Soil Variability Drip irrigation is able to localize the amount of water needed for a specific soil. As clay has a higher water-holding capacity, it needs less wetting than low capacity sand. Therefore, expansive uniform wetting will result in inconsistent infiltration of various soil types which will then cause runoff and erosion. Drip irrigation is effective in most soils. Organic Matter in Soil Organic materials hold a reciprocal relationship with soil moisture.
Plant growth increases soil-water capacity.
Presence of Salinity in Soil Salinity can have an adverse effect on soil structure. The emitter increases water force to flush out Na from the immediate root zone. Drip Fertigation Drip fertigation is the application of fertilizer through the emitter. It is an efficient technique to supply nutrients and reduce leaching. However, concentration of nutrients can change chemical balance of root zone.