At irrihydrosol we focus on providing the best irrigation systems in Kenya. We offer a variety of systems which include drip irrigation, sprinkler, and furrow irrigation. We supply irrigation materials and install customized systems based on crop type, terrain, water availability, location, and the farmer’s budget. The write up helps you;
- Identify the most suitable system for your crops.
- Choose a budget friendly system.
- Address irrigation questions bothering farmers in Kenya.
Types of Irrigation Systems offered at Irrihydrosol
Overview of Irrigation Methods
Modern irrigation equipment Kenya includes several proven systems, each designed for specific crop types, terrain conditions, and water availability. The main categories include:
- Drip Irrigation Systems – Most water-efficient
- Sprinkler Irrigation Systems – Ideal for broadcast crops
- Furrow Irrigation – Traditional row crop method
- Basin Irrigation – Suitable for specific applications
1. Drip Irrigation Systems
We offer drip systems for vegetables, and button drippers for fruit and banana trees. Both methods are efficient in water application since they deliver water directly to the crop root. In fact, drip systems can increase a farmer’s water efficiency by up to 70% and reduce energy costs by 50% and boost production.
i) Vegetable drip irrigation systems in Kenya
Drip irrigation system is especially ideal where water is scarce and administration of nutrients is of great importance. Water and soluble nutrients are administered directly to the roots through a method called fertigation. The method is especially applied but not limited to vegetable and flower farming. Below are examples of crops that perform well with the method.
Vegetables:
- Cumbers, tomatoes and pepper which especially benefit from the fertigation process provided by drip irrigation.
- Beans, carrots and melons are also known to perform well with the method.
- Broccoli, cabbages cauliflower performs well with drip irrigation.
Flowers:
Drip irrigation is an effective and accurate way to irrigate flowers like, Alstroemeria, Gypsophila Eryngiums, Lilies and Statice among other flowering plants
ii) Button drippers in Kenya
Button drippers, also referred to as emitters are popular components of drip irrigation known to deliver water directly to the base of a of a tree plant. Similar to the vegetable system, fertigation units are added to the system. This is a drip irrigation system suited to irrigate trees or crops which are much spaced. Depending on the size of the crop, one or more buttons may be installed per tree. Examples of such crops include:
Tree fruits and Orchards:
- Button drippers are used to grow fruit tress like avocados, mangos and bananas with the capability to deliver water near or directly to the roots. gardens especially when growing crops that may contract diseases when water is applied directly to the leaves.
Plantations and Orchards
- Plantation crops that can profit from drip irrigation include tea, coffee, and rubber trees especially where methods like sprinkler may not be effective due to water scarcity.
- Orchards and small gardens utilize the method to compact diseases associated with other methods of irrigation.
We supply and install customized irrigation systems based on crop type, terrain, water availability, location, and the farmer’s budget. Below,
This is an irrigation system that is suited for broadcasted crops or where the field has mixed crops. Water is propagated uniformly over the ground imitating the rainfall. This is a suitable option when there is plenty of water e.g. from a river, pond, or borehole. Water is pumped directly to the field without requiring secondary storage. The design of a sprinkler system requires much information from the ground to establish the most economical design with a proper irrigation schedule. At irriydrosol, we offer various types of sprinklers which include impact sprinklers, rain guns and pop up sprinklers.
i) Impact sprinklers in Kenya
This are high impact sprinklers used for even water distribution for both large- and small-scale farming. The method is ideal for growing crops such vegetables, fruits and field crops.
Fruit crops:
- Bananas
- Mangos
- Avocados
- Pineapple
- Grape
- Apple
At irrihydrosol we supply Impact sprinklers ranging in: ½”, ¾” and 1” both metallic and plastic.
ii) Rain Guns in Kenya
In irrigation, a rain gun is a kind of high-volume sprinkler that simulates natural rainfall by saturatinglarge areas with water. At irrihydrosol we supply;” 1/2” and 2” plastic and metallic rain guns.
iii) Pop-up Sprinklers in Kenya
In Kenya, pop-up sprinklers are growing in popularity, particularly for landscape irrigation in both residential and commercial settings as well as for lawns, gardens, and sports grounds. “Pop-up sprinklers, as their name implies, rotate 360 degrees over a predetermined period of time and are elevated by water pressure. The sizes that Irrihydrosol Limited offers are ½” and ¾”.
3. Furrow irrigation in Kenya
The basin is comprised of narrow channels constructed in parallel between rows of crops., or Water is siphoned from an open channel to the furrows. Alternatively, water is supplied using small pipes from a larger water pipe into the channels. As the water flows along the furrows, it infiltrates into the crop’s root zone. The furrows are prepared either mechanically or manually but they must be gently sloping to one end to allow gravity flow. Much water is lost through this system. This method can be used in the following areas:
- Growing row crops, particularly in the Rift Valley, Western, and Eastern parts of Kenya, including sunflowers, sorghum, potatoes, beans, and maize.
- Smallholder and medium-sized farms that grow vegetables, such as kale, tomatoes, onions, and cabbages.
- large plantations that cultivate cotton and sugarcane, especially along the coast and in portions of Nyanza.
- Use in community and governmental irrigation projects including Bunyala, Ahero, and Mwea.
- Utilizing surface or gravity-fed water sources to support dry-season farming in semi-arid counties such as Machakos, Kitui, and Makueni.
This is an irrigation system where water is applied to a basin either using a pipe or an open channel. Basins can be constructed to serve one seedling e.g. a fruit tree or more seedlings e.g. vegetables or cereals. Much water is required to sustain the crop as much of the water is lost through evaporation and infiltration. It is only sustainable if the source of water is guaranteed i.e. from a flowing stream or a large reservoir. It may be the only viable choice for certain crops such as rice (paddy). This method can be used in the following areas:
Row Plants
- Frequently used for sunflowers, sorghum, beans, potatoes, and maize, particularly in areas like Western and Eastern Kenya and the Rift Valley.
Vegetables
- Perfect for crops that are frequently grown on smallholder and medium-sized farms, including carrots, onions, tomatoes, kale, and cabbage.
Cotton with Sugarcane
- used on sizable plantations in regions such as the Nyanza and portions of Kenya’s coast.
Growing Tobacco
- Used in regions where tobacco is produced in rows with a lot of space between them, such as Migori and Bungoma.
Irrigation Schemes
- used in community and government irrigation projects where furrow irrigation is more economical, such as Mwea, Ahero, and Bunyala.
Farming in the Dry Season
- uses surface or river water to support crop production during dry spells in semi-arid areas such as Machakos, Kitui, and Makueni.
FAQs – Irrigation Systems in Kenya by Irrihydrosol
Which irrigation system is best for my farm?
There are several aspects to consider while deciding on the best method for your farm:Crop kind (such as fruits, vegetables, or row crops).
• Water availability, terrain, soil, farm size, and budget.
What crops are suitable for drip irrigation in Kenya?
Drip irrigation works best for:
Vegetables include tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, beans, carrots, broccoli, and cabbage.
• The flowers include lilies, alstroemeria, and lavender.
• Fruits with button drippers: bananas, mangos, and avocados.
When should I consider using sprinklers?
Sprinklers perform best when:
- Your water supply is reliable.
- You grow crops that are broadcast.
- You must maintain consistent water coverage.
- Your farm has a variety of crops.
When should you use button drippers and what are they?
Drip irrigation uses small water emitters known as button drippers to water crops that are spaced apart, such as fruit trees. They are ideal for supplying water directly to the root zone. They are mostly utilized in fruit orchards and banana plantations
What kinds of sprinklers are available from Irrihydrosol?
We provide:
- Impact sprinklers are ideal for both large and small farms
- Rain guns: For extensive irrigation
- Pop-up sprinklers for sports fields, lawns, and landscapes Learn More
Does furrow irrigation still work?
Indeed, particularly for:
- Row crops such as potatoes, beans, and corn
- Big farms or irrigation projects
- Water-fed areas (such as rivers and canals). It works best in areas with abundant water, but it is less efficient in terms of water usage
Where is basin irrigation utilized and what does it entail?
Basin irrigation involves applying water to enclosed basins for various purposes, such as irrigating individual fruit trees or seedlings, or groups of plants like rice or vegetables. It is commonly used in government irrigation schemes—such as those in Mwea and Ahero—as well as on cotton farms and rice fields
How much water can drip irrigation save me?
Drip irrigation is one of the most effective irrigation techniques because it can save up to 70% of water and 50% of energy costs.
When should I consider using sprinklers?
Sprinkler systems are ideal in situations where:
- You have a reliable and consistent water supply
- You are growing broadcast crops (e.g., cereals or pasture)
- Your farm contains a variety of different crops
- Uniform water distribution is essential across the field
Describe fertigation and explain its significance.
Fertigation is the process of delivering water-soluble fertilizers directly to plant roots through an irrigation system. Commonly used in drip irrigation, it offers several key benefits:
- Efficient nutrient use
- Healthier, more vigorous crops
- Increased yields
Can Irrihydrosol assist with the planning and setup of my irrigation system?
Absolutely! We provide comprehensive support, including:
- Site evaluations
- Custom irrigation system design
- Supply of high-quality irrigation products
- Professional installation
- Post-purchase support and assistance
Other Services offered by Irrihydrosol Ltd
Borehole drilling and servicing
Irrigation products and services
For information contact us here
Connect with us on Facebook