What is the irrigation efficiency minimum for drip irrigation systems?

Drip irrigation systems are renowned for their efficiency in delivering water directly to the root zones of plants, minimizing wastage and evaporation. The minimum irrigation efficiency typically accepted for drip systems is 0.81, or 81%. This figure reflects the best practices established in landscape architecture and water conservation efforts.

Irrigation efficiency measures how much of the water applied to the system is effective for plant use versus how much is lost to runoff, deep percolation beyond the root zone, or evaporation. An 81% efficiency rate indicates that a significant majority of the water applied is beneficial to the crops or plants being irrigated, making it a widely accepted benchmark.

Other potential efficiency measures may be higher (such as 0.85 or 0.90), but these figures represent improved systems or practices rather than the minimum standard. Understanding these benchmarks is crucial for landscape architects and irrigation designers, as they help in selecting suitable systems according to the specific needs of the landscape being designed.