trickle irrigation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, formal
Quick answer
What does “trickle irrigation” mean?
A water-saving irrigation method where water is applied slowly and directly to the soil at or near plant roots through small tubes or emitters.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A water-saving irrigation method where water is applied slowly and directly to the soil at or near plant roots through small tubes or emitters.
More broadly, any irrigation system designed to minimize water usage by delivering small, continuous amounts of water directly to the plant root zone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically. No spelling or significant lexical differences.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both regions.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English due to larger-scale agricultural discourse, but the term is standard in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “trickle irrigation” in a Sentence
install [trickle irrigation] in the fielduse [trickle irrigation] for the cropsswitch from flood irrigation to [trickle irrigation]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “trickle irrigation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system is designed to trickle-irrigate the entire orchard efficiently.
American English
- We decided to trickle-irrigate the vegetable garden to save water.
adverb
British English
- The field was watered trickle-irrigation-wise to maximise efficiency.
American English
- The plants are watered trickle-irrigation-style to reduce evaporation.
adjective
British English
- The trickle-irrigation hoses need checking for blockages.
American English
- They installed a new trickle-irrigation system last spring.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A sustainable investment for farms in arid regions.
Academic
A subject of study in agricultural engineering and water resource management.
Everyday
Mentioned in gardening magazines for water-efficient home gardens.
Technical
Specified in agricultural plans for crop-specific water delivery.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “trickle irrigation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “trickle irrigation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trickle irrigation”
- Using 'trickle' as a verb in this noun phrase (e.g., 'The water trickles irrigation').
- Confusing it with 'sprinkler irrigation' or general watering.
- Misspelling as 'trickel irrigation'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are often used interchangeably, but technically, drip irrigation is a subset of trickle irrigation, which can also include other micro-irrigation methods like micro-sprinklers.
The main advantages are significant water conservation, reduced weed growth, decreased soil erosion, and the ability to deliver fertilizers directly to the root zone (fertigation).
No, while common in commercial agriculture, trickle irrigation kits are widely available and practical for home gardens, greenhouses, and urban landscapes.
Emitter clogging from minerals or debris in the water is a common maintenance issue, requiring filtration and regular system flushing.
A water-saving irrigation method where water is applied slowly and directly to the soil at or near plant roots through small tubes or emitters.
Trickle irrigation is usually technical, formal in register.
Trickle irrigation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtrɪk.əl ˌɪr.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtrɪk.əl ˌɪr.əˈɡeɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a trickle-down effect (not directly related to irrigation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'trickle' like a slow, small stream, and 'irrigation' as watering. Together, they mean watering plants slowly, drop by drop.
Conceptual Metaphor
IRRIGATION IS A CONTROLLED FLOW (where 'trickle' specifies the type and rate of flow).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of trickle irrigation?