hard, as they deliver water directly to the roots of the plants.

Appearance on the surface

If you still want to maintain the beauty of your garden without any visible pipes and nozzles, you can hide the system under a layer of mulch easily.

How to Choose the Best Drip Irrigation System

Choosing the ideal drip irrigation system depends on the following factors.

Size of your garden

The first factor to consider before buying a drip irrigation system is the size of your garden. The size will determine whether you need a single kit for a small garden, two different kits to run concurrently on different parts of the garden, or kits that come with additional tubings and emitters for larger gardens.

Types of plants

Drip irrigation systems are not a one fits all devices, as plants do not require the same amounts of water. Fortunately, for you, drip irrigation systems are versatile and flexible, which allows you to use a single kit system for different types of plats.

Type of soil

Even though many of the drip irrigation systems are compatible with different soil types, it is important to know the soil before buying the kits. The reason for this is that soils come with varying drainage characteristics and nutrient contents. The different types of soils are the clay, sandy, chalky, loamy, silt, and peaty. Majority of the garden soils are a mixture of different soil types with great water holding capabilities and nutrient content making them perfectly okay for drip irrigation.

Filters

Filters are also an important feature to consider before purchasing your system as they help to prevent unnecessary clogging of the emitters and tubings. Some of the kits come with pressure regulators with in-built filters.

Pressure

You should also take into consideration the pressure compensation by choosing systems that come with reducers or regulators. The regulators and reducers help to contain the pressure of water, making it consistent with watering all the plants evenly.

Self-Flushing Features

Choose a system with built-in valves that help to prevent the invasion of bugs and obstructions into the system. The intruders find their way through the emitters, which even inline screen filters cannot keep away. The intrusion of insects, residual, and other obstructions can also cause clogging, which will lead to the plants drying up due to lack of water.

Automatic Timers

If you can, choose a system that comes with an automatic timer. The automatic timers save you time from turning the systems manually on and off, which may be challenging if you have other duties to attend to. The programmable feature ensures your crops get a consistent supply of water at all times.

Built-in Check Valves

A built-in check valve in your drip irrigation system allows water to shut automatically in case of a rise or fall of water pressure. The valve prevents the hose from back-feeding water from the system to your water pipes in the house, eliminating possible contamination. If your system does not come with an in-built valve, it is wise to purchase one separately.

Flow Rate

Choosing the correct emitters to take care of flow rate is another crucial factor to consider once you know the water needs of your plants. Right emitters will prevent plants with needs for low water intake to suffer from under-watering draining and dry soils, or those with high water needs going through overwatering in poorly draining soils.

Wrapping it up

The best drip irrigation system provides you with great convenience and water-saving opportunities while at the same time providing immense health for your plants. The system also comes in handy for people that are busy, with no time to change the watering schedule manually as they come with automatic features. Drip irrigation systems are economical, environmentally friendly, and great investments.

The above reviews provide you with a good base for choosing the best irrigation system for your garden. Kindly, leave a comment or ask any questions regarding this article by filling the form below.

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