Although drip irrigation systems offer excellent irrigation results and are easy to manage, the cost is a factor that cannot be overlooked when making the final decision. Below, CHENGSA Holdings explains the components that make up the cost of a drip irrigation system.

The cost of a drip irrigation system mainly consists of three parts: design fees, equipment and material costs, and installation fees. Generally speaking, the smaller the area, the smaller the row spacing, and the more complex the terrain, the higher the cost. Taking a flat orchard of 66,700 ㎡ as an example, the cost of a system with a design lifespan of 8 years is about 800~900 yuan per 667 ㎡ (i.e., 1 mu). Since the specific conditions of different orchards vary, the design schemes adopted are also different, naturally leading to variations in cost.

The specific quotation depends on factors such as the orchard's terrain conditions, elevation differences, planting density, soil conditions, water source conditions, traffic conditions, fertilization requirements, and the degree of system automation. For flat orchards with a design service life of 10 years, the quotation is generally around 1,200~1,500 yuan per 667 ㎡, while for mountainous orchards, it is generally around 1,800~2,600 yuan per 667 ㎡. The cost of a high-standard drip irrigation system is about 2,200 yuan per 667 ㎡, with a design lifespan of 10 years, equivalent to an annual cost of 220 yuan per 667 ㎡.

After installing drip irrigation, on one hand, fertilizer expenses can be saved. Based on a 30% reduction in fertilizer use, 30~50 yuan can be saved per 667 ㎡ each year. On the other hand, it can increase yield and quality, thereby increasing income. Assuming a 10% increase in revenue, each 667 m2 can generate an additional 120~800 yuan per year, not to mention the hidden values such as labor savings and ensuring high yields. It is evident that installing a drip irrigation system for fruit trees is highly cost-effective. We should not subjectively consider it uneconomical due to the large one-time investment in drip irrigation, without considering the comprehensive costs and benefits.