If you have a garden or lawn, you must water the soil regularly for healthy plant growth. You can either rely on the rains or use irrigation practices for this. Irrigation is the controlled watering of the land to grow crops, make way for landscaping, and create lush green lawns. Here, we discuss the different types of irrigation systems you can choose from and how to install and maintain them so that they work well.

What are the types of irrigation?
There are different types of irrigation systems for different types of land. Here are some of the most popular options in the country:

Surface irrigation
In this type of irrigation, water is distributed across the land through a system of canals, dams, furrows, or basins. It uses gravitational pull instead of relying on mechanical energy. Surface irrigation with basins is suitable for fruit trees, whereas surface irrigation with furrows works well for row crops.

Localized irrigation
In this form of irrigation, water is distributed through a pipe network to each plant. It uses a low-pressure mechanism and has three main categories:

• Drip irrigation:  This irrigation system delivers water at or near the plant roots, helping reduce wastage to evaporation and runoff.
• Micro-sprinkler irrigation:  Here, water is sprayed into the soil near plants or trees using overhead sprinklers.

Center pivot irrigation
Center pivot irrigation is commonly seen in flat lands in our country. It uses a system of sprinklers that move on wheeled towers.

Lateral move irrigation
Here, the water is distributed through a series of pipes with wheels and a set of sprinklers. It is an affordable method but may require more human power, as the water hose needs to be reconnected often.

Sub-irrigation
It is among the most effective forms of irrigation in areas with high water tables. Sub-irrigation relies on raising the underground water level using pumping systems, canals, gates, and ditches.

Manual irrigation
This is the cheapest but most labor-consuming method of irrigation. Here, gardeners use a watering can to hydrate the soil. It requires personal attention and may be appropriate for delicate plants.

How to install irrigation systems?
Irrigation is ideal for larger lawns, especially during the hotter months. Here are some things to keep in mind during the irrigation installation process:

Plan well
Installing an irrigation system requires a lot of planning. You must divide your lawn into zones and strategically place sprinkler heads to conserve as much water as possible throughout the year.

Remove the sod
The sod must be sliced off before digging a hole for your irrigation system. Once done, it can be placed back so your lawn does not look patchy in certain areas.

Place the pipe correctly
Instead of digging trenches, it is easier to pull polyethylene pipes through the soil. However, avoid tree roots, and aim for a ten-inch depth. Also, do not pull spliced pipes, as they may fall apart underground. If you need clarification about placing the pipes in your lawn, hire a professional irrigation installation company.

Carry out digging and boring carefully
Hand-dig around areas with utility pipes to avoid unforeseen damage as you set up your system. You may also need to rent a horizontal boring machine or plow to dig under a sidewalk or driveway.

Do not cut the pipes with a saw
Instead of a saw, use a poly pipe cutter. It helps achieve a clean cut and reduces the risk of clogging due to the plastic shavings.

Use double clamps on the main lines
The main lines handle a large amount of water pressure, and double-clamping can help keep them sturdy and secure.

Buy self-tapping fittings
Traditional irrigation fittings can be tough to install underground. Instead, use self-tapping or saddle fittings to set up your irrigation system quicker.

Invest in a smart controller
A mechanized irrigation system isn’t free of faults. It may cause over-watering at times. To minimize this risk, get a smart controller that can track temperature, sunlight, and other weather conditions, to manage your watering schedule better.

Once you install an irrigation system, you must maintain it so it works well. The best way to care for the system is to clean the pipes. Dirt and debris can block the irrigation channels, resulting in inadequate water flow. You must also protect the pipes from natural elements, like rust and freezing.

How to repair irrigation systems?
No matter how much you care for your irrigation setup, it will get damaged with use. Sprinkler systems usually require the most frequent repairs. Some irrigation repair tasks you may have to perform are replacing sprinkler heads, repairing low water pressure, and replacing leaky pipes.

While you can carry out minor irrigation system fixes yourself, hiring a professional irrigation repair company is advisable for complex jobs. Given their skill, training, and experience, irrigation repair contractors can help you identify and fix problems in your system that may often go unnoticed.