Editing Irrigation (section)

===Micro-irrigation===
{{Main|Micro-irrigation}}

[[File:Dripperwithdrop.png|thumb|Drip irrigation – a dripper in action]]
''Micro-irrigation'', sometimes called '''localized irrigation''', '''low volume irrigation''', or '''trickle irrigation''' is a system where water is distributed under low pressure through a piped network, in a pre-determined pattern, and applied as a small discharge to each plant or adjacent to it. Traditional drip irrigation use individual emitters, subsurface drip irrigation (SDI), micro-spray or micro-sprinklers, and mini-bubbler irrigation all belong to this category of irrigation methods.<ref>{{cite book | last1 = Frenken | first1 = K. | chapter = Irrigation in Africa in figures&nbsp;– AQUASTAT Survey&nbsp;– 2005 | title = Water Report 29 | publisher = Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations | year = 2005 | url = ftp://ftp.fao.org/agl/aglw/docs/wr29_eng.pdf | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170706015452/ftp://ftp.fao.org/agl/aglw/docs/wr29_eng.pdf | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2017-07-06 | isbn = 978-92-5-105414-7 | access-date = 2007-03-14 }}</ref>

==== Drip irrigation ====
{{Main|Drip irrigation}}
[[File:dripirrigation.gif|thumb|Drip irrigation layout and its parts]]

Drip irrigation, also known as microirrigation or trickle irrigation, functions as its name suggests. In this system, water is delivered at or near the [[root]] zone of plants, one drop at a time. This method can be the most water-efficient method of irrigation,<ref>{{cite journal | last = Provenzano | first = Giuseppe | title = Using HYDRUS-2D Simulation Model to Evaluate Wetted Soil Volume in Subsurface Drip Irrigation Systems | journal = Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering| volume = 133 | issue = 4 | pages = 342–350 | year = 2007 | doi = 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9437(2007)133:4(342)| bibcode = 2007JIDE..133..342P }}</ref> if managed properly; evaporation and runoff are minimized. The field [[water efficiency]] of drip irrigation is typically in the range of 80 to 90% when managed correctly.

In modern agriculture, drip irrigation is often combined with [[plastic mulch]], further reducing evaporation, and is also the means of delivery of fertilizer. The process is known as [[fertigation]].

Deep percolation, where water moves below the root zone, can occur if a drip system is operated for too long or if the delivery rate is too high. Drip irrigation methods range from very high-tech and computerized to low-tech and labor-intensive. Lower water pressures are usually needed than for most other types of systems, with the exception of low-energy center pivot systems and surface irrigation systems, and the system can be designed for uniformity throughout a field or for precise water delivery to individual plants in a landscape containing a mix of plant species. Although it is difficult to regulate pressure on steep slopes, pressure compensating [[Drip irrigation#Emitter|emitters]] are available, so the field does not have to be level. High-tech solutions involve precisely calibrated emitters located along lines of tubing that extend from a computerized set of [[valves]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drip Irrigation System for sustainable agriculture |url=https://www.agriculturelandusa.com/2023/07/Drip-Irrigation-system.html |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Agriculture land usa}}</ref>