This range of drip emitters from John Deere Water consists of two-part, easy to open and clean, button online drip emitters with a consistent flow rate at 10 to 20 PSI. The emitters have a unique labyrinth design, with a turbulent flow pattern that provides some resistance to clogging. The emitters are available in .5, 1, and 2 GPH with a 1/4" inlet barb and 1/8” outlet barb. Use this drip emitter to ensure even, consistent water flow on a flat area. The button online drip emitter will discharge the same amount of flow as is rated at the constant suggested operating pressure of 15 PSI. At higher pressure, more flow will be released from the dripper, and at lower pressure, less flow will be released. We recommend installing a filter and a pressure regulator at the beginning of the line with this drip emitter.

Water movement in the soil:
When using drip emitters it is important to select the correct flow rate in order to achieve the right soaked pattern shape. In sandy soil, water tends to drain quickly (gravitational force) with little lateral movement, so applying a higher flow rate over a given time period will produce a wider pattern. Using point source irrigation with .5 GPH drip emitters for one hour will provide a smaller soaked area then using 1 GPH for the same time, due to the soil characteristics.

About drip irrigation sometime known as micro irrigation or trickle irrigation:
Drip irrigation or micro irrigation is the slow application of water directly to the plants' root zone in a predetermined pattern. Drip irrigation can be use to maintain optimum moisture level in the soil at all times that will results in less water lost to the sun and the wind. No water is wasted on non-growth areas, and the root zone is maintained at its ideal moisture level, combining the proper balance of water and air for a very efficient irrigation system. One of the most important features of a drip irrigation system is the creation of a totally new and more favorable root zone environment within the planting. Drip irrigation sustains this environment by using low flow rates to maintain constant soil moisture levels. This encourages better growth and disease resistance by reducing plant stress.

• Installation for Drip Emitters

  To water a diverse selection of plant sizes such as trees, shrubs, bulbs and perennials, the option below can be utilized:

  For maximum system expansion using a single water source, and to better control the system’s total flow rate, use .5 or I GPH (gallons per hour) drip emitters.  We recommend using drip emitters with the same flow rate to resolve the difficulty of irrigating a garden planted with a diversity of plant types and sizes, for example a garden with trees, shrubs, groundcovers, bulbs and perennials installed on the same system. To increase the amount of water applied to larger or thirstier plants, simply add more drippers, at intervals of 12” around the plant. This drip irrigation method provides the plant with a larger soaked area to cover a larger section of the plant root zone. By adjusting irrigation time, the right amount of water can then be applied evenly to all the plants.

  When using drip irrigation it is important to select the correct application rate and spacing in order to achieve the optimum soaked pattern shape. In sandy soil, water tends to drain quickly (gravitational force) with little lateral movement, so applying a higher flow rate over a given time period will produce a wider pattern. (Using point source irrigation with .5 GPH drip emitters for one hour will provide a smaller soaked area then using 1 GPH for the same amount of time due to the soil characteristics.)

   

  ·         Suggested number of drippers per plant:

  o        Vines with spacing of 6’- 8’ use 1 GPH per vine or 2, .5 GPH drip emitters spaced on each side of the vine with 8” to 12” between the drip emitters.

  o        Plants in close spacing: use a 1-GPH dripper every 10" to 12".

  o        Small plants up to 2 feet high spaced a few feet apart: use one 1-GPH dripper per plant.

  o        Plants 2' to 3' high: use 2 1-GPH drippers per plant spaced 12" apart.

  o        Plants 3' to 5' high: use 3 to 4 1-GPH drippers per plant, spaced 12" apart or loop the drip hose around the plant and insert the drippers every 12".

  o        Plant 5' to 7' high: use 4 to 6 1-GPH drippers per plant, spaced 12" apart or loop the drip hose around the plant with the drippers spaced 12” apart.

  How much time to water:  Turn the water on for 45 minutes to 1 hour every two to three days, depending on the drip emitter flow rate, your location and the soil type.  After a week or two check the soil and the health of the plants, and adjust the irrigation time as needed.  If you have an irrigation controller and you need to add more time, adjust the time on the controller or program the controller with additional start-times.

  Note: Katif dripper models D043, D044 and D045 require the use of a punch with a 4mm tip.