Irrigation should be made frequently, several times a day for maximum capillary action.

Filtration of water is essential for efficient and trouble-free operation.

Correct operating pressure should be kept and checked at the ends of the laterals and the submains.

Run lengths (laterals) should not exceed the maximum recommended run length by the supplier/manufacturer, in order to ensure uniform water application. The maximum recommended run lengths are calculated to ensure a high level of emission uniformity.

Seed germination - in heavy soils such as clay, clay-loamy, germination can be enhanced by increasing the pressure slightly (within the limits) in the laterals. In light soils (sandy, sandy-loamy) the pressure in the lateral should not be increased, therefore preliminary irrigation is required, i.e. portable sprinklers or flood irrigation.

The selection of chemical/nutrient products should include factors such as solubility, compatibility and reaction of salts in the irrigation water. All these will limit the risk of plugging. Check the pH of the solution and the conditions of use in order to obtain total solubility.

The easiest and most cost effective form of maintenance is regular flushing. The frequency of flushing varies from weekly to monthly, depending on water quality. Flushing of the laterals in warmer weather should be done more frequently because of the higher loads of algae, bacteria and carbonates.

Incomplete flushing of fertilizers from laterals can promote root intrusion and will promote growth of algae and bacteria. Flushing of fertilizer can be achieved simply by irrigating for a period of time after injecting all fertilizer into the system.

It is essential that a chlorine treatment or biocide program is implemented for control of algae related problems, sedimentation of organic particles, bacteria and bacteria slimes in the system.

Acid treatment is important too, in order to clean pipes and emitters of mineral deposits that have accumulated in the system over time.

It is important that irrigation with SDI to be scheduled using soil moisture monitoring and/or weather stations.