In micro irrigation systems water is distributed using an extensive hydraulic pipe network that conveys water from its source to the plant. Outflow from the irrigation system occurs through emitters placed along the water delivery (lateral) pipes in the form of droplets, tiny streams or miniature sprays.

As all the pressurised/pipe systems, the micro irrigation system has the following main components (see picture):

The pump and motor chosen should be one that delivers the right pressure and flow rate as efficiently as possible. Usually the pumps are low or medium pressure pumps.

Flow meters measure the volume of water moving through the system making it possible to calculate how much water is being applied and therefore how often and how long the irrigation system should operate to be of the greatest possible benefit to the crop.

Controllers are used to start and stop the irrigation or to switch between the shifts manually or automatically.

Valves and regulators control water flow and pressure in the system. Check valves are installed at the pump discharge to prevent water from flowing backward. Pressure regulating valves help maintain a constant downstream pressure. Pressure relief valves protect against pressure surges that might damage pipelines. Vacuum relief valves installed either at the submain or at the flushing manifold prevent a vacuum from forming inside the pipe (see pictures).

The filters can be any type based on the quality of water. Screen or sand/media filters are usually used for removing particulate matter finer than sand particles. Algae, slime and other organic matter can be removed using either screen or sand/media filters. Also, disc or screen type of filters are required as back-up (field) filters to protect the emitters (see pictures).

The injection unit is applying chemicals such as chlorine and fertiliser. Various types of injection equipment can be used, including differential pressure tanks, venturi devices and electrically driven or water driven pumps depending on the chemical applied, the accuracy level needed and the injection rate required.

The main pipeline is the largest diameter pipeline of the network, capable of conveying the flow of the system under favourable hydraulic conditions of flow velocity and friction losses. The pipes used are generally buried permanent assembly, rigid PVC or black high density polyethylene (HDPE).

The submain pipes are smaller diameter pipelines which extend from the mainlines and to which the system flow is diverted for distribution to the various plots. The pipes are the same kind as the mains.

Hydrants are fitted on the submains or the mains and equipped with shut-off valves. They deliver the whole or part of the flow to the manifolds.

Manifolds (feeder pipelines) are pipelines of a smaller diameter than the submains and are connected to the hydrants.

Laterals are the smallest diameter pipelines of the system. They are fitted to the manifolds perpendicular to them at fixed positions laid along the plants' rows and equipped with water emitters at fixed frequent spacings.

Emitters are devices of any kind, type and size which fitted on a pipe, operated under pressure to discharge water in any form: by shooting water jets into the air - sprinklers (see pictures) , by small spray or mist - sprayers (see pictures), by continuous drops - drippers (see pictures) or by small stream or fountain - bubblers (see pictures).

Flushing manifolds are installed at the end of the laterals. While filtration removes large sand and other particles, silt and clay will move through the filter and may eventually settle in the laterals. Periodic flushing at the end of the lateral is suggested to remove any material that has accumulated.