How does the type of dripper in a drip irrigation system affect the irrigation effect

In modern agricultural irrigation technology, drip irrigation technology has gradually become the mainstream choice for farmland irrigation with its high efficiency, water saving and precision. As the core component of the drip irrigation system, the type and design of the dripper have a profound impact on the irrigation effect, so choosing the right dripper is crucial to achieve the best irrigation effect.

The main function of the dripper is to convert the pressure water flow in the capillary tube into stable and uniform water droplets, which gradually penetrate into the soil to meet the growth needs of crops. The design of the dripper is diverse, and it can usually be divided into long-flow drippers, orifice drippers and microporous capillary tubes according to the energy dissipation characteristics; and it can be divided into ordinary drippers and pressure-compensated drippers according to the function. Different types of drippers show significant differences in irrigation effects, affecting the growth of crops and the utilization efficiency of water resources.

The flow channel diameter of the long-flow dripper is usually no more than 1 mm, and the length can reach 50 to 60 cm or even longer. During the flow process, the water flow needs to overcome the friction of the side wall and consume energy, and finally releases water in the form of drops. This type of dripper has a relatively complex structure. Although its water output stability is high and it is suitable for crops that have strict requirements on irrigation uniformity, such as vegetables and flowers, it is easily affected by impurities in the water due to its long flow channel, and the risk of clogging is relatively high.

The orifice dripper is installed by inserting it into the capillary tube. Its inlet and outlet diameters are small and there is a large cavity inside. The pressure water flow consumes the remaining energy through diffusion, contraction or rotation and is converted into a drip-like water flow. This type of dripper has a simple structure and is easy to clean and maintain. However, its water output stability is relatively low and it is easily affected by pressure fluctuations. It is suitable for crops that do not require high irrigation uniformity, such as trees and lawns.

The microporous capillary tube is a special dripper that has both water delivery and water output functions. It is divided into two forms: single-wall tube and double-wall tube. The single-wall tube realizes drip irrigation through the micropores on the tube wall, while the double-wall tube enters the auxiliary tube cavity through the outlet hole on the main tube wall, and then seeps out through the holes in the auxiliary tube wall. This type of dripper can provide uniform water output, but it also faces the risk of clogging and requires regular maintenance.

The unique feature of the pressure-compensating dripper is that it can automatically adjust the shape of the flow channel according to the change of water flow pressure to maintain the stability of the flow rate. When the water flow pressure decreases, the water flow cross-sectional area of ​​the dripper increases; conversely, when the pressure increases, the water flow cross-sectional area decreases. This feature enables the pressure-compensating dripper to maintain a constant water output under the conditions of undulating terrain, uneven system pressure and long capillary tubes, making it the preferred choice in drip irrigation systems.

When selecting a dripper, a variety of factors must be considered, including crop type, growth cycle, soil type, irrigation needs and terrain conditions. Different types of drippers show obvious differences in irrigation effects. Long-flow drippers and micro-pore capillary tubes are suitable for crops with high requirements for irrigation uniformity, while orifice drippers are suitable for crops with low uniformity requirements. Pressure-compensating drippers are an ideal choice under various conditions due to their flow stability.