Evaluation and Performance Assessment of Five Commonly Used Dripper Models in Micro-Irrigation Systems of Pistachio Orchards

Document Type : Research

Authors

1 Semnan Province Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (Shahroud) – Damghan Pistachio Research Station

2 Semnan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (Shahrood) – Damghan Pistachio Research Station

3 Iran Pistachio Research Institute – Rafsanjan

4 Islamic Azad University, Damghan Branch

10.22092/rhsj.2026.372384.1141

Abstract

Based on the quality characteristics of irrigation water, implementation scale, management and operation practices, and economic analysis of a project, the selection of an appropriate emitter plays a crucial role in the future performance of an irrigation system. Proper selection of spray nozzles or drip lines equipped with diaphragm-type outlet mechanisms, which provide both pressure regulation and self-flushing capability, along with an acceptable manufacturing coefficient of variation, ensures the success of a drip irrigation network. Accordingly, five widely used emitters—both imported and domestically manufactured—that have been applied in drip irrigation systems of pistachio orchards in the region in recent years were selected for evaluation. From each type, 50 unused and new emitters were installed at one-meter intervals on a 16-mm lateral line under constant inlet pressure in order to determine the manufacturing coefficient of variation. Based on the obtained results, the manufacturing coefficients of variation for emitters A, B, C, D, and E were 5/6%, 3/9%, 3/8%, 15%, and 21/1%, respectively. Among these, emitters B and C, classified within the good quality group, showed the most favorable performance. The high manufacturing coefficient of variation observed for emitter E placed it in the unacceptable category, and its use is therefore not recommended. Considering the irrigation water quality conditions in Damghan County and its pistachio-growing areas, long-path emitters are not recommended. It is expected that domestic manufacturers will make greater efforts to improve the quality level of their products in this regard.

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Research in Horticultural Sciences
Volume 4, Issue 2
September 2025
Pages 65-74

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