Irrigation Basics for Landscape Irrigation Contractors – LSU AgCenter 1 Micro Irrigation Micro Irrigation Dr. Ron Sheffield LSU Ag Center, Biological & Agricultural Engineering [email protected] Drip/Micro Irrigation Drip/Micro Irrigation y Low volume / low flow y Facilitates daily or more frequent irrigation to reduce plant moisture stress y Low pressure requirements (10-15 pounds per square inch (psi) pressure and low flow rates (gallons per hour (gph) instead of gallons per minute (gpm)) Micro Micro-Irrigation Irrigation Advantages y Water conservation y Control of soil moisture y Use of small or low flow water sources Disadvantages y High maintenance requirement y Limited coverage / applications Li it d l f y Reduced weeds y No conflict with land use y Better performance on slopes y No spray on buildings y Limited supply of moisture in all the root zone y Filtration and pressure control is critical y Exposure of equipment to elements and vandalism y Non visible watering Filers Filers y Most important part of a micro-irrigation system y Strainers y Filters ◦ Mesh size ◦ Manual or self-cleaning Pressure Regulators Pressure Regulators y Typically needed for most installations, due to low pressure requirements of micro irrigation systems I t ll d t f y Install downstream of filter y Once operational, adjust pressure if using a manual regulator Micro Micro-Emitters Emitters y Drip Emitter y Micro Spray Emitter