Drip irrigation in Zhangye greenhouses boosts yield

In Zhangye's greenhouses, drip irrigation technology is helping farmers achieve high crop yields while conserving water. In Liangjiadun town, farmer Lan Xiang tends to his thriving pepper crops, crediting their health to the sub-mulch drip irrigation system.

Lifting the mulch, he reveals thin drip lines that deliver water directly to the plant roots. Lan noted that this system uses only half as much water as traditional methods for his two-acre greenhouse.

When activated, the system pumps water from a storage pool into drip tapes beneath the mulch, ensuring minimal waste.

Agricultural experts highlight key advantages, including water savings that exceed 60 percent, healthier root systems, and reduced humidity-related diseases.

Integrated water-fertilizer systems have also been widely adopted. These devices blend nutrients into the irrigation water, reportedly cutting fertilizer use by about 30 percent while increasing yields by roughly 20 percent and improving crop quality.

This precise approach to irrigation and fertilization allows for highly efficient resource use, supporting sustainable and productive agriculture in Zhangye.