Drip tape is a thin-walled, flexible tubing designed for seasonal use, typically in row crop applications. This irrigation method offers high water use efficiency, delivering moisture directly to the plant root zone with minimal loss to evaporation or runoff. Its cost-effectiveness and ease of setup make it a popular choice for growers seeking a more sustainable watering solution than overhead sprinklers. Unlike permanent drip lines, drip tape is intended for temporary installation, providing precise water management in annual vegetable gardens and small farms.
Essential Components and Head Assembly Setup
The first step in any drip tape system involves assembling the head unit, which connects the water source to the mainline distribution tubing. This assembly is responsible for protecting the narrow emitters in the tape from damage and clogging. It begins with a backflow preventer.
Immediately following the backflow preventer, a filter is required to remove particulate matter that could clog the tiny drip tape emitters. A screen or disc filter with a mesh size of at least 120, and preferably 150, is recommended to capture fine sediment and debris. The system then requires a pressure regulator to reduce the pressure to the low operational pressure required by drip tape. Drip tape is thin-walled and operates best at a very low pressure, typically between 8 and 15 pounds per square inch (PSI), to prevent bursting or uneven flow.
Finally, the assembly connects to the mainline tubing, often a larger diameter polyethylene hose or layflat tubing. This mainline acts as the primary water highway, running perpendicular to the crop rows.
Planning the Layout and Mainline Connection
Effective installation begins with careful planning of the row layout to match the drip tape specifications. Determine the length and spacing of the crop rows, which dictates the total length of drip tape required. This information is necessary to calculate the total flow rate in gallons per hour (GPH) that the system will demand.
The total GPH is calculated by multiplying the flow rate of the drip tape by the total length of all rows, which confirms the capacity of the water source and mainline. The mainline tubing is then laid out along the head of the rows, connecting directly to the head assembly. This mainline must be sized correctly to handle the calculated flow rate without excessive pressure loss.
Once the mainline is in place, specialized punch tools are used to create small holes into the side of the tubing where each drip tape row will begin. These holes accommodate the barbed connectors that will bridge the mainline to the drip tape. Punching the holes before connecting the tape allows for a quick final flush of the mainline to remove any plastic shavings or debris.
Installing and Securing the Drip Tape Lines
With the mainline prepared, the process of unrolling and connecting the drip tape can begin. The tape should be carefully unspooled down the length of each row. It is important to ensure the tape is laid with the emitter side facing upward, as this orientation helps reduce the likelihood of sediment settling and clogging the emitters.
A row start connector is then inserted into the pre-punched hole in the mainline and connected to the beginning of the drip tape line. The tape is pushed securely over the barbed end of the connector to create a watertight seal.
The end of each drip tape line must be closed off to maintain pressure within the system. A common method is to fold the last few inches of the tape back on itself several times and then secure the fold with a short piece of cut drip tape, acting as a sleeve. Alternatively, specially designed end caps or crimp tools can be used for a more secure closure. The tape should be lightly secured against wind or movement, either by burying it slightly beneath the soil surface or by placing wire stakes every few feet along the row.
Final Checks, Flushing, and Storage
After all the drip tape lines are installed and secured, the system must be thoroughly flushed to clear out any remaining debris. Before sealing the ends of the tape, turn on the water source and allow the water to run through the open ends of the lines until it runs completely clear.
Once the water runs clean, the ends of the lines can be permanently closed using the chosen method. The system can then be pressurized, allowing for a final inspection to check for any leaks at the connection points or along the tape itself. At the end of the growing season, the tape should be drained completely, rolled up, and stored in a sheltered location away from direct sunlight to maximize its lifespan for reuse.