Emitter rate optimization in drip irrigation

Drip irrigation is the most economical and efficient method of irrigation with a view to meet plant water requirement. In drip irrigation, it is most important to find the size and shape of wetted bulb formed in a particular soil for particular time and discharge.The uniformity in application of water through dripper is maintained by designing the system on the basis of hydraulic principles. There is need for more information on the size and shape of the wetted bulb developed through drip emitter which depends on soil type, emitter discharge rate, time of water application and infiltration and hydraulic characteristics of soil. Efficient trickle irrigation system requires optimal selection of water application rate and duration of irrigation for the particular soil, root spreading of crop and evapotranspiration. The results of investigation on soil water movement in different soils for different application rates and duration of application in drip irrigation will be very useful for the selection of optimum application rate to suit the crop and the soil. This information serves as a guide to both the design and operation of drip irrigation system.