The History and Evolution of Irrigation Techniques Irrigation has been a cornerstone of agricultural development since the dawn of civilization. As societies transitioned from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming communities, the need to manage water resources efficiently became paramount. This blog explores the fascinating history and evolution of irrigation techniques, tracing their journey from ancient innovations to modern advancements. Ancient Beginnings: The Birth of Irrigation The earliest known irrigation systems date back to ancient Mesopotamia, around 6000 BCE. The Sumerians, living ..read more

by Stuart Spaulding — CLIA Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Training & Communications Manager at DIG Corp.   1. Optimize Your Microtubing: A Sunlit Solution for Easy Installation Uncoil and lay down the ½” and the ¼” microtubing on the ground or pavement in direct sunlight and leave it there for 30 to 60 minutes. Secure it to the ground in a straight line and the heat will help reduce the tubing tendency to re-coil; this will make it easier to cut the tubing & install the fittings. Drip Irrigation Tubing   2. Essential Tools for Drip System Installation Make sure you ha ..read more

by Stuart Spaulding — CLIA Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Training & Communications Manager at DIG Corp. The “Ins and Outs” of Drip Irrigation Manifolds Drip irrigation manifolds, also known as multi-port emitters or low-volume bubblers, have been specifically engineered for landscape irrigation, catering to the connection of ¼” micro-tubing (or dripline) to a ½” male pipe thread riser. These specialized products offer versatility in design and function, finding application in various scenarios, notably in new PVC pipe-based low-volume irrigation systems or the conversion of existi ..read more

by Stuart Spaulding — CLIA Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Training & Communications Manager at DIG Corp. The “Ins and Outs” of Drip Irrigation Manifolds Drip irrigation manifolds, also known as multi-port emitters or low-volume bubblers, have been specifically engineered for landscape irrigation, catering to the connection of ¼” micro-tubing (or dripline) to a ½” male pipe thread riser. These specialized products offer versatility in design and function, finding application in various scenarios, notably in new PVC pipe-based low-volume irrigation systems or the conversion of existi ..read more

by Stuart Spaulding — CLIA Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Training & Communications Manager at DIG Corp. Teflon Tape:  Where (& where not) to Use  Before talking about Teflon tape or any thread sealant products used in the domestic irrigation industry, it’s a good idea to be aware of the difference between fittings with “hose” type threads, and those with “pipe” type threads. “Hose” Threads “Hose” threads are the type of threads that are found on a typical garden hose, hose-end timer, Y splitter, hose-end sprinkler, and residential outdoor faucet.  They can be ..read more

by Stuart Spaulding — CLIA Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Training & Communications Manager at DIG Corp.   Starting a Drip Irrigation System from an Anti-siphon Valve Materials needed: 1          ¾” Anti-Siphon Valve (manual or electric) 1          DIG #D54 pressure regulating filter 1          ¾” PVC elbow or TEE (Slip x Thread) 1          DIG #D48 PVC to Poly compression adapter Teflon tape PVC Glue Wrap th ..read more

by Stuart Spaulding — CLIA Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Training & Communications Manager at DIG Corp.   Porous Soaker Hose, Soaker Tape, ¼” Dripline, ½” In-line Emitter Tubing If I were limited to a single suggestion to make to those who are planning and installing drip irrigation systems, it would be this: Keep it simple! Thankfully there are some drip irrigation products available now that make it easier to accomplish this goal- Soaker Tubing.  These products come in several types and sizes, but they are all designed to do one thing- to irrigate the soil and pla ..read more

by Stuart Spaulding, CLIA Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Training & Communications Manager at DIG Corp.   Our suggestion is to use a combination of drip 1/4″ soaker line or misters for large containers and individual drippers for the smaller pots. For larger or longer containers use our 1/4″ soaker line (drip line with .5 GPH dripper every 12″). For smaller pots use 1-2 .5 GPH drippers per pot. First, divide the containers and pots into groups with similar sizes and similar watering needs. It is also advisable to divide containers and pots into groups that are either in full s ..read more

by Stuart Spaulding — CLIA Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Training & Communications Manager at DIG Corp.   Having access to organically grown vegetables has its benefits, but have you ever thought about how digging the soil, watering the plants and keeping the pests away can benefit your mind and body? As beneficial as gardening is to individuals, it also has a significant imprint on the environment. Valuable resources such as drinking water are becoming scarce. With a little landscaping in your backyard or front garden, not only are you benefitting your health but also the en ..read more

by Stuart Spaulding — CLIA Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Training & Communications Manager at DIG Corp.   Preventing Emitter Clogging due to Root Intrusion on Sub-Surface Dripline Systems Dripline manufacturers have developed a variety of methods of dealing with the problem of root intrusion into dripline emitters and tubing, which can be a problem in sub-surface dripline irrigation systems (in turf areas) over time. Some of these manufacturing techniques include impregnating the emitters material with herbicide, imbedding the emitters with a copper compound or copper oxide ..read more