PIKETON, Ohio — Drip irrigation can certainly boost one’s on-farm profits. More importantly, during drought times like these, drip irrigation can save a crop.

“Drip irrigation is an insurance against periods of dry weather or drought like we are currently experiencing in part of Ohio,” said Ohio State University Extension horticulturist Brad Bergefurd. “Specialty crops are such short-lived crops that they cannot go without the necessary one inch of water per week or else quality or yield will be lost.”

Bergefurd was the featured presenter last week during a three-hour workshop at OSU South Centers in Piketon, Ohio. There Bergefurd discussed drip irrigation techniques, implementation and management. A large gathering of specialty fruit and vegetable crop producers were in attendance to gain a better understanding of how drip irrigation.

Many were there seeking another way to assist their drought-stressed crops. Perfect timing for Bergefurd’s topic since the majority of Ohio is experiencing moderate drought, with areas in the western and northwest areas of the state near the Indiana border experiencing severe drought, this according to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor.

“Growers who grow specialty crops can have more than $10,000 per acre invested in a crop before their first harvest,” said Bergefurd, whose workshop showcased an irrigation demonstration unit complete with 15 different system components. “Irrigation is insurance that the crop will be successful.”

Bergefurd talked about the benefits of drip irrigation, what parts are needed for such a system, what water sources work, how to install a drip irrigation system, how to fertilize with drip irrigation and the importance of drip irrigation scheduling. In addition to the irrigation demonstration unit, Bergefurd demonstrated basic trickle irrigation set-up and operations management.

Bergefurd said that the drip irrigation technology uses drip stocks, drip tape, multiple outlet drippers and streamline drip tubing that not only waters plant foliage but also targets plant roots. Unlike traditional overhead irrigation, this system is suited for small parcels of land and high tunnel systems, as well as nursery and greenhouses, hydroponics and fruit production, such as plasticulture strawberries.

“The drip irrigation technology has the ability to reduce water consumption up to 50 percent compared to overhead irrigation systems,” he said. “Some of the technology uses a very small flow rate, .16 to .24 gallons per hour. The technology uses water more efficiently and spreads water more uniformly so there is no waste. It puts all the water right where the crop needs it most.”

Researchers at OSU South Centers in Piketon established the drip irrigation research and education unit, in partnership with the Ohio-Israel Agricultural Initiative of The Negev Foundation, to evaluate new irrigation technology.

Israel is a world leader in agricultural technology with special expertise in irrigation, Bergefurd said. As the country presents unique climate and soil challenges, Israel’s agriculture specialists have developed advanced processes and technology for farming.

“Drip irrigation allows farmers to efficiently irrigate crops by optimizing water flow rates and targeting plant roots that result in enhanced production, water conservation, reduction of fertilizer usage, and elimination of water runoff and ground water contamination with an economic advantage to the farmer,” Bergefurd said. “This could be useful for Ohio growers.”