What is Labyrinth Dripline?

Single Wing Labyrinth Type Dripline Irrigation

Also known as maze dripline, labyrinthe dripline or Single-Wing Drip

Single-wing labyrinth drip irrigation tape is dripline without emitters. It has a labyrinth pattern shaped/pressed into the side (wing) of the tape, which controls flow and acts as a channel, after which dripper holes are punched into the drip, allowing for the same action as dripline irrigation, with less parts required.

How does Labyrinth Dripline work?

How Labyrinth Dripline works is easy! 

The turbulence caused by the labyrinth path (the zig-zag bits) create friction that ensures the specified l/h emission @ 1 BAR. At least, under the max lateral length

What are the specifications of this Labyrinth Dripline?

BAR Range Operating Pressure: 0.5 - 1
Compatible Fittings: Ring Type (Find them here!)
Roll length: 2000m
Outside Diameter: 16mm
Wall Thickness of pipe: 0.15mm*
cm Spacing between drippers: 30cm
l/h Drippers: 3
Max Lateral Length per line: 72m**

*W/T is the Wall Thickness; i.e. how thick the wall of the pipes are. ** Max Lateral Length per line determined at 1 BAR pressure and flat, even conditions. Please note: We recommend the use of a filter with this system, as particles will cause wear-and-tear on inner walls of pipe. 

Definitions of Dripline / Drip Tape

Dripline Irrigation

Also known as dripper lines, drip tape irrigation or trickle irrigation

An irrigation method or system that delivers water directly to the root zone of the crop, in the form of single water droplets. The emitters on the inner walls determine the litres per hour. This method keeps roots moist, but not soaked, all while using less water than other irrigation techniques.

Drip Tape

Also known as disposable drip or seasonal drip

Drip tape is a thin drip irrigation product. Afriq Drip manufactures 0.20mm Wall Thickness drip tapes. All drip tape is dripline, but not all dripline is drip tape.

Wall Thickness

Shortened to W/T

The thickness of the dripline walls, in mm.

Inside Diameter

Shortened to ID

The measurement from one side of the pipe to the other, on the inside, in mm.

Outside Diameter

Shortened to OD

The measurement from one side of the pipe to the other, on the outside, in mm.

Flow Rate

@ 1 BAR (Recommended)

The litres of water emitted by the emitters in a certain time, normally 1 hour.

Emitters

Determines your flow rate

A small plastic device, used to control the flow rate and litres per hour of water (measured @ 1 BAR) from the system to the emitter hold, welded to the inner walls of the dripline pipe during manufacturing. The design of each litre per hour emitter is unique, engineered to obstruct and control the movement of water to deliver a precise, accurate flow rate.

Emitter Spacing

Available from 20 - 120 cm

The distance between two emitters, repeated across a roll of dripline.

Blanco Dripline

Dripline without emitters, simply called a Blanco Pipe.

Area Covered

The surface area that can be irrigated with the system; subject to area design.

What is Non-PC?

Non-Pressure Compensating Dripline Irrigation

The economic, affordable dripline range that will increase your yields

Non-Pressure Compensating dripline irrigation is made with a standard dripline emitter without all of the bells and whistles. Non-PC does not have anti-clogging abilities, and where PC Dripline is ideal for fields with slopes and contours, Non-PC will distribute water unevenly when slopes get too extreme. Worry not! Non-PC is still super good to have in your arsenal, since fields without contours really don't need PC drip and thus most farmers don't have to shell out thousands for a dripline range they don't really need.
We'll be adding Pressure Compensating dripline irrigation to our shop, soon!

Do the emitters come pre-installed / should I add it?

Pre-Installed Emitters

Afriq Water manufactures driplines with pre-installed emitters, meaning that the emitters are melted to the inner walls of the dripline spaced evenly apart at the specified interval, as made when ordering, during the manufacturing process.

Dripline Benefits

Up to 50% water saved

Lower water consumption with limited water waste and evaporation. Water is delivered directly to the root zone or soil of the crop, where it will have less evaporation as it is almost immediately absorbed into the soil, and protected from the sun.

Up to 30% crop increases

This statistic is according to the FAO - Source to follow. BUT - Truly, the proof is in the pudding and it's one of those things where it truly can be seen in before and afters. Source: (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) - The FAO reports that more efficient irrigation, like drip irrigation, can directly increase productivity by ensuring crops receive the right amount of water at the right time..

Ideal for almost all crops

Most crops will appreciate the nature of drip, as it keeps their leaves from sitting in mucky water. Certain tree crops can be irrigated with Afriq Drip, but Afriq Drip is only manufactured up to 120cm, so be aware of your tree spacing.

Prevents diseases

By reducing water contact with plants' leaves, stems, and fruits; diseases like mildew and rot will not grow on crops as easily as flood or sprinkler irrigation.

High quality crop yields

Consistent, regular applications of water and essential nutrients to the crop will increase crop yields greatly.

Ease of use

Super easy to install, use and dismantle - truly a plug-and-play system that with a little input can increase your yield significantly.

Reduced weed growth

Does not irrigate spaces between beds (depending on soil type, etc.) and will reduce water given to unnecessary and harmful weeds.

Gravity-fed system

Depending on slope of land, if water source is above the crop, the system can work at such a low pressure that gravity-fed systems are possible.

Less seeping

Efficient use of fertilizer, fungicide, and insecticide with no seeping - what you see going into the soil is water being used.

Uniform irrigation

On most topography- and soil types, with precise water distribution

Dripline vs. Flood/Sprinkler Irrigation

Dripline

Dripline irrigation offers a steady, consistent application of water and nutrients to help plants grow fast and plentiful, without the danger of under or overwatering.

Flood Irrigation

Flood irrigation often floods fields once every few days. Crops suffer bouts of drought that stunt their growth and quality with these systems, followed by watering that drowns them and deprives them of essential oxygen, often leading to root rot.

Is this Dripline Wall Thickness right for me?

Yes! If you have lime in your water or you're just starting out. This isn't made to last years, but it'll get you started cheaply and effectively.

Is 3 l/h right for me?

The litres per hour emitters you choose for your dripline is totally determined by the crop’s needs. If, for example, 3 litres an hour (our most popular choice) is too much water per session, watering times can be customised to the needs of the farmer. Some crops, like Saffron, need very little water, whereas other crops like berries needs lots of water.

Is this 30cm dripper spacing right for me?

Determined by the crop and the seedling supplier, as different crops require different spacings between them. Cabbage and watermelon will have different spacings, so use the spacing required for your crop. If 30 cm doesn't work for you - NO STRESS! We have lots of dripline options available :)

How long should I irrigate for?

Because dripline delivers water directly to the soil and forms a bubble of water under the ground, it's difficult to determine how much water the plants are actually getting. By using the mm/hour required for each crop variety, farmers can ensure sufficient irrigation to their crops. The irrigation time can be determined by dividing the required gross crop water requirement with the appropriate application rate.

How can I ensure sufficient irrigation in my field?

Choosing the Spacing between Your Dripline Lines

Take into consideration soil wetting patterns

For the purposes of general calculations, a conservative wetting pattern in a medium soil (orange line) is assumed with a wetting diameter of 800 mm. It is recommended that at least a third (30%) of the area should be wetted during irrigation in order to provide sufficient soil water capacity and to stimulate root development. The spacing and number of driplines are determined by the crop row spacing and the required wetted area. Normally a single dripline will be sufficient, however it may be necessary for a second line where the surface area is not wetted sufficiently due to various factors. With coarse soils the percentage wetted areas will be less. Bigger wetted areas can be expected in fine textured soils.

Typical crop row and dripline line spacings with tractors

The spacing between dripline lines may vary between 1400 mm and 1600 mm depending on the size of the tractor used, if at all.