The differences between drip irrigation pipes and drip irrigation tapes from drip irrigation pipe manufacturers are as follows:
 

I. Drip Irrigation Tape

1. Lateral labyrinth-type drip irrigation tape (with labyrinth patterns in crescent, elongated, and other shapes), as well as patch-type drip irrigation tape; model: ￠16. One type of lateral labyrinth drip irrigation tape has a diameter of ￠8 but does not fall within the scope of national standards. Wall thickness typically ranges from 0.16 to 0.24 mm, with bottom-hole spacing generally at 200 mm or 300 mm; patch-type drip irrigation tape can be manufactured with any desired hole spacing. The ￠8 labyrinth in the lateral drip irrigation tape is available in two configurations: “Great Wall” and “chain,” with a flow rate of 2.7 L/h. The chain configuration delivers 3.4 L/h. For the ￠16 tape, the flow rate is 2.2–2.4 L/h, and the uniformity of water discharge does not exceed 5%–10%.

2. Application Areas: Suitable for irrigation of crops such as sugarcane, cotton, chili peppers, potatoes, peanuts, onions, vegetables, bananas, strawberries, and flowers. Appropriate for both surface and subsurface irrigation.

3. Characteristics of drip irrigation tape:

(1) The labyrinth flow channels and drip holes are manufactured in a single-step vacuum hot-pressing process, resulting in excellent adhesion and high manufacturing precision.

Turbulent flow pattern with multiple outlets, offering strong resistance to clogging.

(2) Maze-type flow channel design ensures uniform water discharge, with a discharge efficiency of up to 85% and a laying length of up to 80 meters.

(3) Lightweight, easy to install and manage, and low labor installation costs.

4. Applicable Conditions:

(1) Used in greenhouse and plastic-mulch cultivation to reduce pests and diseases, conserve chemical fertilizers, and enhance economic returns.

(2) Can be used for orchard irrigation, effectively increasing yield, improving fruit quality, and effectively controlling weed growth.

(3) Suitable for field crops such as cotton, watermelon, and field vegetables, thereby enhancing the level of mechanized cultivation.

(4) Drip irrigation tape can be laid around the ridge, making operation convenient.

II. Drip Irrigation Pipe

1. Drip irrigation tubing manufactured by drip irrigation pipe producers can be classified into two types: labyrinth-type drip irrigation tubing buried within the soil and inter-row drip irrigation tubing. There are four standard diameters—8 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, and 20 mm—and for the 8 mm, 12 mm, and 16 mm sizes, the flow rate is 2.2–2.5 L/h; for the 20 mm size, the flow rate is 3.0–3.5 L/h. The uniformity of outlet discharge shall not exceed 5%–10%. Wall thickness typically ranges from 0.12 mm to 0.60 mm, with common wall thicknesses of 0.12 mm, 0.16 mm, 0.18 mm, 0.20 mm, 0.30 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.40 mm, 0.50 mm, and 0.60 mm. The spacing between emitters is generally 200–300 mm.

2. Application areas: Suitable for irrigation of crops such as sugarcane, cotton, peppers, potatoes, peanuts, onions, vegetables, bananas, strawberries, and flowers, as well as for both surface and subsurface irrigation.

3. Drip irrigation tubing manufacturers offer a variety of specifications. Depending on the emitter spacing, drip irrigation tubing can be categorized as 0.3 m, 0.5 m, 1.2 m, 1.6 m, 2.4 m, and so on. In addition, drip irrigation tubing is available in different working pressures and emitter flow rates.

Drip irrigation tubing is typically installed before planting, usually after sufficient base fertilization has been applied in the greenhouse and the soil has been thoroughly prepared. Prior to laying the drip tubing, ridges are formed, and the tubing is then laid out according to the ridge width and the specific needs of the crop. If the greenhouse ridge is relatively wide, two rows of drip tubing can be installed; if the ridge is narrower, a single row is sufficient. Once the drip tubing has been laid, the ends should be securely sealed. The area is then covered with plastic mulch, the edges of the film are tightly secured, the surface is leveled, and the sides are compacted with soil. If irrigation is not required during the seedling stage, the main irrigation supply line does not need to be connected.

II. Differences

Drip irrigation pipes and drip irrigation tapes are widely used by manufacturers. What are the differences between them?

1. Visual differences: Drip irrigation tape is flat and free of water and pressure, while drip irrigation tubing is cylindrical and contains no water.

2. Drip emitter configuration: Drip irrigation tapes typically feature a flush-mounted, recessed end cap, while drip irrigation pipes are equipped with cylindrical drip emitters embedded within the pipe wall. Both drip irrigation pipes and tapes incorporate drip emitters that individually provide flow stabilization.

3. Scope of Application: Drip irrigation tape is widely used for subsurface drip irrigation of corn, potatoes, and cotton. Drip irrigation tubing is extensively employed for subsurface drip irrigation in greenhouse vegetables, as well as for drip irrigation of blueberries and grapes, among other applications.

4. Service Life: Drip irrigation tape has a short service life, while drip irrigation tubing has a long service life.

5. Investment: The initial investment for drip tape is lower, while the initial investment for drip tubing is higher.

6. Water Output: Drip emitters in drip tape deliver approximately 2 L/h, while drip emitters in drip tubing deliver 2.2–3 L/h.