Fruit-tree subsurface drip irrigation is a relatively mature water-saving irrigation method. The complete irrigation system consists primarily of a water source (such as well pumps, storage ponds, and reservoir water), a headworks unit, multi-level water transmission and distribution networks, and end-of-line emitters.
Fruit-tree drip irrigation is a relatively mature water-saving irrigation method. The complete irrigation system consists primarily of a water source (such as well pumps, storage ponds, and reservoir water), a headworks system, multi-level water transmission and distribution networks, and end-of-line emitters.
The water source should be selected based on local conditions, but water quality must be ensured to remain clean. The headworks typically include pressure-boosting equipment, fertilization equipment, filtration equipment, air inlet and outlet valves, and pressure gauges. After the water-fertilizer mixture is pressurized and filtered at the headworks, it is conveyed through a series of low-pressure irrigation pipelines to the end-of-line fruit trees. At the drip emitters, the water is delivered in a jet-like spray close to the tree roots, thereby achieving localized irrigation.
Let’s go into the specifics of installing end-of-line irrigation emitters for fruit trees. Typically, PE or PVC pipes are used as the main supply lines, followed by PE pipes as branch lines, and finally 16- or 20-mm tubing is employed.
PE pipe It is laid out along the planting rows of fruit trees. Subsequently, 3-mm plastic lateral tubes are connected to fittings (turbulators/flow stabilizers) that are inserted into the wall of the main lateral pipe. Irrigation water and fertilizer solutions from the water source and the fertigation tank are first filtered through mesh filters or centrifugal mesh filters, then conveyed under pressure through a pressurized water distribution network composed of underground PVC trunk lines and above-ground PE lateral pipes. At the flow stabilizers, the pressurized water is delivered in the form of fine streams (or jets) directly to the soil surface at the crop root zone, where it subsequently infiltrates into the root zone via ponding. This constitutes a drip-irrigation system.