No serious introduction to drip irrigation would be complete without a look at the disadvantages associated with its use:

• The soft poly tubing can be susceptible to damage from insects, rodents, and household pets.

• A filter is required to guard against potential clogging of the very small water passages of the drippers and micro sprinklers.

• You cannot see a drip system working as you can a conventional sprinkler system.

• Drip irrigation creates a smaller wetted area, so control is more critical in replacing the water used by the plant to avoid stress.