Particulate problems

Particulate problems (sands, silts, trash, etc.)

Sand media filters Photo: L. Schwankl

Suspended particulate materials in irrigation water may be inorganic (sand, silt, and clay), organic (algae, bacteria, plant debris, fish, insect larvae, etc.) or any other floating or suspended materials.

Depending on the size of the particulate matter, the best way to preventing emitter clogging will differ. Filters should be used with all waters that contain suspended particulate matter.

Some suspended particulate matter is small enough to pass through the filters commonly used for agricultural applications. These small particles will settle out, though, particularly in locations of slow flow velocity (e.g., ends of lateral lines). If the small particles build up in the microirrigation system, they can contribute to emitter clogging, so they should be flushed from the system.