I have 2 ideas, but they are what we call "hot takes" that come from experience rather than research:

1. Fungus. Sprinklers get water on the leaves of plants, which creates an environment for fungal infections. Although, possibly, drip lines can cause fungal infections of roots and soil. Still, drip lines reduce the need for spraying fungicides on crop leaves.

2. Pump power sources. The water pumps for sprinklers can be very large and very energy-intensive. I've seen more petrol powered water pumps for sprinklers than I have for drip lines. Drip lines can even use gravity to transport water from source to soil, whereas sprinklers must spend energy resisting gravity.

Terry Trowbridge

I see your points. Fungus can indeed be a problem with sprinklers because wet leaves are prone to infections. Drip lines, however, mainly wet the soil, reducing the need for leaf fungicides. On the energy front, water pumps for sprinklers are usually more energy-intensive. Drip lines can often work with gravity, which makes them more energy-efficient. According to a study, drip irrigation systems can save up to 30-50% of water compared to sprinklers.

The benefits of drip irrigation are water saving of 50 to 60% over flood irrigation, increased crop yield with improved crop quality, increased crop and soil health, saving in power and labour cost, and community irrigation, crop diversification and protected cultivation is possible. The major challenges of adopting drip irrigation systems are high Initial cost, finance, lack of awareness, technical knowhow, power supply for agriculture, infrastructure challenge, minimum adoption on surface water, maintenance and repair, availability of subsidy.

Whereas a sprinkler irrigation system allows the application of water under high pressure with the help of a pump. It releases water-like rainfall through small-diameter nozzles placed in the pipes. Water is distributed through a system of pipes and sprayed into the air. Therefore, drip irrigation could save more water and money than sprinkler irrigation.

Rohit Kumar

While drip irrigation systems offer significant advantages in water efficiency, crop health, and environmental benefits, they also require careful planning, maintenance, and initial investment. Overcoming these challenges can lead to substantial long-term benefits for farmers in terms of water conservation and improved agricultural productivity.

Choen Krainara

Drip irrigation offers significant benefits like saving 50 to 60% more water compared to flood irrigation, boosting crop yield and quality, and promoting soil and crop health. It also supports community irrigation, crop diversity, and protected farming. However, challenges such as high initial costs, lack of awareness, and technical expertise hinder its widespread adoption. In contrast, sprinkler irrigation uses high-pressure pumps to spray water like rainfall, which is less water-efficient and cost-effective than drip irrigation.

Bhawna Vijay "Drip irrigation saves water by delivering it right to plant roots, cutting waste. It boosts crop growth and cuts down on diseases, which is great for the environment. Farmers need to plan well and keep it maintained, but it pays off big time: less water used means more savings and better harvests in the long run."

Small sprinklers supported on a rod 70 cm above the ground in a garden also work very well.

Congratulations Dr Rohit Kumar

David Athisayam

Laura Baena

Thank you very much Respected scholars for your comments ....

Dear Doctor

Go To

USE AND LIMITATIONS OF SPRINKLAR AND DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEMS IN PAKISTAN

Dr. Muhammad Mehboob Alam, Dr. Muhammad Nawaz Bhutta and Dr. Aftab H. Azhar

Pakistan Engineering Congress, 70th Annual Session Proceedings

[Drip irrigation is a method in which water is supplied to crops at “specific point” usually at the base of the plant. This method uses a network of pipes ending with small emitters to give water to the plant roots. Whereas, sprinkler (or overhead) irrigation is a method of distributing water in pipes under pressure, and spraying it into the air so that it breaks up into small water droplets and falls to the ground like natural rainfall. As pressurized irrigation systems have better uniformity & higher application efficiency; higher crop yields can be obtained with these methods. The drip/sprinkler systems are suitable where traditional surface irrigation methods do not work properly. For example in desert and hilly terrains pressurized systems can work quite satisfactorily (Bhutta & Azhar, 2005). The drip/sprinkler system can also be used with gravity flow where hydraulic head is available, reducing the initial cost. Such locations are available in northern areas, NWFP and Balochistan.]

Sundus F Hantoosh

Thank you very much sir...

Benefits of Drip Irrigation Systems:

Challenges of Drip Irrigation Systems:

It is important to note that the benefits and challenges of adopting drip irrigation systems can vary depending on specific agricultural practices, crop types, and local conditions. Farmers should carefully evaluate their specific needs and resources before deciding on the most suitable irrigation method.

Joon Sy Thank you somuch sir for such a comprehensive review of the discussion....