Delivering the correct amount of water is vital to the development and maintenance of a landscape. The greatest waste of water is from over-watering. By using an effective and efficient method of irrigation, watering requirements can be reduced 10-20 percent. Soil type must be considered when determining the amount of water needed. Sandy, coarse-textured soil absorbs water rapidly and requires frequent applications at a light rate. Clay soil absorbs water very slowly and water application should be extended for a longer period of time. A loam soil's absorption rate is between that of the clay and sandy soil.
By beginning to make some conservation choices now, we can help insure adequate supplies of clean water for the future. This can be accomplished by selecting drought tolerant plants, applying mulch, and using watering methods that conserve water. Sprinklers can be costly in the loss of water due to evaporation and wind interference.
Drip systems conserve water by placing water right at the plant's root zone. This reduces the growth of weeds that competes for nutrients and water and provides optimal growing conditions. The moist soil produced by drip methods retain necessary air pockets without producing soggy conditions thus preventing fungal diseases. Not only does drip irrigation save time (by watering with the turn of a faucet) but statistics show there is a 70% water savings.
Drip irrigation systems can be used to water almost anything in your landscape. There are kits for installing drip systems that are virtually trouble free and resist extreme temperatures. Localized areas or entire gardens can be watered at any given time and the tubing can be obvious or hidden. Feeder tubes branch off from a main line. Accessories such a sprinklers, feeder lines, drippers, soaker loops and soaker tubing can be added to adapt to your needs.
Feeder lines are used to deliver water to large areas (fields, orchards, gardens). To water individual plants, low volume sprinklers can be positioned with holder stakes that can be raised as the plant grows. Drippers are used in greenhouses or on patios for watering hanging baskets. Soaker loops or soaker tubing can be used for watering larger plants. Loops can be placed around tree trunks or plants in container gardens, lawns or fields.
Responsible gardeners are encouraged to conserve water by using drip irrigation or similar systems.