Rain Pipe Irrigation: Cost Effective Alternative to Drip

Farming has evolved over the years, but not every farmer can afford a full drip irrigation system. 

The drip and sprinkler systems that have replaced the traditional flood irrigation are all driven by the very idea of better water use and higher yield results. The revolutions come one after another in this order. Each new system is supposed to be more water-efficient than the previous one. 

Rain pipe irrigation is an affordable, simple, and effective alternative, giving farmers the ability to “create rainfall” for their fields whenever needed. 

What is Rain Pipe Irrigation?

Rain pipe irrigation is a system of irrigating crops in which water is sprayed in very minute drops similar to rain. Unlike the drip system where emitters or drippers are used, in this system, flat pipes with tiny holes are used which sprinkle water evenly on the field. 

You can call it artificial rain - one which is controlled, uniform, and is at the disposal of your crops when they need it. Rain pipes are usually made of high-quality polyethylene (PE) and come in various lengths and diameters to suit different farm sizes. 

The pipe thus becomes a water distributor in the stretch when connected to the water source. These irrigation methods are very effective to the crops like wheat, maize, vegetables, pulses, groundnut, and cotton, that grow vigorously under sprinkler irrigation. 

Benefits of Using Rain Pipe Irrigation on Your Farm

Farmers often notice visible improvements in the first season itself. The emphasis is not only on the money that is saved but on making the irrigation work simpler, quicker, and more effective as well.

Some of the benefits include: 

Cost Effective Set Up

Installing a rain pipe irrigation system is much more affordable compared to drip or sprinkler systems. There is no need for expensive emitters or a complicated network of pipes. Just the main rain pipe and a couple of accessories are enough to start working.

This is the perfect way for small and medium-sized farmers to take advantage of the modern water supply system without spending a large amount of money.

Easy Installation and Use

The pipe should be installed in the field, the connection made to the water source which can be a borewell or a tank, and then one can start irrigating.

The compact design allows one to easily move it from one location to the other. So, if you have several plots, the same system can be used on all - making a double saving of both money and time.

Uniform Water Distribution

Fairly small perforated holes line each pipe which enables the water to be evenly sprayed, just like a normal rainfall. Such a water supply, which is uniform in nature, keeps the plants hydrated which is the reason why there are no dry or excessively watered patches.

That is to say, irrigation that is both healthy and even will lead to the production of good and quality crops.

Saves Time and Labor

In a traditional irrigation system, it usually takes the farmers a lot of time to manage either the water channel or the pumps. Pipes are the most suitable systems for rained water as they save time. After connection, all you have to do is turn on the water and the system will take care of the rest.

It is through such a method that a person with one hand can water a very large area without any manual intervention.This feature exploits the seasons of cropping when the farmer is very busy to the maximum.

Ideal for Different Crops and Soil Types

The rain pipe method of irrigation is compatible with any soil type ranging from the sandy to loamy ones and can be used to grow different types of crops. It does not matter if you are the grower of pulses, cereals, or vegetables, it is the one that maintains the required amount of water with consideration to the different plant requests.

Moreover, it can be an excellent choice for uneven and sloped fields as it outperforms the traditional flood irrigation.

Reduces Water Wastage

Rain pipe projects consume less water than flood irrigation. Because the water is sprayed directly onto the plants and in a controlled manner, there is barely any runoff or evaporation. It is one of the most water-saving methods for regions that are suffering from drought.

How to Install a Rain Pipe Irrigation System

Step-by-step, the simple and easy rain pipe irrigation system can be installed as follows:

• Pick the Right Hose: By choosing the length and diameter of the pipe you will decide the size that is going to be suitable for your farm. Generally, the diameter of the pipe ranges between 32 mm and 75 mm.
• Establish the Main Line: The main pipe is laid along the field from where the water will be drawn to your source.
• Attach the Rain Pipes: Connectors or couplers can be used to bond rain pipes with the main line.
• Make a Connection to the Water Source: The pipe has to be secured to a motor, borewell, or tank. A filter can be installed to prevent blockage caused by dust or mud.
• Inspect the Nozzle: The spray pattern should be checked when the water supply is started. The pressure can be adjusted if the spray is not at the desired level.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Rain Pipe Irrigation Systems

Maintenance is not difficult, but as is the case with all systems, regular maintenance will be beneficial for your rain pipe system in the long run:

• Change filters to keep them clean and avoid clogging.
• Rinse the pipes with water after each few uses to get rid of the dust and algae buildup.
• Keep pipes in good condition when not using them. Make sure they are out of the way of any sharp objects or pets.
• Do not use high-pressure water as it can damage the holes.
• Take a look at the joints and connectors to see if there is any leakage and then repair them immediately.

A rain pipe with proper care can easily last 4-5 years, meaning one can get a steady irrigation supply for 4-5 seasons.

Cost Analysis: Is Rain Pipe Irrigation Truly Affordable?

Indeed - this is the main reason why farmers love it.

Price varies depending on the brand and quality of the material. However, a rain pipe irrigation system is typically 40-60% cheaper than drip systems. Just to give you an idea, the cost of irrigating one acre is Rs.6,000 - Rs. 10,000 for a rain pipe setup, whereas it is Rs. 20,000 or more for drip irrigation.

Moreover, the operating expenses are also low since the system requires less maintenance and there are no costly parts that need to be changed. On top of that, the savings in water and time accumulate rapidly which is a great help to farmers for recovering the initial investment within one or two seasons.

Conclusion 

The water efficient system is spreading its popularity among the farmers that are suffering from the shortage of the water and the high costs of electricity. Moreover, by giving a cost-effective, protective, and resource-saving method, rain pipe irrigation not only enhances the quantity of crops but also increases the long-term savings. It is a practical upgrade - a clever method of bringing natural rain-like effect on your agriculture that can be used any time you want.