Performance of Drip Irrigation System

Drip irrigation system are higher water use efficiency, fertilizer use efficiency, labour saving, weed control etc. Along with these advantages, few problems are associated with the system. Clogging of emitters is one of the serious problems. In the experiment, three different water qualities having EC 1, 2 and 3 dS/m was used for irrigation. To prepare the water of desired EC, salts as sodium chloride and magnesium chloride were added in 2:1 proportion in water. Irrigation was given at alternate days. Reduction in discharge was measured at the interval of 15 days for two months. Irrigation water having EC 3 dSm-1 caused higher reduction in discharge (16.28%) due to more precipitation of salts, than other two qualities. After irrigation the discharge was reduced and this reduction in discharge was applicable to all emitters. Therefore, the value of EU was not much influenced.