Drip irrigation may be defined according to a number of performance parameters including flow rates, wetting pattern, pressure rating and construction material. Regardless of the specific type, make, or model the following are drip irrigation definitions, characteristics, and best practices. Water is applied at a low flow rate – Emission device flow rates are typically measured in gallons per hour (GPH), resulting in low application rates. Water is applied for long periods of time – Irrigation duration may be hours rather than minutes when the application rate is low. Water is applied frequently – Irrigation events may occur daily, or even muliple times per day, when the application rate is low. Water is applied at low pressure – Operating pressures typically range between 10-30 psi, rarely exceeding 60 psi, for most emission devices. Water is applied directly to the soil and the plant’s root zone – Water drips, or sprays,