Grape Drip Trickle Irrigation Systems: Advantages and Considerations

Drip trickle irrigation is a water-saving and efficient irrigation technology that has rapidly developed in recent years, drip trickle irrigation delivers water to the crop root zone slowly by drip emitters. Using plastic film strip hoses, water is directly perforated out, providing uniform distribution. The installation is convenient, the cost is low, requiring replacement every 1-2 years. This is very suitable for grape irrigation. This article introduces the main advantages and considerations of grape drip trickle irrigation.

Main Advantages of Grape Drip Trickle Irrigation

Water and energy saving

Drip trickle irrigation saves 30%-40% of water compared to surface ditch irrigation, thereby saving the energy consumption of pumped water such as oil and electricity.

Drip trickle irrigation has little effect on soil temperature

The small amount of water used in drip trickle irrigation applied not in short bursts, has a little direct effect on the soil temperature. Furthermore, drip trickle irrigation delivers water to the underground root zone, reducing surface water evaporation and soil heat loss. Therefore, the soil temperature in drip-irrigated vineyards is generally higher than that of traditional surface irrigation, leading to faster grape growth and earlier maturity. This is even more notable in facility cultivation.

Significant reduction in soil structure damage

Drip trickle irrigation uses drip seepage infiltration to supply water to the soil, which does not damage the soil structure.

Reduced air humidity

Due to the substantial reduction in surface evaporation, the relative humidity around the grape canopy is about 10% lower than that of surface irrigation, significantly reducing the occurrence and spread of pests and diseases. Moreover, drip trickle irrigation can also reduce the spread of irrigation waterborne diseases, especially root cancer.

Drip trickle irrigation combined with fertilization improves labor productivity

Fertilizer devices attached to the drip trickle irrigation system deliver fertilizer with the irrigation water to the root zone. This not only saves fertilizer but also improves its efficiency, saving labor for fertilization. Some pesticides used for soil disinfection or root applications can also be applied through drip trickle irrigation, saving labor costs and enhancing the effectiveness of the pesticide application.

Labor-saving and effortless irrigation

Drip trickle irrigation is a semi-automated mechanical irrigation method. Once the drip trickle irrigation equipment is installed, simply open the valve and adjust to the appropriate pressure to start irrigation.

Considerations for Grape Drip Trickle Irrigation

Prevent clogging of drip holes

Drip trickle irrigation systems must include filtration devices, and these should be cleaned regularly. During fertilization, ensure fertilizers are fully dissolved without sediment and that impurities are removed.

Maintain moderate pressure to avoid hose rupture

When using drip trickle irrigation, apply adequate organic and compound fertilizers to the soil to avoid nutrient depletion and imbalance issues when only using soluble fertilizers through drip trickle irrigation.

Combine drip trickle irrigation with ground cover film

High humidity in the vineyard is not conducive to grape growth, so ground cover film should be used as much as possible. This is especially important for varieties prone to cracking and diseases.

Properly store hoses and plastic materials

Collect and store the ground-laid parts of hoses and pipes in a shaded and cool place during the summer. Check for breakages, leaks, or blockages before reusing them, and perform necessary repairs before reinstallation. In areas where soil freezes in winter, pay special attention to the insulation and protection of pipes before the soil freezes.

The above outlines the main advantages and considerations of grape drip trickle irrigation. Compared to traditional surface irrigation, drip trickle irrigation saves water, labor, time, and money. It is beneficial for increasing soil temperature in vineyards and controlling air humidity between grape rows. It reduces the occurrence of pests and diseases and promotes the increase in grape yield and quality, offering significant economic benefits.