Pitcher irrigation is another traditional method of drip irrigation. It uses unglazed earthenware or clay pots, which are buried in the soil up to the neck beside plants. These pots are filled with water and covered with a lid or stone. The porous walls of the pot allow water to slowly seep out, reaching the roots over time. For communities that may not have clay pots, hollowed and dried fruits like the sweet monkey orange can serve as a substitute when they have been dried and the top cut off. This method provides consistent moisture directly to the roots, reducing evaporation and water waste.
Bottle irrigation is also a simple and low-cost technique of drip irrigation. A plastic bottle is filled with water and placed upside down in the soil near the plant. The dense soil hinders the water from leaving the bottle immediately. As the water slowly seeps out of the bottle’s neck, it is released directly to the plant roots. This method prevents quick evaporation and makes the water available to the plant for a longer time, keeping the soil moist and supporting plant growth with minimal water use.