Episode: #8 21/10/2006

Micro drip irrigation systems apply water to the garden at a low pressure and at low flow rates, so they deliver a precise amount of water to the roots of your plants. The Enki drip-line, which is manufactured by Netafim is available through Reece Irrigation outlets.

It is suitable for both flat and sloping garden areas and comes ready to use because the drip-line already contains the drippers inside.

The Drippers are spaced evenly at 30 cm intervals so you get a uniform discharge of water along the drip-line even in sandy conditions. In garden beds, the drip lines sit just above the soil around the root zone of plants, they are very discreet and you can cover them with mulch.

There is no over spray, misting, wind drift or run off and water is kept off the plants leaves or flowers, reducing the chance of fungal disease or discoloration from poor quality water.

We have all seen water drain away from garden beds when a lot of it is applied too quickly and this means water is wasted simply because the soil and the plants can?t absorb it quickly enough. Drip irrigation applies water at a low application rate so it has a chance to penetrate right into the plants root zone, encouraging stronger, deeper root systems.

The drip line system can also be tailored to individual plant and garden needs. The two most common layouts are a grid work pattern, perfect for lawns and a snaking pattern which winds its way around garden beds.

This is pretty much everything you need to build a good irrigation system. Every system should have a filter and an automatic flush valve to take out any dirt or debris from your water supply so that the drippers do not block up. You will also need a pressure reducing valve to reduce pressure on the system and a timer if you want to keep plants automatically watered.

Because it is inconspicuous, it is also a good idea to use a Line Indicator Flag, a simple device that raises and lowers as your drip system turns on and off.

Micro-drip irrigation is the most efficient way to water your garden and it is adaptable to pots, hanging baskets, window boxes, lawns and gardens. Just the right amount is delivered straight to the root zone which means optimum growth and performance even in the driest conditions.

Netafim Head Office

213 - 217 Fitzgerald Road
Laverton North
Victoria 3026

Phone: +61 3 9369 8777
Fax: +61 3 9369 3865

Email: netinfo@netafim.com.au

www.netafim.com.au

Reece Irrigation
www.reece.com.au/irrigation