Dripline (also known in the market as tape, integrated-dripper pipe, or drip-irrigation hose) is one of the key components of localized irrigation systems. These pipes distribute water and nutrient solutions at a low, controlled discharge adjacent to the root zone, dramatically increasing water-use efficiency. Under water scarcity and climate variability, Iranian agriculture must adopt technologies that turn every drop into maximum yield; dripline stands at the forefront of these solutions.
Concise history of dripline development
- 1960s: Linear polyethylene pipes with external drippers invented in Israel
- 1980s: Introduction of in-line drippers with spiral (turbulent) labyrinths to reduce clogging
- 2000s: Production of thin-wall tape for seasonal crops at lower cost
- 2010s onward: Emergence of pressure-compensating (PC) and anti-siphon drippers for sloped land and subsurface systems
Raw materials and manufacturing standards
The body of most driplines is made from UV-resistant linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The global reference standard ISO 9261 sets the following minimums:
- Wall-thickness uniformity: ±10%
- Dripper opening rate: ≥ 95%
- Coefficient of variation (CV) of discharge in lab conditions: ≤ 5%
Types of dripline by wall thickness and application
- Thin wall (0.15–0.4 mm): Suitable for seasonal vegetables; service life 1–2 seasons.
- Medium wall (0.6–0.9 mm): For young orchards and multi-year fields with shallow burial.
- Thick wall (1.0–1.5 mm): Subsurface systems, pistachio and citrus orchards; service life over 10 years.
Table 1 – Nominal flow capacity vs. pipe diameter and operating pressure
| Outside diameter (mm) | Recommended operating pressure (bar) | Max length of one lateral (m) | Approx. total discharge along length (L h⁻¹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 0.8–1.2 | 120 | 240–320 |
| 20 | 1.0–1.5 | 160 | 420–560 |
| 22 | 1.2–1.8 | 200 | 600–780 |
| 25 | 1.4–2.0 | 240 | 800–1 000 |
Design and selection parameters
- Inlet pressure: The allowable range for each pipe is listed on the manufacturer’s data sheet. Use PC models for sloped fields.
- Water quality: Hardness, suspended solids, and biological load directly affect clogging; design must include an appropriate screen or disc filter.
- Emitter spacing: 20 cm for root vegetables; 50–100 cm for fruit trees.
- Emitter flow (1–8 L h⁻¹): A function of soil texture and crop water demand. Heavy soils require lower flow rates.
Table 2 – Recommended emitter spacing by crop type
| Crop group | Emitter spacing (cm) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Leafy vegetables (spinach, lettuce) | 20–25 | Shallow roots; need uniform moisture |
| Warm-season vegetables (tomato, eggplant) | 25–30 | Lighter soils; lower plant density |
| Vineyards and olives | 60–80 | Higher drought tolerance |
| Citrus and pistachio | 50–100 | Depends on tree age and soil texture |
Installation methods
- Surface: The simplest; pipe lies on the soil or under mulch. Common for short-term row crops.
- Shallow-buried (5–10 cm): Reduces evaporation and mechanical damage; requires stronger filtration.
- Deep subsurface (30–40 cm): Used in perennial forages; reduces algae and kinking; automatic flushing is essential.
Maintenance and troubleshooting
- Periodic line flushing by increasing discharge at each lateral end at least once a month.
- Acid or chlorine injection based on water-test results to dissolve carbonate scale and control microbes.
- Pressure monitoring with a gauge at the block inlet; a pressure drop greater than 0.3 bar indicates clogging.
- Winterization: Fully drain water and leave line ends open in cold regions to prevent bursting.
Recent innovations
- Bio-Protect drippers with bio-based anti-algae coatings for organic farms.
- Blue-Line Recycled pipes with 30% recycled polymer; certified reduced carbon footprint.
- In-line IoT sensors that send distribution uniformity (DU) metrics to the farmer’s phone every 24 hours.
Economic components
Pipe price depends on unit weight, dripper complexity, and polyethylene resin price fluctuations. When comparing quotations, pay attention to net weight, percentage of virgin polymer, and roll length. Installation costs (trenching, fittings, filtration equipment) can account for up to 40% of total investment, yet most farms achieve payback within 2–3 cropping seasons.
The Tamam Baha online store, as an authorized supplier of irrigation equipment, offers a wide range of driplines—from thin-wall tape to pressure-compensating models—from reputable domestic and international brands. With takeoff estimation, hydraulic design, and technical support, it makes selection and commissioning straightforward and low-risk for farmers and orchardists in English-speaking markets.
