Button Drippers Irrigation Systems | Installation and Prices in Kenya

Button drippers are a common type of irrigation tool used to water plants in Kenya. They consist of drip emitters that water the crops below the stem.

Aqua Hub Kenya supplies complete button drip irrigation kits at affordable rates. We also perform installation countrywide. The cost of button drippers in Kenya starts at KES 13 for one dripper.

Call 0790719020 to learn more about Aqua Hub’s button drippers and get a quote today.

Quick Takeaways

• Button drippers are small, button-shaped emitters attached to irrigation lines that allow for a stead supply of water to individual plants
• The cost of button drippers in Kenya starts at KES 13 for a single emitter
• This irrigation method is best suited for widely spaced crops such as those in vineyards and orchards
• Button emitters have a large number of benefits including ensuring that the water supply remains uniform, lowering water loss, reducing labour needs for watering and preventing soil run off.
• You can get your button dripper irrigation system set up by Aqua Hub by calling 0790719020 or sending an email to info@aquahubkenya.co.ke

What are Button Drippers

Button drippers, also known as button emitters, are a type of micro-irrigation device that farmers use to deliver water to plants in a controlled manner. They are small, button-shaped devices, as per the name. Durin installation, we install them into irrigation tubing where they can release water at a slow and steady rate. They can discharge between 1 and 4 liters of water per hour.

Button emitters supply water directly to the root zone at a low-pressure which promotes crop health and minimizes water wastage. Farmers use them in both small and large-scale agriculture. Additionally, they are also beneficial in small gardens or even watering individual indoor plants.

Types of Button Drippers

These emitters come in a wide range of varieties, including:

• Adjustable button drippers have caps or knobs that allow the flow rate to be increased or decreased as necessary. Furthermore, they can handle low-pressure set-ups. They have a round wetting pattern with a radius that varies from 5 to 40m. Additionally, the arc they form ranges from 180 to 360 degrees. We can install the drippers with support stakes that allow them to release water at an arc of 90, 180 or 360 degrees.
• Non-adjustable button drippers deliver a constant flow rate because the cap has a fixed design. The manufacturer usually sets their wetting pattern. These come in different colors to denote different flow rates. Red and green versions are the most common.

How Button Emitters Work

When you press the button or lift the lever, water flows from the dripper, through the tubing, and to the plant. The button or lever is used both to regulate how much water is released and to adjust the flow rate. Consequently, the user can easily adjust the watering based on what their plants need.

The design of button drippers avoids emitter clogging, allowing the flow of water to remain steady. They are also simple to remove for cleaning and repair, thus, their maintenance is very easy. We usually install button drippers alongside filters, pressure regulators, timers and controllers.

Cost of Button Drippers in Kenya

A single button dripper costs as low as KES 13 at Aqua Hub Ltd. The cost of a complete irrigation system with additional accessories will vary based on farm size. Moreover, the system’s complexity and automation will also contribute to the price.

A 1-acre button drip irrigation kit can cost between KES 80,000 and KES 120,000.

We also offer installation services which are an additional fee.

The costs of a button drip irrigation system by the field size are detailed below

How to Install a Button Dripper Irrigation System

There are several steps to follow when setting up a button emitter irrigation system. These are:

1. The first step is to set up the water supply. This is usually a tank that is raised on a 3m high tower.
2. Next, we connect the mainline pipe to the tank and lay it in a trench along the edge of the farm.
3. After that, a 120-mesh filter is installed on the mainline pipe near the tank. This filter removes sediments from the water flowing in the pipe.
4. Then, we punch holes on the mainline pipe and insert rubber rings for a secure connection to the delivery pipe.
5. Afterwards, a 20mm HDPE delivery pipe is laid along the plant rows and connected to the mainline using a PE start connector. We then punch holes into it based on the plant spacing and insert the barbed end of the button drippers.
6. In cases where we are installing adjustable drippers, we turn the knob to set the water release per hour based on the plant’s size and water needs.
7. Finally, we turn on the system and watch for even water flow while checking to ensure that the button drippers are not clogged.

After this installation process, the button drippers are able to give each plant the right amount of water for them to thrive.

If you want professional button dripper installation on your farm, call 0790719020 to get a quote today.

Maintaining Button Drippers

To make sure that your button dripper installation remains functional for as long as possible, you must flush the irrigation lines frequently, clean the filters regularly, inspect the drippers for clogging and replace any worn out parts.

Recommended Dripper Spacing

Spacing between drippers depends on the spacing of the plants. An orchard might have one dripper per plant while a nursery may need closer spacing.

In orchards, most crops dripper spacing runs approximately 30 to 50 cm apart.

Benefits of Button Drippers

The main benefit of button dripper irrigation systems is that they improve water efficiency. This is because only the region around the plant gets watered minimizing water loss. This is especially useful for farmers in arid areas where water supply is limited.

Furthermore, this irrigation system irrigates plants more evenly as compared to other irrigation systems. This ensures that plant growth is uniform and prevents certain plants being under-watered or over-watered.

Button drippers also allow for the labour to be reduced because less time is spent carrying watering cans. We can also set up automation for the system which removes the human factor from the watering process.

Additionally, using button emitters for irrigation systems can serve as an effective method of weed control. This is because the areas between the plants remains dry, discouraging weed growth.

Ultimately, this irrigation system reduces soil erosion because it delivers water slowly and at controlled rates to the roots. This reduces runoff.

Which Crops Best Suit Button Drippers?

Button drippers work well for fruit trees and vines. Widely spaced plants are the most common crop varieties where button drippers are used for irrigation. Examples of these include:

• Pawpaw – pawpaws require proper watering especially during the flowering and fruiting stages. A consistent water supply, such as with button dripper irrigation, allows for uniform fruit size and quality.

• Coffee – button emitter irrigation systems allow the soil around each coffee bush to stay moist for a longer period of time. Hence, new leaves appear healthier and the bushes flower uniformly across the rows. Button drip irrigation also reduces weeds in coffeee farms.

Other crops that benefit from button drip irrigation include banana, avocado, mango and citrus fruits.

The key is matching the system to the plant type, spacing, water source and budget.

Where can I Buy Button Drippers in Kenya?

Aqua Hub Kenya is the best dealer in quality and affordable button drippers, with offices in Eldoret at Jamboni Annex and in Nairobi at Benedicta Utawala along Eastern Bypass. In addition to selling button dripper kits, we also offer professional installation and guidance on how to select the best system for your crops

Our team also installs other irrigation systems such as drip irrigation kits and sprinklers.

For quality button dripper kits and installation, call 0790719020 to place your order and water your farm the right way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a button drip irrigation system in Kenya?

At Aqua Hub, our irrigation systems that use button emitters cost between KES 80,000 and KES 120,000 per acre.

How much do button drippers cost individually?

One emitter costs KES 13 at Aqua Hub Kenya

How many drippers do I need per pawpaw plant?

Typically 1 to 2 drippers per plant depending on size

How long do button drippers last?

Well maintained and high-quality drippers can last up to 5 years.

What is the difference between a button dripper and a pressure compensating dripper?

A button dripper suits flat terrain while pressure compensating drippers suit hilly land.