In this comprehensive guide, I will explore the different types of microjet irrigation systems, how to choose the right components for any landscape, installation instructions, maintenance best practices, and cost comparisons versus conventional sprinklers.
By understanding all aspects of these water-wise systems, homeowners and growers alike can start saving water and money right away through customized microjet irrigation solutions.
What is a Microjet Irrigation System?
Microjet irrigation systems are an innovative watering solution that uses precision water delivery to irrigate landscapes, gardens, orchards and more in an efficient and sustainable manner.
Also known as micro irrigation or micro spraying systems, they work by transporting water through a network of small-diameter tubing and emitting it at low flow rates via different types of micro sprayers, microjets or micro-sprinklers.
Compared to traditional overhead spray systems, microjets provide numerous benefits.
Most significantly, they reduce water consumption by up to 50% by precisely applying water only where needed.
Rather than wetting an entire area, the microjets deliver small water droplets or fine mist directly to plant roots through multiple, low-flow emission points spaced along the tubing.Â
This minimizes evaporation and runoff caused by excessive water pressure from sprinklers.
Types of Microjet Irrigation Systems

There are a few main types of micro-irrigation systems that utilize precision water delivery via microjets, droplets or mist. Choosing the best option depends on factors like the plants or crops being irrigated, soil type, and landscape layout.
Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation, also called subsurface or low-flow, is the most common type of microjet system. It works by allowing water to slowly drip through emitters or ‘drippers’ spaced along underground tubing laid out throughout the root zone. This applies water directly to the soil, where roots can uptake moisture and nutrients as needed.
Drip systems are well-suited for landscape beds, trees, shrubs, row crops and container planters. They produce the least evaporation of any irrigation method since emitters operate at low pressure (1-2 bar) and flow rates (1-4 L/hr).
This type of irrigation system is highly customizable and efficient for established plantings.
Micro Sprinklers
Similar to drip lines but with above-ground emission, micro sprinklers are small rotor heads or spray stakes that deliver targeted water in a mist or fine droplets. Various spray patterns, including full circle, part circle and fixed spray fans, allow for flexible coverage.
Models such as multi-stream rotors and adjustable mist-jet sprinklers are well-adapted for lawns, pastures and large ornamental areas due to their ability to spread water over a wider zone with each head. They operate at pressures ranging from 1-4 bar.
Micro-Spray Jets
Arranged along overhead risers fed by tubing laid beneath the soil surface, micro-spray jets provide versatile canopy irrigation for orchards, vineyards, tree crops and container nurseries. Made of durable materials like stainless steel, these emission points emit precise water volumes.
Components for Microjet Systems
No microjet irrigation system is complete without the proper components to efficiently deliver water from the source to the plant roots or canopy. Below are some of the key parts used:
Tubing: Most systems rely on a polyethylene tubing network laid underground to transport water from the mainline to each emitter or sprinkler. 1/2″-diameter tubing is commonly used.
Filters: To prevent clogs, screens and disk filters are installed after the water source to catch debris 5 microns or larger. Checking filters should be part of routine maintenance.
Backflow Preventers: Required by code, these valves ensure water used for irrigation doesn’t flow back into the main supply. Reduced-pressure zone models provide effective protection.
Emitters: precise low-flow discharge points spaced along drip line tubing, available in a range of flow rates. Models with self-flushing basins resist buildup.
Micro Sprinklers: Mini rotor sprinklers, spray stakes or mist-jet models attached to above-ground risers apply water uniformly over a fixed or variable radius.
Control Valves: Manual or automatic valves allow water to be routed from the mainline to individual zones. Battery-powered timers automate watering schedules.
Pressure Regulators: When the water pressure from the source is too high, these valves stabilize flow and preserve emission uniformity across the system.
Properly selecting components based on site conditions and installation planning leads to a reliable, durable microjet system with optimal performance for years.
Emitter Types
For drip lines, selecting the best emitter style provides customized moisture levels specific to each plant’s water requirements.
Inline Emitters: These affordable plastic models permanently attach directly inside the tubing to emit low-volume streams or sprays. Flow rate depends on orifice size.
On-Line Emitters: As the name implies, these flexible plastic or hybrid emitters connect to the outer surface of drip tape tubing. Rates adjust to 1/4, 1/2, or 1 gallon per hour.
Bubbler Emitters: Used to water trees or large shrubs, these models spray upwards in a fountain-like pattern, needing 2-4 gallons per hour. Filters prevent clogs.
Multi-Outlet Emitters: For coverage of an entire bed, container or hydroponic plant site, an emitter manifold distributes flow equally among several dripping outlets.
Dripline: Pre-assembled with emitters inline or attached at factory-set distances, dripline installs quickly in deep mulch or beneath plastic beds.
By utilizing compatible emitter designs, customized water delivery meets every plant’s distinctive requirements for thriving growth.
Choosing the Right Microjet System
Selecting components suited for the intended application area is important to achieve peak performance from a microjet irrigation system. Consider these key factors:
Area Size: Small garden beds or large crop fields require different setups. Measure the space and group plants with similar needs into convenient zones.
Soil Type: Heavier clay soils perform best with drip lines due to lower flow rates, while sandy areas can use micro-sprayers. Subsurface systems prevent runoff on slopes.
Plant Types: Trees, shrubs and row crops suit drip lines running along rows or in circles. Lawns and groundcovers are well-suited to micro-spray patterns. Container plants need emitters, or bubblers.
Pressure: Water source pressure and elevation differences impact component selection. Emitters operate best from 8–35 PSI, while sprayers function from 25–100 PSI. Use regulators if needed.
Layout: Consider access for installing and maintaining the various parts. Place emitters or spray heads according to plant root zones or canopy edges for full coverage.
Budget: Drip lines provide effective coverage at a lower initial cost than spray systems. But overall, water savings typically outweigh higher component prices.
Calculating Watering Needs
Designing an efficient microjet irrigation system starts with accurately calculating the watering requirements for different areas. Key factors to determine optimal specifications include:
Flow Rate: The flow rate, measured in gallons per hour (gph), depends on the type and number of emission devices. It also depends on the size of the area to be watered and the soil type’s infiltration rate.
Precipitation Rate: Represented as inches per hour (in/hr), this is the rate at which water is applied to the soil surface. Drip systems apply around 0.1–0.3 in/hr, while micro-sprays use 0.3–1.0 in/hr.
Tubing Layout: The spacing between emitters or heads directly impacts the precipitation rate. More frequent intervals cover a zone more evenly while producing less flow rate per device.
Zone Run Time: Calculating the minutes needed to apply the total precipitation requirement at a certain flow rate shows how long each valve should water its area.
Factors like local weather, plant maturity, and soil moisture level refine runtimes for different seasons. But calculating these components ensures the system thoroughly wets the soil profile to support plant life. Professionals can also conduct irrigation audits using flow meters and catch cans.
Proper planning at the outset produces a customized microjet irrigation design. It meets each plant’s unique needs through every stage of growth, all year round.
Installation of Microjet Systems
With some basic irrigation knowledge and tools, a microjet system can easily be installed. Here are the typical steps:
Layout: Map the landscape, measure zones and mark proposed tubing paths with flags or stakes. Leave access for maintenance.
Trenches: Dig 6–8″ deep trenches along layout marks using a garden spade or trenching shovel. Rent a utility locator first to avoid underground wires.
Mainline: Install class 200 PVC or poly mainline tubing from the water source valve to each zone. Use elbow joints and tees where needed.
Laterals: Cut PE tubing laterals off the mainline to emitters and sprinklers, staking in place every 2–3 feet. Join firmly.
Emitters: Spacing depends on type, but 6–36″ apart works for most. Attach emitters securely to lateral tubing according to flow rates.
Backfill: Refill trenches carefully without crushing piping and tamp soil firmly to prevent future leaks.
Flushing: Open all valves to clear lines of debris before installing sprinkler heads or finalizing.
Programming and Maintenance
Once installed, some basic steps keep a microjet irrigation system operating at peak efficiency:
Programming: Automatic controllers allow setting custom watering times for each zone based on plant needs, weather, and soil conditions. Adjust seasonally.
Filter Cleaning: Prevent clogs by rinsing debris screens every 2–3 months. Twice annually, disassemble backflow devices to rinse the internals.
Pressure Testing: Use a gauge to check water pressure entering and leaving the system at least once a year. Regulate pressure as needed to avoid damage.
Inspection: Check for leaks, broken lines or sprinkler heads, and clogs in the lines biweekly during the peak growing season. Flush out the minerals that build up.
Adjustments: Properly adjust sprinkler patterns and flow rates as plants mature. As landscapes develop over time, tweak tubing layout and runtimes to match.
Winterization: Drain pipes and sprinkler heads of any water before hard frosts in colder regions to prevent freezing damage over winter.
Advantages of Microjet Irrigation
Microjet irrigation systems provide many benefits over traditional sprinkler systems in terms of water conservation, cost savings, and optimal plant health.
Reduced Water Usage: Because water is precisely applied at low volumes through each emission point, microjets can diminish water use by 30–50% compared to overhead sprinklers. This is due to lower evaporation and runoff from the fine droplets and targeted watering of root zones only.
Lower Cost: Decreased water consumption also means reduced utility bills over the long run for those with microjet systems. Additional savings come from not having to upgrade a conventional system to keep up with a growing landscape or restrictions during drought periods. Maintenance is also simpler with microjets.
Protects Soil Quality: By delivering low-pressure water precisely where plant roots can access it, microjets prevent issues like erosion, compaction and pooling of water that spray irrigation causes. The soil structure remains healthy for optimal nutrient exchange and respiration.
Less Wasted Water: Since there is little water lost to evaporation, wind drift or surface runoff, microjets utilize nearly all the moisture applied.
Customized Coverage: The ability to use different emission devices, spacings and flow rates provides tailored coverage fine-tuned for specific crops, landscape areas and soil conditions. Each zone receives exactly the right amount.
With so many environmental and financial perks over time, upgrading to a microjet irrigation solution is a smart choice for sustainable water stewardship and garden care.
FAQs
Are microjet systems difficult to install?
Basic microjet systems require only moderate physical effort, comparable to regular gardening. Trenching, adding tubing, and connecting emitters take only a few hours for average yards. Larger commercial systems involve more planning, but contractors provide full installation services.
How much water can they save versus sprinklers?
Studies show microjet systems use 30–50% less water than impact sprinklers due to their precise, low-flow emitters. Individual results vary by system design, soil, and plant factors, but savings of thousands of gallons annually are common.
How long do emitters typically last?
Quality emitters last 5–10 years on average with proper filtration and flushing maintenance. Annual screen cleaning helps prevent premature failures. Drippers located in mulch beds or very sandy soils may need replacement every 3–5 years due to abrasion or sediment buildup.
Are microjets suitable for large or small landscapes?
Microjet systems can irrigate everything, from window boxes to multi-acre farms. Components are scalable to any property size and budget. Professional design assists with large commercial installations.
Conclusion
Micro-jet irrigation systems provide a sustainable, water-wise solution for landscapes, agriculture and other planting areas compared to traditional above-ground sprinklers.
By delivering precise, low-volume moisture exactly where plant roots need it, microjets prevent evaporation, overspray and unnecessary water usage.
With the capability to apply customized flow rates and precipitation intensity matched to specific plant water needs and site characteristics, microjets foster healthier soil structure and optimal crop yields or plant growth.
Proper component selection and installation, followed by routine maintenance, ensures long-term, efficient performance.
By continuing to advance precision water delivery technologies, the irrigation industry supports worldwide agricultural production and environmental stewardship into the future.