Drip Irrigation System for Apple Orchards – Complete Guide

Last updated: 14 Dec 2025

Drip Irrigation System for Apple Orchards: A Complete Field Guide

Ten years ago, I used the traditional "channel" method (flood irrigation). The result? Top trees stayed dry, bottom trees got root rot. Switching to drip doubled my Grade-A fruit size and saved water.

Below is my complete, field-tested guide for installing and maintaining drip irrigation in apple orchards.

Table of Contents

• 1. Why Drip is Mandatory for Hills
• 2. Essential Components
• 3. Inline vs Online Drippers
• 4. Water Requirement Chart
• 5. Fertigation Guide
• 6. Maintenance
• 7. Cost per Acre

Fig 1: Lateral pipes laid out in my high-density orchard.

1. Why Drip Irrigation is Mandatory for Hills

On slopes, hose irrigation wastes water due to runoff. Drip delivers water drop-by-drop exactly to the root zone with 90-95% efficiency. Trees on drip develop stronger roots and more uniform fruit size.

2. Essential Components (Don’t Buy Cheap)

• Filter (Screen/Disc): Prevents clogging.
• Mainline/Sub-main: 63mm or 75mm HDPE.
• Laterals: 16mm/20mm pipes along rows.
• Air Release Valve: Must be installed at highest point.

3. Inline vs Online Drippers

Type	Description	Best For
Inline	Drippers are built inside at fixed distance.	High-density (M9 rootstock) orchards.
Online	External drippers attached manually.	Traditional orchards with big spacing.

Pro Tip: Always use PC (Pressure Compensating) drippers. They give equal water to top & bottom trees. Non-PC drippers cause water imbalance.

4. Water Requirement of Apple Trees

Stage	Water Demand	Schedule
April (Pink Bud)	Medium	15–20L / Tree / Week
May (Fruit Set)	High	30–40L / Tree / Week
June–July (Fruit Size)	Very High	40–60L / Tree / Week
Post Harvest	Low	10–15L / Tree / Week

5. Fertigation: Save 30% Fertilizer Cost

With drip, fertilizers go directly to the root zone using a Venturi or tank. Water-soluble fertilizers like 19:19:19, Calcium Nitrate, and Boron work best.

6. Maintenance: Prevent Dripper Blockage

1. Algae Blockage – Flush with chlorine every 2 months.
2. Salt Deposits – Acid flush once per season (consult expert).

7. Estimated Cost Per Acre

• High Density (Inline): ₹60,000 – ₹80,000
• Traditional (Online): ₹45,000 – ₹60,000
• Subsidy available under PMKSY up to 80%.

Conclusion

Drip irrigation is not a luxury—it is essential for modern apple farming. It saves water, increases fruit size, and stabilizes yield even in drought years.

References & Sources

• PMKSY Drip Irrigation Guidelines
• Netafim India – Orchard Drip Design
• UHF Nauni – Water Management Studies

[Tajamul Islam] 10+ Years Experience

I am a commercial apple grower from [India], specializing in drip irrigation & water-saving technologies.