Drip irrigation: device, principle of operation, installation, reviews. Drip irrigation scheme

In order for plants to feel great in the garden or in the greenhouse, they need to provide good lighting and proper uniform watering. Therefore, every gardener tries to create the most comfortable conditions for all representatives of the flora that grow on the site. And if everything is more or less clear, then what about watering? Probably, you have repeatedly heard that just pouring water from a hose is harmful to plants. That is why many people are thinking about a more gentle type of moisture supply to crops. System drip irrigation it is quite simple to do it yourself, but there are a huge number of advantages from using it.

What is drip irrigation, how to turn it into a "system" and what advantages can it have? Before giving answers to these questions, let's figure out why abundant watering with water from a hose is so harmful to plants. Most are even ready to water plantations manually from jars, just not to use a hose.

And all because:

• the pressure of the jet from the hose erodes the soil around the stem and roots of plants, which cultures do not like very much;
• the soil around the plants receives too much water, which negatively affects the process of natural aeration - the air that the roots need is simply pushed out of the soil by water;
• if you water the garden with a hose, then the water consumption is very large; This indicator is extremely important for those garden plots, where water is brought by water carriers, and for some reason there is no water supply system and wells;
• from excess moisture in the soil, plants begin to grow poorly, get sick, their roots rot, as a result, the plantations die.

These are the main reasons why many gardeners are increasingly thinking about installing a drip irrigation system on their suburban area. Drip irrigation is really a win-win option for both greenhouses and open ground. It is a system of conduit hoses that are connected at one end to a water tank, and with many other ends of branches dug into the ground right next to the root system of each plant individually. That is, many thin hoses are necessarily diverted from the main, main, and each go to a separate plant.

On a note! Such a system can be equipped absolutely for any crops. But most often summer residents provide drip irrigation, peppers and other, more capricious plants.

As a rule, such a system cannot be universal for every garden. Usually, a separate drip irrigation plan is drawn up for each site. All plantings that need a gentle water supply will be marked on it, and all hoses will be laid in accordance with this plan. This is probably main disadvantage drip irrigation systems - you can’t just come to the store and buy the first kit you come across for mounting this device. By the way, that's why many people do everything with their own hands.

Benefits of drip irrigation

On a note! It was with the help of the drip irrigation system that it was once possible to turn dried-up Israel into a flowering oasis, in which horticulture is now widely developed. So drip irrigation has stood the test of time.

Most likely, after reading the beginning of the article, you were inspired and are already thinking of going to the store for a drip irrigation system. But don't rush: first, you need to draw up an irrigation plan and use it to calculate how many meters of hose you will need. And secondly, drip irrigation is faster and easier to do with your own hands.

What can drip irrigation be made of

Knowing the basic principle of operation of the drip irrigation system, it will not be difficult for a gardener to think up what this device can be made of. Typically, the system is a large water tank mounted on a raised platform. A long main hose is connected to it in the lower part with the help of taps, to which, in accordance with the irrigation scheme, hoses with a smaller cross section are connected through fittings. And the ends of small conduits are dug right under the root to each plant or fixed so that the moisture from them drips right along the stem onto the ground.

On a note! It is good if you take care of the presence of a filter in the irrigation system. The fact is that various debris can get into the water (if the tank is open), which will quickly render the hoses unusable, clogging them. We'll have to redo everything to make the system work again.

This is what a drip irrigation system looks like. It can be complicated and equipped with a controller, or, conversely, simplified.

Table. Ideas for a homemade drip irrigation system.

Material	Description
	The most familiar and understandable way. You will need a thick watering hose and thin water pipes with a diameter about the same as the air supply hose from a conventional wheel and ball pump. The entire system is connected, as in the case of industrial installation, using fittings.
	There can be two scenarios for the development of events - bottles can be hung near plants or dug into the ground. Moreover, in the first case, they are supplied with droppers, in the second, a lot of holes are made in them, and top part cut off. The system is inconvenient in that you have to add water to the bottles.
	It is very easy to make drip irrigation from this material. Droppers - the material is available, they can be purchased at a pharmacy or asked from a medical worker friend.

The device looks in the following way: around each individual plant in the greenhouse is dug plastic bottle with holes of small diameter. The bottle is filled with water, which, seeping through small holes, nourishes the roots of plants.

There are also many modifications of these ideas that can be improved or, conversely, simplified. Let's consider the creation of a drip irrigation system from conventional medical droppers.

Materials for the drip irrigation system

Where does the installation of an irrigation system begin? And it begins with the development of an irrigation scheme and the acquisition necessary materials. The plan should reflect complete scheme of your site, and not just show the location of the house and the greenhouse, but also show all the garden plantings. But this is the case if you decide to equip the entire garden with a drip irrigation system. To equip the irrigation system small plot- for example, three beds of strawberries - it will be enough to draw up a detailed diagram of these very beds. The diagram also indicates the place where the water tank will be installed.

On a note! Try to transfer the most accurate dimensions to the drawing - this will simplify the calculation of the amount of materials needed. Measure everything with a tape measure.

Materials that will be needed to make a drip irrigation system:

• water tank- usually large plastic tank; it is better not to use metal, as it will begin to rust over time, and rust particles will clog thin hoses, which will lead to damage to the entire system; at the same time, the tank must be opaque, otherwise the water will begin to bloom quickly;
• main pipe- it is best to use plastic, as it will last longer; the tube will be connected to a tank of water, you can also use a hose;
• medical droppers in an amount equal to the number of bushes that need watering;
• ball valve, opening the flow of water;
• filter, which ensures the purity of the water entering the droppers;
• fitting for branching hoses;
• plug for main hose.

On a note! The water tank should be located at a certain height, so you should immediately take care of the presence of a stand for it. Optimal Height raising the tank - 2-2.5 meters.

Installation of a drip irrigation system

So, the materials have been purchased, the plans have been drawn up - it's time to start making a drip irrigation system from droppers.

Step 1. It is necessary to make a hole for the water outlet in the tank. To do this, a few centimeters from the bottom of the tank, cut a hole for ball valve and install the latter using seals and a coupling so that water does not ooze.

On a note! If you plan to install a filter in your system, it is best to mount it at the outlet of the water from the tank so that any debris that gets into the water does not clog the faucet and hoses. Instead of a filter, you can use a piece of foam rubber, but it will need to be changed regularly.

Step 2 In the hoses that will be located between the bushes, we make holes of such a diameter that the ends of the droppers are kept inside. The number of holes will be equal to the number of watered plants.

Step 3 We attach the main main hose to the tap, to which, according to the scheme, we also attach those that will be located between the rows of bushes. The connection is made using fittings-splitters.

Step 4 We stretch the hose system and lay it between the rows.

Step 5 We close the ends of the main hoses with plugs so that water does not spill out.

Step 6 We remove the needles from medical droppers, leaving the rubber tips in place.

Step 7 We insert rubber tips into the holes on the main hoses.

Step 8 We stick the ends of droppers with large plastic needles into the soil at the roots of plants.

Step 9 Open the faucet and allow water to enter the system.

Step 10 With the help of a regulator with a wheel on the droppers, we control the flow of water by adjusting the intensity.

On a note! Be sure to cover the water tank with something from the sun to prevent the water from blooming. Otherwise, microalgae will start in the tank, which will quickly contaminate the filter.

Video - Installation of drip irrigation from droppers

You have seen that it is not difficult to make a drip irrigation system yourself. How much cheaper it is than buying ready-made, the question remains open. It will be easy to do this for those who have a family medical workers or people who can buy droppers at a discount or wholesale price. Otherwise, the system can be quite expensive.

Drip irrigation in the garden

Now you fully understand what drip irrigation is, why it is needed, how to collect it from ordinary droppers. The system is not complicated, but very functional. That is why do not spare your time now, so as not to run around with buckets later.

Video - How drip irrigation from droppers works

What is a drip irrigation system for? First of all, to free the owner of the infield from the hose, which takes a lot of time and effort. The hose sometimes does not reach the right place, gets tangled or bent, it has to be dragged, damaging the plants .... All these torments helps to avoid competently organized system drip irrigation, which can be used in greenhouses, on beds in open ground, a small lawn, in flower beds.

You can install drip irrigation with your own hands, without special technical skills: all the necessary components are available in specialized stores. At self-manufacturing watering will meet your individual requirements, taking into account the smallest details.

For standard solutions (irrigation of greenhouses, greenhouses or beds small size) ready-made kits are available for sale (“AquaDusya”, “Beetle”, “Harvest”, “Vodomerka and many others) with or without automatic control. .

How to make drip irrigation yourself? There are several options for its device on personal plot. For correct selection equipment, follow our recommendations.

Watering with ready-made components

1. First of all, we decide on water intake source. It can be a water supply, a well or a well. An open reservoir for organizing drip irrigation is not suitable, since the water in it will be excessively polluted, and the equipment will quickly fail.

If you plan to connect the system directly to the water supply, then there is no need to purchase a pump, however, due to the unstable water pressure, a pressure reducer may be needed.

If the source of water intake is a well or a well, then water from it is first pumped into storage capacity(barrel, eurocube). The volume of the container should correspond to the volume of water spent on one irrigation. It is calculated using the following formula:

Number of plants * water consumption per plant per hour * watering time

For example:

60 strawberry bushes * 2 l / hour * 2 hours = 240 liters are needed for one watering.

From the storage tank, water main pipeline goes to the drip tape or droppers.

2. What to choose: drip tape or drip tube with drips?

Watering drip tape more designed for uniform planting of plants, for example, potatoes, beets, herbs, onions, garlic. Can be used to irrigate narrow or complex shape lawn.

The drip tape is a flat thin-walled tube, inside of which there are special built-in devices for supplying water. From high unregulated pressure, the tape can break, so if the irrigation system is connected directly to the water supply, it is necessary to purchase a special reducer that regulates pressure up to 1 bar. Maximum length beds on which you can put a drip tape - 100 meters.

There are several types of tapes:

1. Slotted.

In such a tape, a labyrinth is built in along the entire length, distributing water pressure evenly. At certain distances, water outlet holes are made in the labyrinth. Slotted tape is prone to clogging, so a good filter must be installed in the drip irrigation system when using it.

2. Emitter.

Emitters are special flat droppers equipped with complex system passages (maze), built into the tape and supplying water to the plant. Emitters can be located from each other at different distances - 10, 15, 20, 30 cm. The smaller the distance between the emitters, the higher the price of the tape. The choice of distance depends on the type of crops to be irrigated. The emitter tape is more reliable than the slotted tape, and its price is generally higher.

An important parameter is the thickness of the tape, on which its strength depends. The thinnest tape will serve in the open field for only one season, it is most suitable for greenhouses.

Cons and pros of drip tape:

• it is required to install high-quality filters before supplying water to the belt
• short service life
• may break at high water pressure

• low price
• watering can work from a tank without a pump (by gravity)

- more rigid, made of HDPE and designed for self installation external droppers, available without holes. Connectors, tees and repair sleeves for drip tapes and tubes need different ones, since the diameter of the tape is measured inside, and the tubes are outside. Unlike a conventional HDPE pipe, the wall thickness of the drip pipe is smaller (from 0.8 to 1.2 mm) and its material is UV resistant. The tube withstands water pressure up to 6 bar.

Used for irregular plantings, for watering shrubs, trees, on flower beds: where it is important to water each plant bush individually. For drippers to work, high pressure water.

Droppers are connected either through thin special hoses, or directly to the drip tube - in this case, the principle of their operation is similar to a drip tape with built-in droppers.

Some droppers provide for regulation of the volume of water poured out, such droppers are called adjustable.

Types of droppers:

Compensated

Provide uniform watering with a long tape length, as well as in areas with a slope. They work well only at a certain water pressure, therefore they are not used when watering from a container by gravity. Less sensitive to water contaminated with small particles.

Uncompensated

These droppers are used for flat areas without a slope, with a small length of the drip tape. Suitable for watering from a container, as they can work at low water pressure.

Droppers-pegs used for spot irrigation, as they are installed directly in the root zone of the plant.

Pros and cons of droppers

• installation step is self-selected
• outlet volume can be adjusted

• higher price
• adjustable drippers are time consuming to set up and clean

Conclusion: if you need to organize the irrigation of crops such as onions, potatoes, beets, carrots, garlic, radishes, lawn grass, and a storage tank serves as a source of irrigation water - choose a drip tape. In the presence of a pressure reducer, drip tape can also be used when watering from a water supply system.

If drip irrigation requires adjustable, individual for each plant (flowers, shrubs, trees, strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants), and the water supply source provides sufficient working water pressure, choose droppers with micro-supply hoses.

Watch a video illustrating the use of drip irrigation using one of the ready-made systems as an example:

3. We purchase the necessary components.

1. Pump. Required to supply water from a well or well to a storage tank or directly to the main hose of the system when installing a pressure reducer.

2. . For irrigation by "gravity" in the absence of a connection to the water supply, the container must be raised to a height of 50 cm to 2 meters to create the necessary working water pressure. If it is not possible to set the barrel at the required height, you can use submersible pump, connecting to it automation to adjust the irrigation system. In this case, it is important to observe all the parameters of the water pressure in the system and monitor the water level, for example, using a transparent hose, in order to protect the pump from running dry. The main hose is connected to the container with the help of a special coupling.

3.Hoses. To connect to a water source, a main hose or pipe with a diameter of 13.16 or 19 mm is required.

Drip tapes or smaller diameter tubes are connected to this hose. For droppers, you may need thin supply hoses with a diameter of 4-7 mm.

4. pressure reducer. Helps regulate and maintain required pressure for the proper operation of water outlets.

Reducers up to 1bar - used for drip tape.

Reducers from 1 to 2.8 bar - used for irrigation with a drip tube with external droppers.

5. Drip irrigation filter. It is used to purify water from pollution, it is necessary when taking water from a well or a well.

6.Drip tape, drip tube, droppers, microtubes. The choice of these components depends on the purpose and purpose of drip irrigation.

7. Fitting. Required for various connections:

• start connectors - with their help, the drip tape is attached to the central line
• faucets - combine the functions of a strat connector and a faucet, provide zone-by-zone irrigation
• repair couplings - needed to repair the tape when it breaks
• corners and tees - useful for creating branches and turns
• racks - press the tape to the ground, protecting it from displacement during gusts of wind

8. Plugs. Needed to seal the end of a tape or hose.

9. Mounting tools.

A piercer or punch is needed to make holes in the "blind" hose for connecting droppers.

10.Irrigation control automation.

Timers (mechanical or electronic), controllers (powered or battery operated), weather sensors, solenoid valves. With the help of timers and controllers, the regularity and duration of irrigation is set, and its process is fully automated. The correct operation of the system depends on the quality of the equipment, so you should not save on automation. Installing automatic control watering, do not forget about the rain sensor, which will turn off the system during rainfall.

If there are several heterogeneous irrigation zones, along with the controller, it is necessary to purchase solenoid valves that connect the main line and drip irrigation lines. The program will first turn on one zone for watering through the solenoid valve, and then another.

Do-it-yourself drip irrigation system: the simplest installation option using a storage tank.

1. We connect a pump to the water intake source to fill the tank with water.
2. We install the container at a height of 0.5-2 meters from the ground, to it at a distance of 10-15 cm from the bottom we connect the main hose with a tap and a filter.
3. We lay the main hose perpendicular to the drip irrigation tapes, install a plug at its end.
4. We drill holes in the main hose with a drill according to the number of drip irrigation lines, we connect the lines using start connectors or taps.
5. We lay out the drip tape or tube with water outlets up.
6. If it is necessary to attach droppers to the tube, we make holes in it using a special punch, insert the supply micro-hoses and connect the droppers to them.
7. We close the end of the tapes with plugs, having previously driven water through the system so that all the air comes out of it.

Scheme of installation of drip irrigation using an automatic controller

Drip irrigation from plastic bottles

The simplest watering for a greenhouse can be organized without financial costs for special components, using improvised means.

It is very easy to make drip irrigation from plastic bottles with your own hands, for which containers from various drinks are suitable.

Near the bush of a plant that needs watering, a plastic bottle is dug in, with the cork up. Several holes are made in its bottom through which water will slowly flow into the soil. The container is filled with water through the neck, then the cork is slightly screwed to reduce evaporation. The disadvantages of this method of irrigation include the rapid clogging of holes and its unsuitability for heavy soils that do not absorb water well.

Plastic bottles can not be dug into the ground, but hung above the plants on a wire with their neck down at a distance of 5-10 cm from the ground. A hole is made in the neck, into which an empty cut rod is inserted from ballpoint pen through which water reaches the roots of the plant.

If you make a hole in the bottom and insert a medical dropper for intravenous infusions into it, then, firstly, the water supply can be regulated, and secondly, it will fall exactly under the root of the plant. The hole can be smeared with sealant so that water does not leak.

Drip irrigation from medical droppers

Using a polypropylene garden hose and medical IV drippers, you can build a simple drip irrigation system. Holes are made in the hose with an awl or drill, into which tubes from droppers are then inserted. The holes are sealed, the watering speed is adjusted by the wheel on the device.

Care of the drip irrigation system

For the winter, it is necessary to turn off all the equipment and place it in a heated room, since from the action low temperatures hoses and drip tapes can crack. It is better to wind hoses and tapes on special reels so that there are no creases.

A do-it-yourself drip irrigation device will allow you to reduce the cost of specialist services and choose the optimal irrigation scheme for your needs.

Implementation of timely manual watering not always possible. In addition, it is not known how much water a particular plant needs to better development. To solve this problem and get the opportunity maximum savings water is recommended to install drip irrigation.

Diagram of an automatic drip irrigation system.

The principle of operation is that there is no water ingress on the stems and leaves of watered plants, which eliminates the occurrence of sunburn and helps to reduce the number of weeds. Moisture is supplied regularly in the required quantity directly under root systems vegetable plants.

There is an economical consumption of water. Drip irrigation is an ideal method for irrigating beds, flower beds, shrubs, fruit trees and hedges. The undoubted advantage will be the fact that drip irrigation does not require constant movement of hoses, which eliminates the breaking of plants and the creation of unnecessary dirt.

The only and main disadvantage of drip irrigation is the presence of financial costs for the purchase of equipment, as well as further installation.

Do-it-yourself automated drip irrigation installation at first glance is a rather difficult task. However, in order to subsequently avoid constant red tape with watering cans or hoses in your personal plot, it is recommended to use just such an irrigation system.

Irrigation systems with drippers

quality and reliable system drip irrigation can be acquired on a do-it-yourself basis. For these purposes, you will need to purchase quality components so that in the future you get a solid and durable design that requires minimal participation from you.

In order to install drip irrigation with your own hands, the following materials are required:

1. Droppers. The main elements of the system, on the functioning of which depends perfect job drip system and irrigation itself. They come with adjustable and unregulated water flow. The ranges of these parameters range from 2 to 20 l/h.

In addition, there are compensating and non-compensating droppers. The first to maintain the stability of the flow rate, regardless of what pressure is present in the pipe or in the hose.

The best elements, of course, are compensating adjustable droppers.

1. Splitters ("spiders"). The number of these splitters should be equal to the number of droppers to which they are directly attached. The number of fittings extending from the spiders varies from 2 to 4 pieces.
2. Thin plastic microtubes. Mounted on splitters. With their help, water is diverted to the required watering place.
3. Racks. They act as elements that serve to be installed at certain points of irrigation. Microtubular ends are attached to them.
4. Distributing (distributing) tubes. One of the ends of such tubes is connected to the supply pipe, and the other is fixed with a plug. From the sides to the tubes at the required distance, droppers are fastened with connected microtubes and splitters.

Typically, plastic distribution pipes have a wall thickness of 0.11 cm and a diameter of 1.6 cm. The distribution pipes and the elements attached to it are the main assembly units (modules) of the irrigation system. Their number on the plot depends on the area of ​​irrigation. For example, in order to irrigate a medium-sized greenhouse, two distribution tubes are sufficient.

1. Start connectors. They are special fittings for fastening distribution pipes to the supply pipe. To install them in the pipe, it is necessary to drill holes into which the fittings of these elements are inserted. Everything is sealed with clamping nuts located on the start connectors.
2. Supply pipelines. Plastic tubes that bring water from the filter to the distribution tubes. One end is attached to the filter, and the other is fixed with a plug.
3. Water filter. The efficiency of the drip irrigation system is directly dependent on the purity of the water supplied. Small pieces of dirt, earth or rust can clog narrow drip holes, which will leave the plants they serve without water. Before purchasing a filter, it is required to determine its brand and performance, which, depending on the models, varies widely. For counting required performance you need to know the number of droppers that will be arranged on the plot. The flow rate of the drippers is multiplied by their number, and the result is the filter performance required to provide all elements with purified water. The water filter is attached to the water supply.
4. Various elements of connecting fittings intended for fastening: fittings, tees, fittings, taps, pressure compensators. With the help of taps, it is possible to block or open water access to separate sections vegetable garden. Pressure compensators regulate the pressure in the system, which allows you to create the required irrigation.

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Do-it-yourself drip irrigation installation

A pipe or hose for water supply must be connected to a water supply or large capacity with water, which is installed at a height of about 1 meter. As a water supply, it is possible to use both special polyethylene pipes and a regular watering hose. First you need to put a cleaning filter.

We install pipes or lay out the hose on the beds, along the fruit, vegetable or ornamental plantings. One end is closed with a plug or broken, and the other is connected to the tap.

If you need system wiring for several beds, you need to use tees.

When using a conventional hose, it is necessary to install small self-tapping screws along its entire length, one opposite each plantation, but they must not be twisted through.

Then the screws are unscrewed half a turn, after which it is possible to open the water tap. In this case, self-tapping screws adjust the water supply.

It is necessary to exclude kinks and creases in the hose when it is shifted by pets. To do this, it is recommended to fasten the irrigation hose with the help of original brackets made of wire.

To prevent excessive evaporation of moisture from the irrigated area, cover the ground around the plants with straw or peat mulch.

Watering and its rate will depend on many factors. These include the soil of the site, and the types of watered plants, as well as climatic and natural conditions. It is generally recommended to do drip irrigation every day for about half an hour early in the morning.

The above drip irrigation system is the most durable and reliable. Its operational period is 8-12 years, if a high-quality installation was carried out.

To give a garden and a vegetable garden good harvest, regular and timely watering is important. Especially during the summer period. Of course, you can saturate the soil with moisture with a special watering hose, but today there are more modern version- drip irrigation. What is this system, the principle of its operation, how much it costs and how to do drip irrigation correctly, you can find out by reading the article.

A drip system is designed for irrigation of plants that are planted in an ordinary way. Ground or underground drip irrigation is used to care for crops, grapes, flowers and trees. This is perfect option and for watering greenhouses. But drip irrigation is not suitable for moistening lawns. Since it is impossible to water a large area with tubes. In this case sprinklers are used.

But for a small garden, a berry garden, a vegetable garden, a drip system is a great way. Many summer residents install from droppers, considering it the most economical and rational method plant care.

System advantages

Drip irrigation prevents the root system from being deficient nutrients and dry out, prevents the formation of a hard crust on the soil surface and erosion of the fertile layer. Drip irrigation was first used in Israel. The effectiveness of the method on the face. After all, today Israel is a leading exporter of products Agriculture. The summer resident from the use of the drip system receives a lot of advantages.

The drip irrigation device gives the following results:

1. The fertility of plants increases by about 40%.
2. Labor costs are significantly reduced. No need to carry heavy buckets, drag the hose. All you have to do is turn on the faucet.
3. Weeds grow much less. Because they lack moisture. This reduces the number of weeds.
4. Eliminates the risk of soil erosion.
5. Reduces the likelihood of fungal diseases.
6. Leaf burns are excluded. After all, drip tubes supply water to the roots of plants.
7. Water savings are approximately 70%. Moisture does not spread throughout the site, but only enters the root zone of plants.
8. The system operates at low pressure.
9. The presence of a gardener and total control of watering is not required. Automated system will supply water at the right time.

Device and principle of operation

The principle of operation of drip irrigation is as follows: water is supplied directly to the root system of plants. Moisture, depending on the equipment used, can be supplied to the soil surface or to the depth of the fertile layer. In the first case, the system is equipped with a drip tape or hose, in the second - with a dropper.

Based on the type of water supply, gravity and forced systems are distinguished. In the first variant, the flow of water occurs due to an inclined container with water and the action of gravity. In the second option, drip irrigation is carried out from a water supply system or a pump that is connected to a well. In this case, the system is necessarily equipped with a gearbox. From water supply network or a tank, water moves through the main pipes, which have branches, and is supplied to the desired irrigation point.

Drip irrigation functionality is divided into:

• manual;
• auto;
• semi-automatic.

The manual system must be turned on and off by the summer resident on their own. The water tank is also filled manually with a hose or buckets. Automatic devices fully functioning under the control of the system. The semi-automatic device starts and stops watering independently. But the gardener needs to replenish the water tank on his own. The semiautomatic device can be programmed, set the intensity and time of watering. In terms of cost, the most expensive are automatic models.

System elements

Installing drip irrigation is not difficult. This work does not require special knowledge and skills.

But before installation, you should decide what you need to buy for drip irrigation, and which manufacturer to give preference to.

In fact, the range for drip irrigation is very wide and is represented by various parts from different manufacturers. When choosing, do not chase the low price. Because the quality of cheap products cannot be high. It is better to adhere to the optimal ratio of cost and quality. It should also be noted that today well-equipped drip irrigation kits have appeared on sale. That saves the summer resident from the need to select individual parts. Below are the materials needed to set up a drip irrigation system.

Dropper: its types and functions

There can be two types: drip tapes and single devices. Drip tape is a hose with large quantity holes. Inside there are special systems that control the flow of water. Depending on the principle of operation, there are three types: labyrinth, slot, emitter. Each of the varieties has its positive and negative sides. Most summer residents prefer emitter tapes. Because they are more technologically advanced and durable.

But before you buy an emitter tape for drip irrigation, you need to remember that it is most convenient to lay out the tapes on beds with vegetable crops. But single devices or droppers are more suitable for watering free-standing perennial crops, shrubs, trees. These units are also divided into two types: without pressure compensation and with compensation. Droppers can be used, for example, for watering currant bushes. You can read in detail about the quality and timely care of currants, in addition to watering.

The main difference between a drip tube and a tape is the wall thickness and more long term operation. The tube can properly serve 3 years or more. Also, the tube, unlike the tape, can be buried in the ground. This does not change its functionality. Therefore, many people decide to buy a drip tube for irrigation, because it has excellent performance characteristics.

Many novice summer residents are wondering where to get drippers for drip irrigation and how much they cost. You can buy these elements of the system in any specialized store or order on the Internet.

To prolong the life of the tube, it is advisable to install a filter. Otherwise, the dropper can quickly become clogged and stop doing its job. The cost of the dropper is low. But if you buy a tube for drip irrigation in bulk, many companies make a discount, and as a result, the product comes out even cheaper.

The tee is an important detail

Without this detail, the productive operation of the system is impossible. With the help of a tee, you can organize watering at the same time in several areas. Therefore, a tee for drip irrigation is important element and it is desirable to install it immediately.

Soft garden hose or ready-made sleeve

In the case of using a soft watering hose on one side, it will need to be plugged. The cost of this part is low. You can buy a drip irrigation sleeve at any specialty store.

Controller: Types and Applications

Is an main part any automatic irrigation system. It determines the operating time of the valve, ensures the regularity of watering. It looks like a small box with a display and a few switches. The controller receives information from wind, humidity, and temperature sensors. Most models are mains powered. True, there are devices with a battery. They are more convenient to use.

If you buy an automatic controller for drip irrigation, the efficiency of the entire system will increase significantly. Semiconductor and hybrid controllers are commercially available. Semiconductors are installed indoors. Used to control watering in small areas. Most often for irrigation of lawns and lawns near houses.

Hybrid models are more reliable and modern. Allows you to save energy and water. Equipped with a microprocessor that controls the valves in turn. Basically, such units are used to organize the irrigation of large areas, greenhouses.

Drip irrigation injector

This element allows you to increase productivity, reduces the complexity of irrigation, eliminates pollution. ground water and soil, allows water to instantly flow with mineral fertilizers to the roots of crops. But you need to know how to choose the right injector for drip irrigation, because it costs a lot. The choice of device should be based on the specific situation, after consulting with a specialist.

Other elements of the system

Also, to install a drip irrigation system, you will need a pump, fitting, taps, adapters and plugs. Most often, difficulties in choosing parts for organizing drip irrigation arise with hoses. Because they can be of different types. And many gardeners do not know which drip irrigation hoses are best to use.

When choosing, you should be guided by where the system will be located: on the surface or under the ground. On sale you can find oozing hose. It is used for laying underground. Made of PVC, has a microporous structure. Performs the function of moistening the soil around the crop. Ideal for caring for tomatoes that do not like moisture on the leaves.

The sprinkler is used for watering flower beds, beds, lawns. The maximum length of the hose is 22 m. But if necessary, the length can be increased. The unit is equipped with fittings for more efficient irrigation. Tape hose is the most expensive. Its advantage is that it can be used in conjunction with electrical engineering.

Knowing how to install drip irrigation, you can organize effective system irrigation of agricultural crops.

Installation is easy. First lay the piping. After that, a filter and a pump are installed. Then the controller is mounted and, if necessary, the fertilizer application unit. Further, drip tapes are laid out under the trees and along the beds. The tapes are connected to the main pipes.

Cost and popular models

Many novice gardeners and summer residents are interested in how much drip irrigation costs and which models are more popular. As for the cost of equipment, it depends on the type of system chosen, as well as on the model, quality and manufacturer. For example, a semi-automatic drip irrigation system Akvadusya will cost a summer resident about 1,700 rubles, and an automatic model will already cost 2,100 rubles.

In addition to Aquadusya, such models as Rodnichok, Zhuk are also widely used. Most often, semi-automatic devices are chosen. They are cheaper and besides, the automatic float for filling the water tank can be purchased and installed separately. Installing a control system on your own allows you to save a little money. Some craftsmen are trying to organize underground drip irrigation with their own hands, and they are doing it well.

Thus, drip irrigation this moment is the most modern and effective method irrigation of plants. It improves yields and saves water. Drip irrigation is quite simple. That allows you to easily install the system on your own.

One of essential conditions successful cultivation vegetables in the greenhouse is timely and sufficient watering. Based on the fact that the conditions of the protected ground differ from natural, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of alternative irrigation. This can be drip irrigation, which will not only save you from daily hard work, but also provide a good final result. This article tells about the advantages, principles of operation, features of the installation of automatic irrigation systems.

Drip irrigation for greenhouses

A drip irrigation system consists of branched ribbons interconnected and equipped with droppers that supply water to plants in small doses in the form of drops (hence the name) from a storage tank. As a result, each plant periodically receives the required amount of moisture. Such droppers can be both adjustable and unregulated, compensatory and non-compensatory. The use of such irrigation will be most effective in such cases:

• Difficult terrain (elevation differences);
• The need for watering under the root;
• Low pressure in the system.

Drip irrigation system in a greenhouse: principle of operation and benefits

The principle of operation of such an irrigation system is that water flows directly to the roots of plants, contributing to its local development. In addition, it has time to sufficiently warm up, since it moves through the system at a low speed. Thus, it is possible to create a specific climate in closed ground conditions, which allows you to get high yields.

The benefits of drip irrigation include:

• Saving water resources;
• Minimal risk of waterlogging, washing out and soil erosion;
• Prevention sunburn;
• High level of absorption of nutrients from the soil;
• Significant reduction in labor costs;
• Noticeable increase in productivity.

Do-it-yourself drip irrigation in a greenhouse - step by step instructions

Ready-made irrigation systems are available for sale, which are enough to connect to the selected area. In addition, such a system can be mounted independently by purchasing hoses, tapes and droppers.

Regardless of the method chosen, you will need certain knowledge in order to properly connect the system. Step-by-step instruction this process will be discussed below.

To install and connect the system, you will need special tools: droppers and hoses, pipes for the main line and filters, as well as special plugs and filters for pipes. All this can be purchased in specialized stores. When connecting the system, you should be aware that it implies stationarity, and a certain number of branches. So, to supply water from the storage tank, one main pipe will be enough, from which drip pipes will depart.

System connection diagram

Therefore, the main pipe is first laid, placing it along the track. Then, on both sides, diluting arteries are attached to it with the help of detachable joints, from which drip irrigation tapes depart. As a diluent, you can use ordinary polyethylene watering pipes with a diameter of about 4 cm. To do this, the pipe of the required length is muffled on one side, and on the other, a tap is installed to switch to the water supply. In addition, holes with a diameter of about 14 mm should be made around the entire perimeter of the pipe, necessary for attaching the connector. In this case, the distance between the holes must match the intervals between landings. The dispensing tap is equipped with a sealing gasket, after which a start-connector is mounted, which ensures the regulation of the water supply.

The standard scheme for connecting drip irrigation includes the following items:

• Organization of a water intake source equipped with a pumping station;
• Check valve installation;
• Installation of a coarse filter;
• Connection of controller and pressure sensor;
• Installation of fine filters and a second check valve;
• Connection of the main line with a shut-off ball valve at the beginning;
• Installation of a flush valve at the end of the line;
• Laying drip tapes in the right directions;
• Dropper insert.

Drip tape installation procedure

There are several ways to install drip tape. Among them, the simplest is the connection of the tape with the pipe using a clamp.

To equip a temporary water supply system, the drip tape is attached to the pipe using a tee, the two ends of which connect the pipe sections, and the third one connects the drip tape through the clamp. In this case, the far end of the tape is twisted for tightness. With this installation method, it is also recommended to install special filters in front of the drip tape that protect the tape from internal contamination. They are interconnected by a coupling and the connectors are screwed on, on which hoses are put on and fixed with clamps.

Installation of drip irrigation tapes to the water supply system can also be done using special fittings (with or without a tap). To do this, it is necessary to drill a hole with a diameter of 15 mm in the distributing pipe, into which an elastic band is inserted for mounting the fitting spike. After that, the device is attracted to the pipe with a nut. It is to it that the drip tape is attached.

System care after installation

To system automatic watering could most effectively perform its functions, it is necessary to carry out appropriate care for it. First of all, we are talking about droppers, which become clogged very quickly and are the first to fail. Their clogging can have both a mechanical origin, and a biological one, as well as a chemical one. To prevent the first type of clogging, it is recommended to use mechanical filters, which must be replaced periodically, since particles of sand and dirt collect in them, preventing them from penetrating into the drip tape.

The chlorination procedure will help to prevent biological clogging as a result of water bloom. tap water or complete flushing of the drip irrigation system. In case of liquid dressings through drip system or due to the natural hardness of water, chemical clogging can occur, which can be avoided by adding special substances to the water that regulate its acidity. The first signal that droppers need to be replaced or cleaned is the diameter of the water spot. If it is less than 30 cm, then the dropper is clogged. If, instead of a stain, a whole puddle forms, this means that you should check the fastening between the hose and the dropper.

In winter, the system should be dismantled after washing with clean water and separating its elements one by one. It is desirable to store the drip system in a heated room.

Types of automatic greenhouse irrigation

The most common types of automatic greenhouse irrigation include sprinkling, drip irrigation and subsoil irrigation.

Sprinkler irrigation (sprinkler irrigation)

With the help of a sprinkling system, plants are watered in closed ground conditions from above using special spray nozzles connected to a hose. Such sprinklers provide uniform watering throughout the greenhouse, but lead to the deposition of moisture particles on the leaves of plants, which can cause sunburn. In addition, watering in this way requires big expense water, which is uneconomical.

Subsurface irrigation for perennials

Subsoil irrigation is used in the cultivation of large perennials. In this case, not ordinary, but porous hoses and pipes are used, through which water is supplied directly to the roots of plants at a depth of the arable layer (35-60 cm). The functioning of such a system is based on the action of the suction force of the soil. For this reason, this method of irrigation is not suitable for sandy and sandy, as well as pebbly and saline soils. The subsoil irrigation system includes: a water source, pumping station, water control unit, pipelines, as well as subsoil humidifiers.

Types of irrigation: subsoil, aboveground and sprinkling

This method of irrigation makes it possible to maintain the active layer of soil in a wet state without destroying the soil structure. As a result of subsoil irrigation, a crust does not form on the surface of the substrate, and moisture evaporates less and remains in the soil longer. Automation of the process does not require large labor costs, and the peculiarities of laying pipes do not create barriers to use mechanical means in greenhouse conditions.

However, this method of irrigation involves large financial investments in the construction of the system itself and preventive work to avoid silting of pipes. In addition, it cannot be used on light and saline soils and leads to a deterioration in the conditions for seed germination and survival of seedlings. Therefore, the method of subsoil irrigation is relevant when caring for greenhouse perennials.

Drip outdoor irrigation

With external drip irrigation, water is supplied from a storage source to pipes (tapes) equipped with slots. Such "droppers" are laid out either on the surface of the soil in the beds, or are buried shallowly. Thus, it is possible to significantly save water resources, while maintaining required level soil moisture. Such a system can be additionally equipped with automatic irrigation control.

Greenhouse Automatic Drip Irrigation Device

Automation of various processes will help to get a good harvest in closed ground conditions without significant labor costs. So, a drip irrigation system will help to satisfy the need of plants for water, which will not only save your strength, but also save water resources. In addition, in conditions of sufficient soil moisture, crops develop well and give a good harvest.

Even if you don't have access to central water supply, and you have to constantly make sure that the storage tank is full, this process can also be automated. For example, mount pump equipment, which will pump water from available source, and the installed automatic controller - to regulate the water supply in a certain period of time.

Pros and cons of different irrigation methods

In addition to outdoor drip irrigation in greenhouses, a sprinkling system and subsoil irrigation are also used. Each of these methods has both its advantages and disadvantages.

For example, during sprinkling, moisture from sprayers gets on the stems, leaves and fruits of plants, which is not always acceptable. To use the system of subsoil irrigation will require large financial costs associated with the purchase and laying special pipes. Therefore, this type of irrigation is used in large industrial-scale greenhouses, where the costs will be justified. The most accessible, and therefore the most popular, is the drip irrigation method, in which moisture is used efficiently and rationally, since it gets directly to the root system of the plant in required quantities and with a certain interval of time. Among the advantages of sprinkling are irrigation uniformity and the ability to irrigate areas with large elevation changes, as well as maintaining the soil structure and improving the microclimate of the irrigated area.

What is an automatic irrigation system?

The automatic irrigation system includes both mandatory elements and some accessories that are added at will. The main components of the automatic irrigation system include:

• storage tank
• Pump equipment
• Pipelines ( plastic pipes, fittings, safety valve)
• Devices for connection to a water supply source (fittings, taps)
• Sprinklers (devices for sprinkling)
• Control system (remote control, sensors, cable in an insulating tube, solenoid valves)
• Equipment for drip irrigation (droppers and other small accessories).

What are droppers and what are their differences

Droppers can be both external and built-in. Outdoor, in turn, are divided into compensated and non-compensated, they can have a different number of outlets and different water flow rates.

Since droppers are a non-separable element, they cannot be cleaned mechanically. Modern external droppers are equipped with a self-cleaning mechanism, which prolongs their life. But a dropper built into the hose (tape) will last much longer. Its design consists of a filter, a valve and a labyrinth through which water is supplied. And although such tapes are much thinner than conventional hoses, their service life is longer. However, you should be aware that the cost of such a “tape” is quite high, which distinguishes a hose with a dropper integrated into it from a tape made of glued polyethylene. The latter are equipped with a primitive internal dropper, which is formed from microscopic holes left during gluing inside the seam.

Additional functionality of an automatic irrigation system

In addition to the mandatory components of the irrigation system, there are additional components that expand the functionality of automatic irrigation. One of these elements is a microcontroller, which makes it possible to water on certain days of the week or at the required interval. In addition, the microcontroller can be equipped with photocells that trigger the system depending on the time of day. Remote control allows you to control the system remotely via the Internet.

Flexible hoses and elbows provide connection between sprinklers and fittings. Modules make it possible to expand the territory of the irrigated zone, and pressure regulators - to limit it pointwise in the selected area. The automatic meter precisely controls the water flow, allowing you to choose the most efficient irrigation mode.