Drip irrigation in the greenhouse with your own hands. Do-it-yourself drip irrigation - the simplest ways to create a drip irrigation system

Each vegetable grower is well aware that timely irrigation of the site is important for the intensive growth of cultivated crops. Therefore, in order to increase the yield of sown areas, it is used drip irrigation. A relatively inexpensive and fairly easy-to-use micro-irrigation installation will not only save the gardener from monotonous work, but also reduce water consumption by more than 60%.

The drip irrigation system delivers water strictly to the root zone.

The principle of operation and the main advantages of the system

The operation of the system is based on a dosed diet, during which there is a reduced water consumption.

At the same time, the structure of the soil does not change and water starvation does not occur in plants. Moisture supply is carried out continuously or as needed in small doses for each plant. During irrigation, the movement of the water flow through the pipes is slow, which allows the water to warm up to comfortable temperature before entering the root zone.

The principle of drip irrigation is to supply water through a pipeline in small doses. Through special droppers, it flows out in drops, moistening the soil to a depth of 1 m. In this case, the aisle remains dry, which significantly reduces consumption water resources. In private plots, the water supply to the system is usually regulated manually, and in large areas under crops, automatic controllers are used.

The benefits of an irrigation system include:

• excellent work both on open ground and in greenhouse conditions;
• ease of use for both horticultural crops and hedges, and for fruit trees and shrubs;
• the ability to feed plants with liquid fertilizers through drip lines.

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Drip irrigation system device

Since the operation of the micro-irrigation installation does not cause difficulties, therefore, even a novice amateur vegetable grower can assemble and install it on his site.

You need to purchase the following accessories:

• water tank (if a well, well or open reservoir is not used);
• pump;
• main pipeline;
• filter;
• manometer;
• water meter;
• starting fittings;
• drip tapes;
• droppers;
• connecting fittings.

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The purpose of the main elements and their main functions

Water supply to the drip irrigation installation is carried out using low- or medium-pressure pumps. The first type is preferable because it allows the use of droppers big size, which are much less likely to clog. In small areas, using a pump does not make sense. Therefore, in most cases, it is replaced by a cistern or tank. It can be filled with a hose or connected directly to the plumbing system. To receive required pressure in the drip irrigation pipeline, the water tank rises above the ground to a height of 1.5-2 m.

Drip tube device.

Most often used to supply water to the system pumping stations type BV, BCP, BTs, the productivity of which is 1-6 m³ / h with a pressure force of 10-40 m. pumping unit usually ranges from 3 to 10 minutes with a break of 30-60 minutes.

The purpose of the filter is to precipitate, coagulate and flocculate the supplied water to the set values. When using open reservoirs, wells and wells, 2 types of filters are necessarily installed in series: for primary and for final cleaning.

For primary filtration of the water flow from mechanical impurities, expanded clay, sand and gravel, as well as crushed stone cassette-type devices are used. The final cleaning is carried out by open hydrocyclones, filters with polystyrene foam and mesh nozzles. The cost of organizing a filtration station averages 10-15% of the total project cost. The filter is selected depending on the performance of the pump and the diameter of the outlet.

When laying distribution lines, it is better to use pvc pipes. They are distinguished by good wear resistance, elasticity and long service life (more than 5-6 years). In addition, pipes have high rates resistance to temperature changes and can be used in the range from -40ºС to +50ºС. They are also able to withstand water pressure in the pipeline up to 3 kg / cm².

The water tank should be 1.5 meters from the ground.

When purchasing a product, it is advisable to give preference to the black color of the pipes - this will help prevent water from blooming and clogging droppers. When laying main pipeline pipes Ø38-51 mm are usually used, and for irrigation lines - polyethylene Ø3-10 mm. When choosing the type of irrigation lines, it is necessary to take into account the range of growing crops on the site. In terms of service life / price the best option is a drip tape with a wall thickness of 0.2 mm.

There are two types of drippers for installing drip irrigation: with batch and continuous supply. Their installation depends on the type of drip system: when the pipeline is installed above ground, the dropper is located directly on the tape, and when buried in the ground, they are installed on the outlet pipes. The optimal hole diameter for drippers for irrigation tapes is usually 0.3-0.2 mm with a water flow rate of 0.9-12 l/h.

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Installation of a drip irrigation system: do it yourself

Required tools:

• drill;
• scotch;
• scissors;
• shovel.

It is better to start the installation of the system with the construction of a plot drawing and a schematic layout of irrigation tapes on the beds. Then the required length of the main pipeline, distribution pipes and irrigation lines is determined. This necessarily takes into account the width of the row spacing (about 0.6-0.8 m) and the distance between the holes.

Installation of irrigation lines on the beds is carried out in the following sequence:

1. If it is intended to use a water tank, then it should be installed at a height of 1.5-2.5 m above ground level. And to pump water from the well at this stage, you need to connect the pump.
2. Distribution pipes are laid perpendicular to the irrigated beds and fixed to the ground with thick wire staples.
3. The distribution pipe must be connected to the water tank. Before connecting, filters must be installed, and if necessary, a pressure gauge and a water meter.
4. On the pipe, the connection points with drip tapes are marked with a marker and drilled with a small-diameter drill. Also, holes can be cut with scissors or made with a soldering iron.
5. Starting fittings are inserted into the holes obtained.
6. Drip tapes are laid out along the beds as close as possible to the plants. If it is not possible to use finished goods, then in a pipe Ø3-10 mm it will be necessary to drill holes with a drill, the distance between which should be equal to the distance between the holes.
7. Insert droppers into the holes obtained.
8. On the one hand, a fitting must be put on the drip tape, clamped with a nut and connected to the distribution pipes. At the other end of the irrigation line, insert a plug or bend the edge and wrap it with tape.
9. The tie-in of the main pipeline into the tank is made a little higher than the bottom, which will allow debris to settle to the bottom and not get into the pipe.

This completes the installation of the system. To operate drip irrigation, the vegetable grower himself fills the tank with water or turns on the pump, selects required pressure water and start watering.

Since ancient times, man has tried to use water as carefully as possible for irrigating cultivated crops. Improving irrigation methods, people gradually moved from the use of pots with holes buried in the ground to a drainage irrigation system, from clay conduits to perforated ones. metal pipes. A real breakthrough in the issue of economical use of water for irrigation was the invention of plastic. Thanks to plastic pipes, a drip irrigation system has become a reality, which today any adult can assemble.

What is drip irrigation

The method of irrigation with the supply of water in small portions to the root zone of cultivated plants is called drip irrigation. For the first time, this unique method was proposed by the Israeli Simcha Blass. Since 1960, the micro-irrigation method has been rapidly spreading around the world. In addition to minimizing water consumption, drip irrigation has a positive effect on the development of crops, which increases crop yields. This method has gained particular popularity in arid climates.

Advantages over manual watering

In the usual way irrigation of land on personal plots is considered to be spraying water with the help of various devices. The automatic drip irrigation system has clear advantages over traditional methods soil moisture:

• It can be used under conditions open ground gardens, greenhouses, indoor plants fully automating the irrigation process.
• Water enters the root zone of the plant, providing uniform moistening of the required soil area. At the same time, the top layer of the earth is not washed away.
• The pressure of the jet and the time of water inflow are adjustable. The root system of a plant organism does not get wet from excess moisture.
• Through the micro-irrigation design, mineral fertilizers can be applied directly to the roots, which contributes to the natural feeding of crops and increases the yield.
• The probability of disease of grown plants associated with putrefactive infections that affect them in conditions of constant waterlogging of the soil is minimized.
• There are fewer weeds, as water does not enter the aisle.
• The soil does not require constant loosening for air to enter, because a dense crust does not form on the surface of the earth.
• Water consumption is significantly reduced.
• The yield is increasing.

The principle of operation and the device of drip irrigation

The system works on the basis of drip water supply to the root system of plants in two ways: on the soil surface (with a perforated hose) or with a recess in the soil (using special droppers). The water flow is supplied from a storage tank or plumbing system. The drip irrigation system is mounted from the following parts and assemblies:

• A plastic or metal container to collect water. Plastic - more practical, because it does not rust. It is better to choose an opaque tank so that the liquid in it does not “bloom”.
• Pump for pumping water from a well.
• A water tap for regulating the water flow.
• Mechanical or electronic controller (timer) to automate the irrigation process.
• ball valve for emergency shutdown of water flow.
• Water pressure reducer.
• Water filter to prevent clogging of pipes.
• Adapter for fastening the water conduit system.
• backbone plastic pipes section up to 40 mm.
• Thinner conduits: drip tapes and tubes, droppers.
• Fittings (tees, adapters, plugs, etc.) for mounting and distributing system parts.

Water from the tank moves through the main pipes. Their location depends on the area of ​​the irrigated area and branches with drip lines to each plant. If the system provides for deep irrigation, the conduits are equipped with outlets with droppers at the end, which are inserted into the ground to each root. The water filter protects the pipes from clogging, and the reducer regulates the jet pressure to required level safe for the operation of the irrigation system. The ends of the conduits are closed with plugs.

Kinds

The drip irrigation system is based on gravity or forced water supply. The first type of irrigation is based on the gravity of the water flow. In order for the pressure to be sufficient, and the liquid to flow to the root system of plants, storage tank raised above the ground to a height of at least two meters. The forced irrigation system is provided with water due to its movement from central water supply or pumped from a well.

The optimal pressure for drip irrigation is no more than 2 atmospheres, so it is desirable to provide a forced mechanism with a gearbox to adjust the water pressure. In extreme cases, this function is performed by a faucet. With its help, manually adjust the water jet, approximately determining the desired pressure. The owner of the cultivated area independently chooses which of the irrigation systems to use. His choice depends on many factors. Material costs usually play decisive role.

How to make drip irrigation of an open area or greenhouse

The distance between the droppers should be at least 30 cm so that the soil is evenly moistened. In this case, a maximum of 20 liters per plant. For small cultivation plots, a gravity drip irrigation system is more often used. In the case of equipping large areas with irrigation devices, the best option would be automated irrigation using an electronic controller. It will provide regular, high-quality watering.

Materials and equipment

A simple micro-irrigation system for beds in the garden can be built from improvised materials on your own. A plastic two-hundred-liter barrel raised to a height of 2 meters, a watering main hose and thinner conduits are the main details of a home-made irrigation structure. The most primitive way of drip irrigation is suspended on poles. plastic bottles with medical droppers inserted into their lids. Their free ends with a needleless tip are inserted into the ground near each plant being grown.

Tubes of medical droppers are used as taps and in a more complex home-made micro-irrigation design. To do this, attach the rubber tips of the droppers to the holes made in the main hose. There should be as many holes as there are plants to be watered. Automation of drip irrigation is possible through the use of the following mechanisms in the design:

• a float-type shut-off valve to control the filling of the tank with water;
• reducer for regulating the water pressure in the system;
• micro-irrigation controller to eliminate water waste and excess soil moisture.

Schema Design

In order to regularly provide cultivated plants with water, it is very important to correctly develop an irrigation scheme and calculate the parameters of the parts to be purchased. The size of the intake tank is calculated by multiplying the irrigated surface area by the 30 liters required to deeply moisten the soil. If a storage tank with a capacity of 1 cubic meter is raised to a height of 2 m, it is possible to water a plot with seedlings of 50 square meters.

It is not advisable to make drip lines more than 100 m. Violation of this rule will lead to problems in the operation of the irrigation structure for any capacity of the main pipes. Modified types of conduits are more expensive, but more resistant to changes in water and air temperature, and the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. Depending on the diameter of the pipes used following options:

Mounting

If you correctly calculate the parameters and develop a drip irrigation scheme, you can significantly reduce the labor intensity of gardening and greenhouse work and almost double the yield of cultivated crops. When all necessary details purchased, you should proceed with the installation of the irrigation structure:

1. Craft support platform at a height of 2 meters and install a tank on it.
2. If the container is filled with water from water supply network, it is desirable to equip it shut-off valve float type. This will prevent liquid from overflowing.
3. Insert an adapter into the bottom of the water collection tank. Screw a water tap onto it using the FUM sealing tape for manual regulation of the water pressure.
4. Next, according to the scheme, install the controller (timer). By programming it in a certain way, it is possible to achieve irrigation of the site without the presence of an observer. Irrigation of the land plot will begin at the specified time and end strictly at the appointed hour.
5. embed ball valve to block the flow of water into the system as needed.
6. To avoid water pressure surges, a reduction gear is installed. If the pressure in the water supply network is less than 2 atm, a pump is installed that increases the water pressure.
7. The fine filter will prevent clogging of pipes. It is attached after the water pressure regulator.
8. With the help of fittings, the developed design of main pipes and branches with drip lines is mounted. It is connected to the main conduit through an adapter.
9. A thinner hose is connected to the main pipe through tees and adapters. The end of the bends is bent and special clamps are put on them, which play the role of plugs.
10. Holes of 3 mm are made on top of a thin hose at a distance of 30 cm from each other. Splitters are inserted into them. To prevent water seepage, use rubber seals.
11. Splitters are different design, have 2-4 outlets, on which “antennae” (thin tubes) with droppers are attached.
12. Test the operation of the installation by adjusting the water pressure.

Drip irrigation system operation

Proper operation automated system is the key to its smooth operation. To prevent failure of the micro-irrigation structure, it is necessary:

1. Clean the filter weekly.
2. In autumn, dismantle the drip irrigation system, drain all the water and store it until the next season.
3. After feeding the plants with a solution mineral fertilizers through the micro-irrigation system, fill the tank clean water, rinse pipes and hoses with it for 10-15 minutes. This must be done to avoid negative impact chemicals on plastic conduits.
4. To increase the life of the drip irrigation system, it is desirable to lay its elements underground. Subsoil irrigation requires a lot of effort during the installation of the structure, but has a number of advantages. First, water is saved, because it does not evaporate from the surface of the earth. Secondly, the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, weather conditions on pipes and hoses are reduced.

Drip irrigation system for indoor plants

If there is no one to entrust the watering of indoor plants during the holidays, you can build a gravity drip irrigation of green pets from improvised means. To do this, you need a container for water, the volume of which depends on the amount flower pots, and medical droppers. This method of micro-irrigation is good because it can be used to adjust the rate of moisture supply to the plant root.

If we take, for example, a ten-liter plastic canister and a few droppers, then you need to do in the following way:

1. 1 cm above the bottom of the container, drill as many holes as there are flower pots that require watering during the absence of the owners. Their diameter should be slightly less than the lumen of the dropper tube.
2. Alternately heat the tubes in boiling water until they soften and insert into the holes of the canister. To avoid leaks, treat the joints with any sealant available in the house (silicone, waterproof glue).
3. Fill the container with water, place it 1 m above the level of the flower pots. Adjust the flow of fluid using the clamp-regulator (wheel) of the dropper.
4. Insert an injection knot without a needle into the ground flower pot closer to the stem of the plant.

How to choose automatic drip irrigation

To buy a drip irrigation system, you need to know what fundamental difference models on the market. Relating bandwidth designs, its price with its own goals and capabilities, you can make a purchase. Criterias of choice.

All plants and crops need watering. There are several ways to carry out this process. But you always want the work to be efficient and take a little time, as well as save strength and energy. Drip irrigation of the garden perfect solution for the conservation of water resources and their rational use with maximum benefit.

Advantages of drip irrigation

How to make a drip irrigation system and achieve a uniform distribution of moisture over the site, this issue worries many gardeners and gardeners. Indeed, this method of watering has a decent number of advantages in comparison with the others.

Due to the fact that automatic drip irrigation, like simple local irrigation, is very simple, it is not difficult to make it. It has a tank with water, which is transmitted through pipelines and seeps through the holes under the influence of its own weight. It is important to correctly and accurately place the irrigation system. So that the drops fall under the root system of the plant, and do not spill nearby. So, water is spent very economically and gets to the right place.

Thanks to the drip system, the soil does not become waterlogged, and the root system maintains optimal ventilation throughout the entire growth period. Oxygen exchange does not stop, and the root system develops beautifully. In addition to the fact that plants receive water, they also absorb micronutrients. In dry climatic conditions, this method is very effective and relevant.

In addition, irrigation in this way makes it possible to keep the leaves dry, and they are less susceptible to various diseases.

On difficult plots of land with a slope, this irrigation method also wins against all the others. It prevents soil erosion, and plants receive maximum moisture. In addition, the plants ripen earlier, because the soil temperature is higher than with other irrigation methods.

Undoubtedly, such irrigation systems save a lot of effort and energy. After all, you do not need to drag buckets of water indefinitely or build complex structures.

You can harvest at any convenient time, the areas between the beds are not moistened, and the irrigation period does not interfere with the collection. The drip irrigation system makes it possible to grow plants in soils with a moderate salt component. After all, for irrigation, you can use slightly salted water.

Varieties

Depending on where drip irrigation will be used, there are the following types: greenhouse, indoor, open area systems. The principle of operation is the same for them, but they also have their own characteristics.

For greenhouse

In order to understand how to assemble a system for a greenhouse, it is necessary to decide for which plants it will be used. If these are perennial crops, then the irrigation system becomes stationary. In case of application for temporary plants, the irrigation structure must be mobile.

Before you make drip irrigation, you should draw a sketch of the greenhouse itself. Indicate the dimensions, dimensions of the structure and draw the location of the beds.

After that, the hoses are selected. If this system is mobile, then flexible hoses, if stationary - rigid. Hoses are different, the main thing is to choose the most convenient and practical option.

It is important to consider the placement of the water tank and its size. The volume of the tank is selected based on the size of the greenhouse itself. The place should be convenient for approach and filling.

After such preparations, the process of independent construction begins:

• install a water storage tank;
• it is necessary to mount hoses and pipelines;
• produce wiring and taps;
• droppers are made using: ready-made sleeves (purchased in a store), making holes (using a heated nail), taps are made - “antennae”.

At the end of all work, the parts are connected into a single whole and the drip irrigation system is launched.

For open area

You should know how to make such a system for open area. There are a number of features, namely:

• due to being open country cottage area It has large area, the volume of the vessel with water increases;
• consider the option with the selection of water from an external source;
• hoses should be used sustainable material to the rays of the sun.

Should be considered weather, namely frosts and the case when the water in the hose can freeze.

If present long distances, then connect the pump with a hydraulic accumulator. In this case, the irrigation process will not be difficult and without interruption.

For indoor flowers

Such an irrigation system is always useful at home. Especially in cases prolonged absence hosts. Drip irrigation allows you to take care of several plants at once, such a system is able to exist independently and be used repeatedly.

First you need to choose a container for water, based on the number of plants. It can be a bucket or plastic bottles. Then drip systems are installed, it is optimal to use medical ones. They are inexpensive, sold in every pharmacy and serve for years.

You can install the system in the following ways:

• simply insert the hoses into the container. In this case, you will have to suck out the water with your mouth to start its flow, in addition, the hoses may fall out of the tank;
• make holes at the bottom of the container and insert the hoses into them. Pre-heat them to fix them firmly. Additionally, you can use a sealant.

Thus, it is worth noting that not only drip irrigation of the garden is possible, but also indoor flowers and plants.

Manufacturing methods

What nuances should be considered when constructing drip irrigation for plants? Here are some of them:

• the most important is the water source. The minimum volume (for street watering) is 200 liters. If you take too small a tank, then it will quickly run out of water, and a large one takes up a lot of space;
• important factors are filters and valves. It will take several taps. One for opening and closing the system, the second in case of draining water from the tank. The filter is needed so that debris, dirt, etc. does not get in;
• pipelines, it is important to choose the right material.
• irrigation drippers themselves (tips or just holes in the hose).

After all the components are assembled, it remains to install a water tank. The top point is selected, you can build a pedestal. The supporting structure is assembled. Faucets are installed and hoses are fixed.

After that, a drip irrigation line is laid. A solid pipe is stretched, then branches are made to each bed and plant. At the end of the straight section, a valve is made, it is screwed with a tap so that it is possible to drain the water if necessary. Then sleeves are attached or holes are made based on where the plant is located.

Drip irrigation systems for summer cottages are efficient, economical in terms of water consumption, human energy and time costs. It is not very difficult to make such a system yourself, the main thing is to take into account some nuances and follow the rules.

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.

Scheme automatic system drip irrigation.

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 reduce weeds. Moisture is supplied regularly in the required amount directly under the root systems of 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 for personal plot depends on the area to be irrigated. 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 certain sections of the 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 planting, 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.

Creating a drip irrigation system on the site is an excellent alternative to conventional irrigation, however, for its proper functioning, the owner must study the varieties of such systems, choose the appropriate method of irrigation, take into account natural environmental conditions, evaluate financial benefits and choose the type of irrigation for a particular plant.

If you are not yet using drip irrigation on your property, now is the time to start installing it. This is very effective method water supply, so it saves time and helps preserve precious moisture reserves in the soil. Studies show that well-designed drip irrigation systems can save at least 30 percent, and in some cases 50 percent, water than other irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation based on the application of water under the root in small portions.

A drip irrigation system delivers water directly to the plant's root zone, where it seeps slowly into the soil one drop at a time. No water is lost to evaporation, soil crust does not form, and soil particles in drip irrigation have many opportunities to absorb and retain moisture for plants. During normal irrigation, nutrients are washed out from under the roots, remaining beyond the reach of plants, and with drip irrigation, the fertile layer is not washed out, but on the contrary, nutrients slowly penetrate to the root of the cultivated crop. Also, because drip irrigation delivers water directly to the plants you want to grow, less water is available to weeds.

The soil surface between plants remains drier, which prevents weed seeds from germinating. For hobby gardeners, the main benefit of drip irrigation is that it saves time and effort. Drip systems eliminate the need to fiddle with hoses and sprinklers, and eliminate the need to lift heavy water containers. Very convenient drip irrigation systems with a built-in timer, gardeners only need to spend a few seconds to turn on the system, and the timer will automatically turn it off.

Plants that are irrigated with drip irrigation systems show high growth rates and are more productive because they have the ability to absorb enough water and their growth is not slowed down, there is no danger of developing water stress in plants during droughts. It is especially important to use drip irrigation systems in conjunction with soil mulching. In addition, plants receiving moisture from drip irrigation end up staying dry on the outside and the danger of wet foliage is eliminated, which can help prevent some foliar diseases such as powdery mildew.

Start with a simple option

The easiest way to experiment with drip irrigation is to purchase a pair of perforated hoses, drip hoses. These hoses supply water along their entire length, through small holes. You can make them yourself by buying a hose and making holes on the sides for water supply. It remains only to place this simple device between the rows, on the surface of the soil, next to the plants that you want to water, and then connect the open end of the hose to the water supply. You can move the hose around in your yard or buy several and leave them in place. Sprinkler hoses can be used for short intervals time on flat, level soil surfaces.

To avoid the risks associated with leaks, you can buy a drip irrigation starter kit. Most companies that sell drip irrigation systems also offer small and large area kits that include the basic components needed to make the system work. Keep in mind that basic kits often do not include additional parts such as pressure regulators, backflow timers and filters. Choose a package so that you can add to it over time, expand the coverage of the territory or upgrade the system.

Drip irrigation systems

Drip hoses are great for row crops like carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, and more, but for trees and shrubs or multiple areas at once, you'll need to build a more complex irrigation system over time. The drip irrigation system consists of several small diameter plastic pipes, water supply control valves, and drip tape. At low pressure, it is also necessary to include a pump in the system, which will be responsible for forcing water pressure inside the pipes. With such a drip irrigation system, the gardener will be able to precisely water and control the process of water supply, in specific places and for plants of his choice.

There are many various systems drip irrigation, and each has its own functionality. Water in all irrigation systems is usually supplied from central system water supply, in drip. For ease of use, many developers offer to purchase additional functional little things to your irrigation system, such as a timer, water meter and modular systems irrigation controls that allow you to control the process of water supply without leaving your home. All these additional funds and materials, drip irrigation, are not so necessary, since simple system will work without their presence. The device of the drip system is such that when it is located on a hill, it will serve you even without a pump. But if you plan to locate the system on large territories, with flat surface, then a pump for supplying water from the central water supply system is needed.

The operation of the irrigation system is as follows, from a tap located at the inlet of the water flow to the pipes, water is supplied, it moves through the pipes into drip tapes, and from them it is directly fed under the root of the plant. The timer and pressure regulator will carry rather a secondary function in the system, but with the help of a timer (which is optional), you can control the supply of moisture, without your presence, and the pressure regulator will not allow water from the central system to damage the irrigation water flow pressure surges . Some systems use flattened drip tapes and perforated plastic hoses, which are a cheaper option. A complex system drip irrigation can contain two or more separate lines, and the presence of water supply valves in such systems is necessary, they will allow you to irrigate different parts site at a time convenient to you.

The first step in designing a drip irrigation system is to have a clear understanding of what you want and what crops you will be irrigating. Will it be a small area, or a large area? Definitely, if your site is hilly, you will need special devices that compensate for pressure changes in the water supply line.

Keep in mind that the roots of the plants will be concentrated in the irrigation areas. When designing a drip irrigation system, it is very important that water is evenly distributed over the entire area of ​​irrigated land, after which the plant roots will develop equally in all directions. For example, if you are irrigating large plants such as trees and shrubs, the drip spot should be spread out over two or more sides of each plant to encourage roots to develop in all directions and avoid clustering in one spot. For the same reason, it is best to provide long, slow watering. Because if you organize by watering in small portions, the water will not have a chance to spread far in the soil, and with drip irrigation, an even supply of moisture around the plant will help the roots form a strong, dense, spherical mass around the dripper supplying water.

You can create your own drip irrigation system, however, most companies that sell equipment for such systems can develop individual order, based on your wishes and needs, as well as the individual landscape of your site, taking into account the type of soil and location. Their design will be completed with a list of parts and gaps between drip sprinklers. Whichever method you choose, start by making a drawing of your site that is accurate enough to determine how many meters of pipe and drip tape you need.

If you are developing your own irrigation scheme, you can make a proposal to your neighbors, also install drip irrigation systems on the plots. In this way, you will be able to share the cost of system components that have a lower base cost when purchasing in bulk.

Choosing an irrigation method

To choose an irrigation method, the farmer must know the advantages and disadvantages various ways watering and be aware of which method is best for its conditions. Unfortunately, in many cases there is no single optimal solution A: All methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Testing various methods– under prevailing local conditions – provides the best foundation for a reasonable choice of irrigation method. Below are some guidelines and a few important criteria when choosing the right method of watering for you. There are several types of irrigation:

1. Surface irrigation.
2. Sprinkler irrigation method.
3. Subsoil irrigation.

The suitability of various irrigation methods, as well as the choice of sprinkler or drip irrigation system, mainly depends on the following factors:

1. natural conditions.
2. Type of cultivated crop.
3. technology type.
4. Previous experience with irrigation.
5. Labor costs.
6. Benefit.

The type of technology also influences the choice of irrigation method. In general, drip and sprinkler irrigation are technically more complex methods. The acquisition of equipment requires large capital investments per hectare. Funds will also be required to maintain drip irrigation equipment in working order. Surface irrigation systems - in particular, small scale schemes, generally require less sophisticated equipment, both for system installation and system maintenance (unless pumps are used). Necessary equipment for surface irrigation systems, it is easier to maintain and is not expensive.

Natural conditions when choosing an irrigation system

Natural conditions such as soil type, site landscape, climate, water quality and availability have the following influence on the choice of irrigation method:

Soil type. Sandy soils have low water storage capacity and high infiltration rates. Therefore, they need frequent, but not long-term irrigation methods. Under these conditions, sprinkler or drip irrigation systems are more suitable than surface method irrigation. On loamy or clayey soils, all three irrigation methods can be used, but surface irrigation is more common on plots. experienced gardeners. Clay soils low penetration ideal for surface irrigation. When several various types soil is within the same irrigation pattern, sprinkler or drip irrigation is best as these systems provide a more even distribution of water over the entire soil surface.

Landscape. Irrigation or drip irrigation is preferred over the irrigation surface on steeper slopes or uneven terrain because it requires little or no soil leveling.

Climate. Strong winds can disrupt the spraying of water from sprinklers. At very strong wind, drip irrigation methods are preferred. In supplementary irrigation areas, sprinkler or drip irrigation may be more suitable than surface irrigation due to their flexibility and adaptability to varying irrigation requirements on the site.

The presence of water. Water application efficiency is generally higher with sprinkler and drip system irrigation, as opposed to surface irrigation and therefore these methods are preferred when you are faced with water scarcity. However, when choosing irrigation methods, you need to keep in mind efficiency and calculate which system is right for you.

Water quality. Surface irrigation is preferred if the irrigation water is hard and precipitates. Since deposits can clog drippers or sprinkler irrigation systems. If the irrigation water contains dissolved salts, then drip or sprinkler irrigation is very suitable as a method to help wash out the salts accumulated in the root system of the plant.

What plants are suitable for drip irrigation

Surface irrigation can be used for all types of agricultural and ornamental crops. Sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, due to their high capital investment per hectare, are mainly used for high value cash crops such as vegetables and fruit trees. They are rarely used for lower value plants. Drip irrigation is suitable for watering individual plants or trees, as well as row crops: vegetables, herbs, and even sugar cane.

The principle of operation of drip irrigation includes drops of water supplied directly to the soil for a very long time. low speeds(2-20 liters/hour). The feed rate will depend on the elements of the system: the diameter of the plastic pipes, the presence of a pump, the water pressure and the size of the droppers themselves. Water is supplied directly to the root system of plants, thus increasing the coefficient beneficial use water, in contrast to the sprinkler irrigation system, where the area of ​​the irrigated area is covered completely. With the help of drip irrigation of water, you can create a rather favorable high level of moisture in the soil on your site, thanks to which your plants will only delight you.

Is drip irrigation profitable?

Surface irrigation often requires a much higher labor input - for construction, operation and maintenance - than a sprinkler or drip irrigation system. Surface irrigation requires precise land planning, regular maintenance, and a high level of organization from gardeners and farmers to get the system working. Sprinkler irrigation systems and drip irrigation require less land leveling and system commissioning costs, as well as irrigation equipment maintenance costs.

Before choosing an irrigation method, you must consider all options for irrigation methods that are suitable for you and make well-founded conclusions between the cost of installing an irrigation system and the income received from the future crop. It should be taken into account that the costs will include not only the cost of the equipment of the irrigation system, but also the costs of operation and maintenance. These costs must be balanced against the expected benefits (yields). Obviously, you will be interested in implementing a certain method if it becomes economically attractive to you. Therefore, it is so necessary to draw up a cost analysis before starting work, so that in the future, your irrigation system will fully justify itself.

And in conclusion

Surface irrigation is by far the most common irrigation method. It is usually used when favorable conditions: moderate sloping soils, soil types with medium and low levels of infiltration, as well as sufficient supply fresh water. If your site is located on steep slopes, water is scarce, soils have a very high rate of infiltration, sprinkler and drip irrigation can be a real find for you. The use of certain irrigation methods largely depends on the cultivated crop, as well as on soil, landscape, hydrogeological, and climatic conditions.