In the face of the increasingly severe global water shortage, the water-saving technology in the field of agricultural irrigation is attracting unprecedented attention. Drip irrigation tape, as an efficient water-saving irrigation device, has been widely used around the world for its significant advantages. It has become an indispensable part of modern agricultural irrigation and has injected strong momentum into the sustainable development of global agriculture.
Drip irrigation tape delivers water to the roots of crops through a low-pressure pipeline system in small quantities, reducing evaporation and seepage. This precise irrigation method allows drip irrigation tape to achieve a water utilization rate of up to 95%, which is significantly higher than traditional irrigation methods, with a water-saving rate of 40%-70%. For example, Israel, a country located in an arid region, has not only achieved agricultural self-sufficiency but also become a major exporter of agricultural products by widely applying drip irrigation technology. Its drip irrigation technology serves as an excellent model for the world.
In addition, drip irrigation tape can be combined with fertilization systems to achieve integrated water and fertilizer management. It can accurately apply fertilizers to the roots of crops, significantly increasing fertilizer utilization rates by more than 50%. In some agricultural test fields in India, the use of drip irrigation tape has increased fertilizer utilization rates from 30%-40% to over 70%, and crop yields have also increased by 20%-30%. For example, the inlay drip irrigation tape produced by Inner Mongolia Ximu Water-saving Irrigation Equipment Co., Ltd. can achieve a water-saving rate of more than 30%, a fertilizer utilization rate of 70%, and a yield increase of 10%. This efficient irrigation and fertilization method not only saves water and fertilizers but also reduces environmental pollution, realizing green and sustainable agricultural production.
Drip irrigation tape is widely applicable to various crops and different types of farmland. In greenhouse sheds, its application is particularly prominent. It can reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases because precise irrigation avoids the prolonged stay of water on plant leaves, thereby reducing the possibility of bacterial growth. At the same time, drip irrigation tape can also save the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, improving economic benefits. In some modern greenhouse sheds in Europe, drip irrigation tape is combined with advanced greenhouse control systems to achieve automated irrigation and fertilization, not only increasing crop yields but also improving the quality of agricultural products.
In orchard irrigation, drip irrigation tape also plays an important role. It can effectively increase yields and improve fruit quality. By accurately supplying water and nutrients, fruit trees grow healthier, and the size and taste of the fruit are also significantly improved. At the same time, drip irrigation tape can also control weed growth, reducing the competition for nutrients between weeds and fruit trees. In some large orchards in Brazil, the application of drip irrigation tape has increased orchard yields by 30%-40%, and the quality of the fruit has also been highly recognized by the market.
In addition, drip irrigation tape can also be used for irrigation of various field crops such as cotton, traditional Chinese medicine, watermelons, and vegetables. In the wheat fields of Qirun Agricultural Cooperative in Huan Tai County, drip irrigation tape accurately delivers every drop of water and fertilizer to the roots of wheat, with a water and fertilizer utilization rate of 60%-70%, and the efficiency is nearly doubled. This efficient irrigation method not only saves water resources but also increases crop yields and quality, bringing real economic benefits to farmers.
With the increasing global focus on food security and sustainable agriculture, drip irrigation tape technology will play an even more important role. In the future, drip irrigation tape will place greater emphasis on the integration of intelligent irrigation systems. By using sensors and Internet of Things technology, drip irrigation tape can achieve real-time monitoring and response to soil moisture, climatic conditions, and crop needs. This intelligent irrigation system can automatically adjust the amount of irrigation and fertilization according to the actual needs of crops, further improving the utilization efficiency of water resources and fertilizers.
In addition, the application of biodegradable materials and recycling technology will reduce the environmental impact of drip irrigation tape and promote the green development of the industry. At present, some developed countries are already researching and applying biodegradable drip irrigation tape materials. These materials can naturally decompose after use without polluting the soil. At the same time, recycling technology is also continuously developing. Waste drip irrigation tape can be recycled and reprocessed into new drip irrigation tape or other plastic products, reducing resource waste.
According to market forecasts, the global agricultural drip irrigation system market sales reached $55.05 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $87.25 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. Among them, the Chinese market occupies an important position in the global drip irrigation tape market, with its market size and growth rate ranking among the top. With the acceleration of China's agricultural modernization process, the application scope of drip irrigation tape will further expand, and the market size will continue to grow.
In China, the market size of drip irrigation tape continues to expand. In 2025, the market size of drip irrigation tape in China is expected to reach tens of billions of yuan, showing significant growth compared to the same period last year. It is expected that in the next few years, benefiting from national policy support and agricultural structural adjustment, the drip irrigation tape market will maintain a stable growth trend and is expected to become the largest drip irrigation tape market in the world. Technological innovation is an important driving force for the development of the drip irrigation tape market. Material upgrading, intelligent development, and multifunctionalization have become the main development trends of drip irrigation tape product technology. At the same time, environmental protection and sustainability have also become important development directions for drip irrigation tape product technology. With the increasing awareness of environmental protection among people, green and environmentally friendly drip irrigation tape products will attract more attention.
Drip irrigation tape, with its advantages of water-saving, energy-saving, labor-saving, and fertilizer-saving, has become the “water-saving pioneer” in modern agricultural irrigation. It can not only significantly improve the utilization efficiency of water resources but also increase crop yields and quality, reduce weed growth, and improve soil structure. With continuous technological progress and expanding application scenarios, drip irrigation tape will play a greater role in global agricultural irrigation and help achieve sustainable agricultural development. Against the backdrop of the global water shortage, the application of drip irrigation tape will not only help solve agricultural water use problems but also promote the development of agriculture towards efficiency, greenness, and sustainability, making an important contribution to global food security and environmental protection.
