Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation, sometimes known as trickle irrigation, drips water at a controlled rate to the base of a plant, through a network of plastic tubing and valves. Drip irrigation has been used on a small scale for centuries. It has been developed on a commercial scale in Israel, and is now used worldwide. It has contributed significantly to Israel's water resources.

• It saves water, especially in arid climates, and reduces evaporation and runoff.
• It promotes plant growth.
• It reduces the need for fertiliser.
• It can be used in uneven fields, of any shape.
• It reduces weeds and soil erosion.
• It reduces labour costs.

• Initial cost.
• Filtering is needed to prevent clogging.
• Skilled installation and operation is required.

See also desalination and the Red Sea/Dead Sea project.