Improve watering efficiency with an irrigation system audit

Whether irrigation is done by boom, drip or manually, there are a number of different things that can be done to tighten up an irrigation system, said Univ. of Md. extension specialist Andrew Ristvey. He said the first thing that should be done is to find and make repairs. Second, check to see that applications are made uniformly.
For hand watering, especially if nutrients are being applied through irrigation water, make sure the fertilizer injector is calibrated or checked for consistency in fertilizer delivery. Also, train employees to irrigate as consistently as possible. Check containers after irrigation to see if the water that is applied is thoroughly wetting the substrate.
For irrigation systems, make sure that the water pressures are at operating specifications. Drip or spray emitters require specific pressures for applying water efficiently. An improper operating pressure due to pump wear, too small diameter pipeline (high friction and pressure loss), and worn or clogged emitters cause water application to decrease. Uniform pressure gives uniform water discharge. Using too small a pipe or hose means high velocity water flow and a high pressure loss due to friction. Check the pressures throughout the system by installing fittings where pressure gauges can be placed either permanently or temporarily. Make sure that the pressures are consistent with the emitter requirements. Check the emitters for wear, clogging and consistency in output.
Application uniformity can be checked by performing a “Lower Quarter Uniformity Test”. This simple test should be performed throughout a greenhouse to determine where to tighten irrigation efficiency.

Pictured: For irrigation systems make sure that the water pressures are at operating specifications. Drip or spray emitters require specific pressures for applying water efficiently.