Overview
ISO 24120-2:2023 - "Agricultural irrigation equipment - Guideline on the implementation of pressurized irrigation systems - Part 2: Drip irrigation" is an international guideline for planning, designing, installing and operating pressurized drip irrigation systems. Applicable to both small-scale family agriculture and large-scale commercial agriculture, it covers systems in open fields and enclosed growing structures (greenhouses, net houses). The document is intended for agriculture ministries, agronomists, irrigation planners, farmers and other end‑users.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard provides practical guidance across the full drip irrigation lifecycle, including:
- Principles of drip irrigation: water sources, system layout and environmental considerations (weather, enclosed structures).
- Drippers classification: unregulated vs. regulated drippers and specific applications for each type.
- Control head components: guidance on water meters, control valves and valve types used in drip networks.
- Filtration systems: filtration methods and requirements to protect emitters and ensure long-term performance.
- Design principles: design of water sources (surface water, canals, rivers), factors affecting water quality, network design (main line, sub-mains, laterals), velocity, head location, air/vacuum valves, and material selection.
- Dripper and lateral parameters: recommended considerations for dripper flow rate, dripper line length, and pipeline joints for potable or wastewater use.
- Monitoring and data: crop data, soil moisture monitoring, water monitoring and integration of weather station information for irrigation scheduling.
- Chemical injection systems: fertigation and chemigation design, dosing units (venturi, electric injectors), and safety/benefits.
- Pumping and pump stations: pump types, power sources, capacity, selection criteria and performance curves.
- Operation, maintenance and training: start-up procedures, periods of inactivity (freezing hazards), operator training and technical support.
- Specific system types: guidance on Low Pressure Systems (LPS) and Family Drip Systems (FDS) with benefits, limitations and component descriptions.
Practical applications and who uses it
ISO 24120-2:2023 is practical for:
- Irrigation planners and designers creating efficient drip networks for farms and greenhouses.
- Agronomists and farm managers optimizing water and nutrient delivery via fertigation.
- Agriculture ministries and policymakers developing standards and funding programs for irrigation projects.
- Farmers and extension agents implementing family drip systems and low-pressure solutions to increase water-use efficiency.
Benefits include improved water efficiency, emitter longevity, better crop yields through precise drip irrigation and safer chemical injection practices.
Related standards
ISO 24120-2:2023 is part of the broader ISO guidance on pressurized irrigation systems. Users should also consult other relevant ISO standards and national regulations for materials, wastewater reuse, electrical safety and environmental protection when implementing drip irrigation systems.
