Have you been wondering what the differences are between drip irrigation systems and a sprinkler systems? Both adequately supply water to lawns and gardens; however, the means in which they do so is very different.
Irrigation – Before discovering the differences between drip and sprinkler systems, it is critical that you understand the meaning of the word irrigation. Irrigation, as defined in the dictionary, means to supply dry land with water, artificially, by means of pipes, ditches, or streams. In layman’s terms, irrigation is simply the act of artificial watering – artificial meaning any other method other than natural rainfall. All forms of watering, done by you, are forms of irrigation. Hence, the term can be used interchangeably between drip systems and sprinkler systems.
Sprinkler Systems – These systems deliver water to crops, gardens, and lawns by shooting it out of sprinkler heads high into the air, where it can then fall down onto the plants. This method is preferred by some, because the sprinkler system mimics natural rainfall and soaks the grass, or garden, completely. No part of the plant is unreached by the sprinkler system. Although this method is best for mimicking natural rainfall, it has its drawbacks. On windy or exceptionally hot days, some water will be lost. In high winds, water will be blown away from plant individuals, and on hot days, a percentage will simply evaporate before reaching the ground. For problems like these, drip irrigation systems save the day.
Drip Irrigation – Again, it is important to understand that the term irrigation can be used interchangeably by both drip and sprinkler systems. The drip method is very different from the sprinkler method, as it delivers water directly to the soil, leaving stems, leaves, and other foliage completely dry. Drip irrigation is great because it allows every drop of water to make its way to the root zone. With drip irrigation, you don’t have to worry about evaporation or run-off, making it a seemingly preferable choice for some. Others prefer sprinkler systems simply because clogged drip heads could cause plants to go without water for days, even weeks, if the drip heads are not checked on a regular basis.
