A well designed and operated drip irrigation system can provide high water use efficiencies. However, growers may be reluctant to install these systems because of the potentially high maintenance costs caused by clogging.
Dripper blockages can be caused from biological, physical, or mineral (chemical) causes. Surface water sources generally carry more risk of biological or physical blockages, while ground water, with higher mineral content, poses greater risks of mineral clogging hazards.
