With an eye toward helping farmers deal with water shortages and pumping restrictions, T-L Irrigation Co. is teaming with Netafim, Inc., a world leader in drip irrigation products, in introducing a new version of T-L’s unique Precision Mobile Drip Irrigation (PMDI) system.

According to Dave Thom, vice-president of sales at T-L, the PMDI technology combines the benefits of T-L’s hydrostatically powered center pivot irrigation systems with the efficiency of drip irrigation for total water efficiency that approaches 95 percent.

“Universally available for all new or used pivot or linear irrigation systems, PMDI features in-line driplines spaced at 60-inch intervals that are pulled through the field by a center pivot or lateral move irrigation system,” says Thom, noting that lines can also be spaced at 30- or 40-inch intervals. “As the hoses are pulled behind the system, emitters, spaced every six inches, deliver an even water pattern across the full length of the pivot or linear system.”

“In effect, producers gain the flexibility of a center pivot, while utilizing drip irrigation efficiency.” he continues. “Most importantly, it provides a water saving solution for customers who are faced with water restrictions or deficit irrigation. Because the drip lines do not put the water out in the air, the evaporation and wind drift associated with traditional sprinklers is virtually eliminated, putting more water directly onto the soil surface.”

Even though T-L patented and introduced PMDI for the first time about 10 years ago, T-L decided to partner with Netafim, Inc., to provide a new, improved version, which addresses the current growing interest in water conservation related to drought and dropping water tables.

“Although PMDI does require some additional management, user experience has shown this factor to be far outweighed by the benefits of improved watering efficiency. Plus, producers have experienced reduction in wheel track problems since the PMDI drip lines emit water behind the pivot wheels, which then are running on dry ground,” Thom adds. “PMDI also works well for crops such as tomatoes and vegetables that are traditionally watered at surface level to avoid disease or crop damage.”

For more information on the T-L Precision Mobile Drip Irrigation system (PMDI), call T-L Irrigation Company at 800-330-4264, visit the T-L website at www.tlirr.com.