The standard drip irrigation hose is offered in two configurations that differ only in the dripper spacing: 30 cm and 50 cm, both in 500 m rolls with a 16 mm diameter, 1.0 mm wall thickness (Cal. 4000), and a flow rate per dripper of 1.6 L/h at 1 bar. The 1 mm wall differentiates it from the 0.3 mm drip tape: the hose is designed for semi-permanent or permanent use, with greater mechanical resistance and lifespan. The choice between 30 and 50 cm defines the total flow rate of the system and the maximum run length.
🎯 Choose the variant in 10 seconds
- If your case is vegetables, in-line crops with plants every 30–40 cm: go to the 30 cm dripper spacing configuration
- If your case is fruit trees, ornamental plants in a row, or spaced crops (50 cm or more): go to the 50 cm dripper spacing configuration
What to consider before choosing the variant
The two variants share diameter (16 mm), wall thickness (1.0 mm), flow rate per dripper (1.6 L/h), number of outlets (2 per dripper), coefficient of variation (Cv < 5%), emission uniformity (EU < 0.5), and standard (ISO 9261:2004). The difference is only in the spacing and how it affects the system's flow rate:
- Crop spacing: For vegetables with plants every 30 cm (tomato, chili, cabbage, in-line melons), the 30 cm option places a dripper next to each plant. For fruit trees or more spaced crops (40–60 cm between plants: young bananas, papayas, in-line ornamental plants), the 50 cm option distributes better without over-supplying.
- Total system flow rate: The 30 cm roll releases 2,665 L/h over its 500 m; the 50 cm roll releases 1,600 L/h. If water supply or the pump are limited, the 50 cm option reduces demand and allows for expanding the irrigated area per turn.
- Maximum run length: On flat terrain and at 1 bar, the 30 cm option can handle up to 97 m per line; the 50 cm option up to 134 m. For elongated plots (long aisles in fruit orchards, lines of palm trees), the 50 cm option reduces the number of branches and connections to the main line.
- Hose versus tape: The 1 mm wall makes this hose more resistant to trampling, impacts, and aging than a 0.3 mm tape. It is the option for systems that are intended to remain on the ground year after year, without being rolled up each season.
- Anti-clogging capacity: The dripper with two outlets and an internal labyrinth reduces the risk of clogging, but just as with tape, adequate filtration at the head unit is essential to maintain uniformity and lifespan.
30 cm dripper spacing configuration: the tight spacing for in-line vegetables
- 1,666 drippers per roll: uniform coverage
- Ideal for in-line vegetables
- 1 mm wall: durable for semi-permanent use
- Cv < 5% ensures high uniformity
- High total flow rate: 2,665 L/h per roll
- Shorter maximum run: 97 m on flat ground
- Oversized for fruit trees
The 30 cm configuration is the standard option for in-line vegetables with plants every 30–40 cm: tomato, chili, eggplant, cabbage, melon or watermelon plantations in rows. Its density of 1,666 drippers per roll ensures that each plant receives water without dry intermediate zones. Compared to tape, the 1 mm wall makes it suitable for systems that remain on the surface season after season, especially in plots with light traffic between lines.
50 cm dripper spacing configuration: the wider spacing for fruit trees and ornamentals
- Lower total flow rate: 1,600 L/h per roll
- Longer maximum run: 134 m on flat ground
- Allows for elongated plots with fewer branches
- Ideal when pumping is limited
- Insufficient for tightly spaced in-line vegetables
- Risk of dry zones if crop spacing does not match dripper spacing
The 50 cm configuration is the preferred option for spaced crops or when long runs are needed: young bananas, papayas, in-line citrus plantations, linear ornamental beds, palm plantations. Its 1,000 drippers per roll reduce water demand to 1,600 L/h, allowing for much larger irrigation areas with the same pump. The maximum length of 134 m per line makes it the natural choice for long plots or extensive aisles in fruit orchards.
Comparative table of variants
The two variants share all construction and dripper characteristics. The difference is only in the spacing and, therefore, in the total flow rate of the roll and the maximum branch length.
| Feature | 30 cm dripper spacing | 50 cm dripper spacing |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal use | In-line vegetables | Fruit trees and ornamentals |
| SKU | 888852 | 443627 |
| Diameter | 16 mm (5/8 in) | 16 mm (5/8 in) |
| Wall thickness | 1.0 mm (Cal. 4000) | 1.0 mm (Cal. 4000) |
| Dripper spacing | 30 cm (12 in) | 50 cm (20 in) |
| Flow rate per dripper (@ 1 bar) | 1.6 L/h (0.42 gph) | 1.6 L/h (0.42 gph) |
| Drippers per roll | 1,666 | 1,000 |
| Total roll flow rate | 2,665 L/h (704 gph) | 1,600 L/h (423 gph) |
| Maximum run length (flat) | 97 m (318 ft) | 134 m (440 ft) |
| Outlets per dripper | 2 | 2 |
| Coefficient of variation (Cv) | < 5 % | < 5 % |
| Emission uniformity (EU) | < 0.5 | < 0.5 |
| Roll length | 500 m (1640 ft) | 500 m (1640 ft) |
| Operating pressure | 1 bar (14.5 psi) | 1 bar (14.5 psi) |
| Production standard | ISO 9261:2004 | ISO 9261:2004 |
Use case matrix → recommended variant
| If your case is… | Recommended variant |
|---|---|
| Tomato or chili peppers with plants every 30–40 cm | → 30 cm |
| Eggplant, cabbage, romaine lettuce in a row | → 30 cm |
| Melon, watermelon, zucchini in continuous rows | → 30 cm |
| Young bananas, papayas, citrus in plantations | → 50 cm |
| Ornamental beds or palm trees in a row | → 50 cm |
| Limited pumping or long aisles in an orchard | → 50 cm |
When in doubt between drip hose and drip tape, consider the expected system lifespan and the presence of traffic in the plot. 120-gauge (0.3 mm) drip tape is economical and sufficient for one season of vegetables, but it is easily damaged by trampling or rubbing against machinery. 1 mm drip hose (this product) is the choice for systems lasting more than one season, fruit tree plantations, or crops where personnel and machinery circulate near the irrigation. The cost difference is amortized by avoiding replacement and repairs each cycle.
Do not exceed the indicated maximum run lengths (97 m for 30 cm, 134 m for 50 cm on flat ground at 1 bar). Beyond this distance, pressure drops at the end of the lateral and the flow rate of the last drippers is reduced, leading to poor uniformity. For longer plots, feed the line from the center (with two laterals to both ends), or switch to a pressure-compensating drip hose, which maintains constant flow in lines twice as long.
30 or 50 cm for your plot?
Tell us what you will be growing, spacing between plants, approximate length of laterals, available flow rate, and whether the installation will be for one season or permanent. You will receive the exact configuration and the calculation of rolls to cover your area.
Frequently asked questions
Drip hose or drip tape: when do I choose each?
Use drip tape (0.3 mm wall, 120 gauge) for single-season crops and a tight budget: annual vegetables, short cycles. Use drip hose (this product, 1 mm wall) for semi-permanent or permanent systems: fruit trees, perennial plantings, systems that are intended to be maintained for more than one cycle. The drip hose is more resistant to trampling, rubbing against machinery, and aging in the sun.
Standard or pressure-compensating for my plot?
Use standard (this product) in flat plots or with minimal unevenness, where pressure remains uniform along the lateral. Use pressure-compensating drip hose in sloped terrain, very long laterals, or when you need identical flow at the first and last dripper regardless of local pressure. Pressure-compensating is the technical upgrade when uniformity is critical.
Do I need a head filter?
Yes, just like with drip tape. Although the drip hose's emitter has a turbulent labyrinth (anti-clogging), install a mesh filter of at least 120 mesh at the irrigation head. Without a filter, solids from well water or cistern water will eventually clog it, and uniformity will quickly decrease. Clean the filter periodically and check the differential pressure: if it rises steadily, it is a sign that cleaning is needed.