Which Type of Irrigation Loses the Most Water to Evaporation?
Almost every sprinkler system design loses water via evaporation, runoff, or overwatering, and to date, there is no one that is considered 100% efficient. Sprinklers, drip irrigation, watering cans, and hoses are the most common methods used in home gardens and yards. Sprinklers often lose water to evaporation, this is because they spray water through the air and spread over a wide area, however, other factors can affect evaporation rates. Gardeners can reduce this through irrigation timing, mulching, and other methods.
Sprinkler Irrigation
Sprinklers can often waste anywhere between 30 – 50% of water through evaporation and other factors. Water from sprinklers usually evaporates before it even reaches the ground. Sprinklers will also cause runoff and apply water where it is not needed. To reduce this wastage, irrigate with sprinklers only when your soil is dry so water will soak in immediately, or, install soil moisture sensors if your system is automatic. Rain sensors will stop systems from turning on during or after heavy rainfall. Sprinklers though are a poor choice when dealing with vegetable gardens and bedding plants, as they encourage leaf diseases.
Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation devices will sit on the surface and don’t spray, this reduces evaporation. The likes of drip tape, soaker hoses, and networks of mainline tubing and emitters are all types of drip irrigation. Water will seep out of soaker hoses and drip tape via a fibrous material or small holes, and the emitters drip water at a certain rate. Systems work through automatic timers or manually, and can be up to 90% water efficient. To reduce evaporation from the surface, spread a 3-inch layer of coarse mulch, just do not use garden compost and other fine mulches, as they can block the drip irrigation holes.
If you would like to make an appointment to discuss sprinkler system design, please contact TLC Irrigation at (817) 754-4260 now, if you live in the Joshua, TX region.