Homemade drip irrigation system. Installation of a drip system using a pump
Drip irrigation can turn a desert into an oasis. Do-it-yourself drip irrigation system equipment for summer residents and farmers traditionally justifies itself, since the costs of its creation are incommensurable with the results - obtaining a crop that will not take long.
In addition to watering plants by hand from a watering can, there are several methods of irrigation. These include the following irrigation methods:
Benefits of drip irrigationDrip irrigation is considered to be the most effective method of irrigation. The drip irrigation system includes the following elements:
The following advantages of drip irrigation technology can be distinguished:  How to make a drip irrigation system with your own handsTo create a drip irrigation system on the site does not require special pre-acquired skills, various schemes drip irrigation can be easily found on the Internet. You will need to purchase some raw materials, as well as spend several hours on arranging such a system. But labor costs for organizing irrigation will be significantly reduced, and the efficiency of water consumption will also increase. The source that supplies water for drip irrigation in a greenhouse, garden or vegetable garden can be a central water supply system, as well as other sources - a well, a closed pond or a container that needs to be periodically filled with water. The second option is more convenient for controlling water consumption - if the owner needs to go somewhere for a few days, you can leave the watering turned on without much concern. For irrigation of plots small size it is quite realistic to do without a central pipeline - according to reviews, a barrel of water is enough to irrigate a ten-meter bed for five days.
Selection and installation of drippers for irrigationFor a site with difficult terrain, as well as long rows of beds, it is recommended to use rigid or thick-walled tubes with built-in droppers.
External droppers produce several types:
To install external droppers, you will need to make a hole with smooth edges with a diameter of 0.3 mm in the tubes with an awl or punching scissors. Immediately after piercing, the dropper is inserted into the hole; to improve fixation, the pipe must be warmed up during installation - a regular hair dryer will do. Necessary materials and tools To organize drip irrigation you will need the following materials and tools:
Arrangement works homemade system do-it-yourself drip irrigation is recommended to be carried out on a plot in spring period before the start of the field season. Preparatory work: planningFirst of all, it is necessary to draw a diagram indicating the beds on it, plan the daily water consumption for each of the irrigation zones, and also consider the placement of the irrigation system elements - water tanks, pipes, shutoff equipment, drip tapes. After determining the required amount of materials and purchases made, you can proceed directly to the installation of the irrigation system.
When planning an irrigation system, it should be taken into account that if the system is located on a site located on a slope, the main pipes are placed horizontally, and the drip hoses are inclined. In addition, pipes used for irrigation, laid on the ground, must be opaque (light-tight) to prevent water blooms and further clogging of the system. In the case of a water supply system deepened into the soil, pipes with thickened walls are selected. The amount of water used and the irrigation rate will depend on the water pressure. If you raise the tank 1.5 m above the ground, then the resulting pressure will allow you to start the irrigation process. It is recommended to make a hole for connecting to a water tank at a height of about 10 cm from the bottom level so that debris that accumulates at the bottom of the tank does not get into the irrigation system along with water. It is not recommended to use metal containers for water, as even small spots of rust can later cause clogging of the holes in the irrigation system. The sequence of work on the equipment of the irrigation system
For the manufacture of an irrigation system, you will need to perform the following work:
Please note that before use, it is recommended to rinse installed equipment, and also clean the installed filters at least once a week (if possible, it is recommended to carry out such a procedure daily). Liquid or water-soluble fertilizers are applied directly through the irrigation system - after this procedure, it is necessary to rinse the water tank and start short-term irrigation to clean the system. The drip irrigation system is quite convenient to use, it works properly at low water pressure. After the end of the season, the irrigation system must be disassembled, washed, and moisture removed from it (drained). After waiting for drying, the irrigation system should be carefully folded (the hoses are easily wound on a reel) and stored together with other household supplies. DIY drip irrigation - video |
Today, the most popular irrigation option on suburban area is drip irrigation. Water gets directly under the roots of plants, so this system saves on consumption. water resource, facilitate the labor-intensive process of watering and increase productivity. This irrigation option can be purchased ready-made kit or do it yourself. Do-it-yourself drip irrigation for summer cottages at no cost: do-it-yourself system from improvised materials.
Drip irrigation is a system of regular and uniform moisture supply to the root system of plants, which helps to moisten the soil directly under the plantation. This type of irrigation saves a lot of water. The soil does not become excessively waterlogged and does not become waterlogged between rows, as is the case with other water supply options. This contributes to the active supply of oxygen to the root system, which has a beneficial effect on plant growth, thereby increasing productivity.
The drip irrigation system reduces the labor intensity of caring for green crops. And with an automated process, you can leave the area unattended for several days without worrying that the plants will be left without water.
The set can be very varied. But any system includes main pipelines for the supply and distribution of water and branch branches that supply water directly to the root system of each green space. The system connects to centralized water supply, storage tank(gravity version) or to pumping station. It can be equipped with automation, sometimes it is controlled manually. Depending on these criteria, components of the system are selected.
Components of the irrigation system and their characteristics
The main element of the system is the source of water supply. It can be represented by a water pipe, a well or a water meter, which is installed at a height of at least 1.5 m. Next required element- a filter for drip irrigation with your own hands, thanks to which the system will not be clogged with various small debris.
The device can be vortex, disk or mesh. The latter option is considered more popular due to its low cost. Swirl filter used for irrigation systems large territories. The disc element is characterized by excellent performance and high cost, which is not at all justified for small summer cottages.
If the source of water supply is a well or a well, the system must be equipped with a pumping unit. The most appropriate option is the centrifugal type of device. Do-it-yourself drip irrigation distribution network consists of pipelines and hoses. For the main backbone network, metal or plastic pipes can be used. Metal products are durable, reliable and durable. However, the material is subject to corrosion, which will result in damage to the system.
Polyethylene or polypropylene pipelines are a more acceptable option. Products are characterized by strength, smooth inner wall, which eliminates the possibility of deposits inside the system. Plastic pipes are able to withstand temperature fluctuations and negative impacts aggressive substances.
Do-it-yourself drip tapes for an irrigation system
To organize taps to each row, drip tapes in the form of a flat thin-walled tube are mainly used when arranging an irrigation system with their own hands, which has built-in special devices for water supply. The tape is designed for pressure up to 1 bar. When it is increased, the product may break. Maximum length tape is 100 m.
You can buy drip tape slotted or emitter. In the first version, a labyrinth is located along the entire length of the product, which distributes water evenly. At certain distances, holes are made in it for the release of water. This type of tape is prone to clogging, so it requires a good filter.
Inside the emitter tape there are flat droppers equipped with a labyrinth system, thanks to which water is supplied to the plants. Emitters can be located at different distances in the range of 10-35 cm, which is determined by the type of crops being irrigated. The less given value the higher the cost of the product. The emitter tape is more reliable than the slotted tape, and this is reflected in the cost of the product.
When choosing a tape, you should pay attention to its thickness, which affects the strength and durability of the product. The thinnest element will last no more than one season and is suitable exclusively for greenhouses.
Features of using drip tubes with external droppers
The drip tube is made of HDPE, it is rigid and durable. It is produced without holes and is intended for self-assembly external droppers. The wall thickness of the product is 0.9-1.2 mm. The material is UV resistant. The drip tube is capable of withstanding pressures up to 6 bar.
External droppers are used when organizing drip irrigation in the country individually for each plant. To provide normal work systems, you must have high pressure online. These devices can be connected through thin hoses or connected directly to the drip pipe.
There are several types of external droppers. Compensated ones are used for uniform irrigation with a very long drip tape, as well as in areas with a slope. They work exclusively from a pressure system. Less prone to pollution by fine debris. Uncompensated devices are used for short lengths drip pipe and on flat areas. This option is used for gravity systems from the tank. They can operate at low network pressure. There are also dropper pegs that are used for spot irrigation. The product is installed in the root zone of planting.
Helpful advice! For drip irrigation of tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants and peppers, it is advisable to use drip tubes with external droppers.
The advantage of such pipes is that you can independently choose the installation step and adjust the volume of water produced. The disadvantages include high price products (in comparison with drip tapes), labor-intensive and lengthy process of cleaning droppers.
How to choose the right timers for drip irrigation
When arranging drip irrigation, you should set a timer. It performs the following functions:
- controls the irrigation system;
- controls the operation of the pump motor;
- starts and stops the water supply;
- ensures the operation of several lines at the same time.
The timer is battery operated. When they change, all programs on it are saved. The device may be equipped with the . There are mechanical and electronic timers. The first option works on a spring, providing continuous watering up to 24 hours. Mode adjustment is made manually. Any action cannot be programmed for an indefinite time. Such a device can be used for small areas where the irrigation process is constantly controlled by the owner.
The electronic timer allows you to program the process. The device has a mechanical or program management. The first option is set for one week with a watering duration of no more than 2 hours. An innovative device is a software-controlled timer with 16 commands. With it, you can irrigate crops that have different irrigation regimes. The equipment is equipped with an air humidity sensor. Such an expensive option (in comparison with other devices) is recommended to be installed for irrigation of large areas, as well as in greenhouses.
If the system is connected to a centralized water conduit or pump, you should choose a device with a solenoid valve, and for gravity watering from a barrel - with a ball valve.
How to make drip irrigation with your own hands from plastic pipes and hoses
When arranging a drip irrigation system from ready-made components, it is necessary to opt exclusively for high-quality products so that it lasts long years and cash were not wasted. The irrigation scheme should be fairly simple, with a minimum number of connectors. At the junction of the elements, the pressure weakens, which contributes to the accumulation of small particles of debris.
The installation of the system is preceded by the creation of a layout diagram of all its constituent elements, and this, in turn, depends on the layout of the site and the location of the beds. The diagram should indicate the source of water supply, main pipe and outlet hoses so that you can calculate the amount necessary materials. As a source of water supply for drip irrigation, it is better to use plastic barrel. This material does not corrode, which will not only increase the service life of the product, but also eliminate the possibility of clogging the system with rust particles.
A main pipeline is connected to the water supply source, which can be made of metal or plastic. The preferred option is to install polypropylene pipes drip irrigation with your own hands. The main branch is located perpendicular to the beds and has a larger diameter than the outlet pipelines. All elements of drip irrigation with their own hands from plastic pipes are connected by compression fittings. After stopcock a coarse filter is installed on the main water supply source.
If drip tapes are used as outlet pipelines, then holes are drilled in the line for their fastening with the help of starting fittings. The hoses are located as close as possible to the row with the plants. A cap is installed at the end of each tape. Next, the system is tested for operability.
If an underground variant of laying the system is planned, it is necessary to dig a trench 30-70 cm deep under the pipelines. It is necessary to fill the bottom with a layer of crushed stone and lay the mounted system. Next, it is tested, after which it is backfilled with soil. You can study the installation process in detail on the video of drip irrigation in the country.
Important! Drip irrigation pipes laid underground are highly susceptible to clogging.
Drip irrigation from plastic bottles: features of the irrigation option
From plastic bottles and canisters can be made not only decorative elements to beautify the area. Of these, a full-fledged drip irrigation system is organized at their summer cottage, which makes it possible to ensure soil moisture for 3-4 days.
Based on numerous reviews, it is advisable to make drip irrigation from plastic bottles from containers up to 2.5 liters. Soil water saturation depends on the type of soil, this determines the number of holes in the container, due to which sufficient moisture will be ensured, which will eliminate the possibility of overfilling or underfilling. For example, sandy soils absorb moisture well. In this case, 1-2 holes in the bottle will be enough, and for heavy soils, more of them should be provided. Bottles with a capacity of 1 liter drip irrigation of cucumbers and tomatoes is provided for 4-5 days, 3 liters - 10 days, 6 liters - for 14-15 days.
drip irrigation with plastic containers it is advisable to organize in small areas. For vast territories, it will take too much effort and time to refill the container with water.
Helpful advice! The plastic system can be used to feed and fertilize various crops.
The main advantages of creating drip irrigation from plastic containers:
- significant water savings;
- minimum financial costs for the organization of the system;
- individual approach to each green space;
- simple installation, operation and maintenance;
- targeted supply of moisture and nutrition.
Related article:
The choice of pipe material for the organization of watering and irrigation. Key points of installing the system with your own hands.
Among the shortcomings of the system, the following positions can be distinguished:
- frequent clogging of the system due to the inability to install a filter;
- unaesthetic appearance of the site;
- constant replenishment of water supply manually;
- on hot summer days plastic system can not cope with the full water supply of plants.
Helpful advice! You can create a filter for each bottle by using nylon tights.
Ways to organize drip irrigation from plastic bottles with your own hands
There are several ways to create drip irrigation from plastic containers. The system can carry out surface and subsoil irrigation.
Underground homemade drip irrigation of the roots using plastic bottles can be done in several ways. The most popular option is to dig in containers between adjacent bushes to a depth of 10-15 cm, bottom down. Along the entire bottle, before it begins to narrow to the neck, it should be made with a gypsy needle or awl holes, stepping back 3 cm from the bottom of the container. The number of holes on average is 10-12 pcs. for containers in 2 l. A container wrapped in a thin cloth is dug into a previously prepared hole, filled with water and closed with a lid.
The container, as it is emptied, which occurs under the pressure of the earth, can be deformed. To avoid this, a pressure equalization hole should be pierced in the lid, and water supplies should be replenished in a timely manner.
Another similar option is the location of the container with the lid down. For this method, it is necessary to cut off the bottom of the bottle and screw the cap onto the neck. Holes are made over the entire area of the container, not reaching the top by 2-3 cm. The bottle, previously wrapped with gauze, is placed in the hole and filled with water. To prevent debris from falling into the water, the container is covered from above with a previously cut bottom.
Do-it-yourself intrasoil drip irrigation for summer cottages can be organized using special elongated nozzles with holes. They can be bought in specialized stores for summer residents and gardeners. The nozzle is screwed onto the neck of the container instead of the lid. In this case, bottles up to 2.5 liters should be used, since there are no such devices for containers of 5-6 liters. The bottle neck down is inserted into the ground to the depth of the nozzle. The bottom of the container can not be cut off. After emptying the container, the tip is unscrewed, it is filled with water, and the manipulation is repeated.
Do-it-yourself root and surface drip irrigation from bottles
With the help of plastic containers, it is possible to carry out basal drip irrigation of the garden by directing drops of water directly under the root of each plant. For this method it is better to choose a container with a volume of 1.5 liters. A hole is made in the central part of the lid with a nail. Next, cut the bottom of the bottle at an angle of 30-40 degrees. The container itself will be located under the same slope relative to the ground. The container is fixed with several sticks and tape as close as possible to the bush, tilting the neck in such a way as to ensure that water enters directly under the rhizome.
Another option, which is often used in a greenhouse, involves watering the plant at some distance. To do this, take a small container and a regular rod ballpoint pen, previously cleaned of the remnants of the paste with gasoline or thinner. One end of it is tightly closed with a toothpick or a match. The other is inserted into the opening of the bottle. The junction is best sealed with plasticine.
From plastic bottles can be basal and superficial
It is necessary to make holes in the rod, the number and size of which will depend on the required moisture intensity. It goes under the root of the plant, depending on which the bottle is dug into the ground to the desired depth. The container is filled with water and closed with a lid.
For small area can be made suspension system. To do this, a support is constructed above the bushes, a metal rod or wire is stretched, to which the bottles will be hung. A number of small holes should be made in the bottom or lid of the container, depending on the variant of its location. The main advantage of this method is that the water to the plant will be warm due to the fact that it is heated by the sun.
The container is hung over the bed at a height of 30-50 cm from ground level. The location of the bottle should be chosen based on the optimal fall of drops under the plant, and not on its leaves.
Helpful advice! Do not immediately make a lot of holes. They can be added as needed to increase water intake.
Do-it-yourself drip irrigation to give at no cost: do it yourself from medical droppers
Another economical option is to install a drip irrigation system from medical droppers. It is rational to arrange it in areas with different varieties of crops, which should be watered in different quantities. This procedure becomes possible due to the fact that the droppers are equipped with special control wheels that allow you to choose required intensity fluid intake. The disadvantage of such a system is the rapid clogging of droppers, which requires periodic flushing.
To create with your own hands drip system watering should be prepared:
- medical disposable droppers;
- hoses for distribution to the beds of water;
- connecting and stop valves for drippers and hoses.
Helpful advice! All components are recommended to choose a dark color, which will prevent the blooming of water in the system.
Before installing such a device, a drip irrigation scheme should be displayed on a piece of paper, which is performed based on the location of the beds where irrigation should be provided. Based on this, surface wiring of the supply pipes is carried out on the site. To do this, you can use polyethylene or rubber products. The connection of all elements is carried out using tees. A plug must be installed at the end of each hose.
The system can be connected from a centralized water supply or from storage capacity located at some height. Also in this case, you can create by installing a timer or controller at the beginning of the system. A hole is made in the distribution pipes opposite each plant, where the plastic end of the dropper is inserted. Tubes of elements are bred under each bush.
Helpful advice! In order for the drip irrigation system from medical droppers to last as long as possible, a fine filter should be installed at the very beginning (after the water supply source).
Overview of ready-made drip irrigation systems, their characteristics
Drip irrigation system "Beetle" from domestic manufacturer is one of the most popular among gardeners. It can be connected to a centralized water supply or to a storage tank. In the case of using the latter option, the kit includes a level tube, through which you can control the amount of water remaining in the barrel. Manufacturers produce "Zhuk" drip irrigation systems for 60 plants and 30 plantations. Usually the device is equipped with a timer and a filter. You can additionally buy drip irrigation "Beetle", designed for 20 plants.
Irrigation kits "Drop" are equipped with emitter tapes with a dropper pitch of 0.3 m. Due to the complex labyrinth of channels inside the dropper, the possibility of its clogging is excluded. The system is designed for an area of 25 m2. It can be connected both to the water supply and to the storage tank. The controller is not included in the set.
A more reliable analogue of the Zhuk irrigation system is the Water Strider model, which is designed for drip irrigation of small greenhouses. The set consists of a 12 m hose, a controller, 40 drippers and connecting elements. The system is organized for irrigation exclusively from the tank, since the operating pressure in the network should not exceed 1 bar. The barrel is most often located at a height of 50 m.
The Belarusian drip irrigation system "Akvadusia" has several varieties suitable for watering the area different sizes. It can be equipped with a controller or without it, connected to a water supply or storage tank.
Drip irrigation "Harvest" -1 is also produced with emitter tapes of great length. The system can be additionally equipped with a filter and automation. Another budget option is a drip irrigation system "Tomato" with drip tubes, external droppers and a timer. The kit also includes special splitters that facilitate the installation of the system. The most expensive model includes a controller and a submersible pump.
The Istok irrigation system includes a 25 m drip tube with a spacing of 30 cm between the droppers. The device is equipped with a filter and fittings necessary for connecting to a storage tank. Some models are equipped with a controller and a pump.
Today you can buy a drip irrigation system, which includes all possible elements. But such a solution requires significant financial costs. A more economical option is to create such a mechanism from ready-made components. In addition, you can make yourself an irrigation system from improvised materials, such as plastic bottles and medical droppers. The choice depends on the nature of the territory, its area, the number and type of green spaces, personal preferences and the financial capacity of the owner.
Do-it-yourself drip irrigation in the country: video plot
For plants on personal plot moisture is needed. It will be better if it comes to the roots constantly and in metered quantities. To do this, there is a device for drip irrigation. Difficulties with the installation of the system further relieve heavy and inefficient physical labor. This can be judged by the numerous reviews of gardeners. Many are satisfied with such a release from a difficult manual labor. In addition to watering, there are many other things to do in the country. It is tempting to replace the difficult and painstaking work to rest.
There are many types of devices and irrigation systems. They can be made or assembled with your own hands, as well as attract specialists.
Pros and cons of drip irrigation
Drip water supply has many advantages.
- The flow of water directly under the stem, which allows fertilizer to be applied simultaneously with moisture.
- Saving working time and physical strength of the summer resident. Having mounted the system once, you can not engage in manual watering throughout the season.
- Elimination of the possibility of drying out of the soil. Its humidity is always enough for necessary growth plants.
- The system is applicable to any plants, as it is universal.
- Possibility of choice the best option garden irrigation.
Among the shortcomings, one can note the cost of component parts of the drip irrigation device: fittings, hoses, tapes, a metering water pump, a filter, etc. The system must be constantly monitored, periodically remove contamination, check the water supply, the operation of valves, etc. The installation is energy-dependent and requires a constant supply of electricity.
Drip irrigation: device and principle of operation
Drip irrigation system delivers moisture directly to the roots, saving water and preventing damage above-ground parts plants. Water flows slowly at certain periods or continuously, which allows you to maintain a given level of soil moisture, which has a beneficial effect on garden crops.
We do drip irrigation with our own hands: where to start?
First, a drip irrigation scheme is drawn on paper, where all irrigation points, the location of the water source and the tank are indicated. The step between the rows of plantings is measured. By finished sizes you can easily calculate the number of communications.
If a pump is installed, its location can be any, but when watering by gravity, the container is installed closer to the plants.
Drip hoses or tapes are laid on the beds. They have built-in special droppers for supplying water to plants.
Before you assemble a drip irrigation system, you must have all the accessories for irrigation. If you have experience, it is advisable to choose them yourself, since watering kits are more expensive.
- Container with water - barrel or tank.
- The main distribution manifold of the water supply, from which it is supplied to the branches.
- Drip hose or tape.
- Valves connecting drip tapes to the manifold.
Drip Hoses
Hoses are sold in coils. Their feature is the supply of the same amount of water throughout the beds, even if the terrain is uneven. The maximum irrigation length is selected so that the unevenness at the beginning and end of the hose does not exceed 10-15%. For one season for drip irrigation of the garden, it is enough to use tapes with a wall thickness of 0.1 to 0.3 mm. They are laid only on top.
Thick-walled (up to 0.8 mm) will last 3-4 seasons. They can also be used for underground laying. The diameter of the tapes is 12-22 mm (common size is 16 mm). Rigid tubes last up to 10 seasons. Their diameter is 14-25 mm.
Through one dropper, the water consumption is:
- hose - 0.6-8 l / h;
- thin-walled tape - 0.25-2.9 l / h;
- thick-walled tape - 2-8 l/h.
To regulate the flow rate, a drip irrigation tap is connected to the hose or drip tape.
On average, for 1 plant it is necessary to take 1 liter of water per day, for bushes - 5 liters, for a tree - 10 liters. The data are indicative, but suitable for determining the total consumption. To be more precise, when drip irrigation is performed, 1.5 liters are required for 1 tomato bush, 2 liters for cucumbers, and 2.5 liters for potatoes and cabbage. 20-25% of the reserve is added to the result obtained and the required volume of the tank is determined.
The distance between droppers depends on the frequency of planting and can be from 10 to 100 cm. Each of them has one or two outlets. In this case, the flow rate may remain the same, but in the latter case, the depth decreases and the irrigation area increases. Spider droppers are installed on a bed in 4 rows with distribution of up to 4 plants.
Droppers
Droppers can be installed on plastic pipes. They are produced in several types:
- with a fixed water flow;
- adjustable - with manual adjustment of irrigation intensity;
- uncompensated - the intensity of the water supply decreases towards the end of the bed;
- compensated - with a membrane and a special valve, creating a constant pressure during pressure fluctuations in the water supply system;
- type "spider" - with distribution to several plants.
External droppers are inserted into plastic pipe in which holes are pierced with an awl.
Filtration
Special attention is paid to the purification of irrigation water. Coarse filtration is performed first, and then fine filtration. Dirty water droppers clog quickly.
Purpose of fittings
The system can be easily assembled using special fittings for drip irrigation.
- Start connectors for attaching drip tape to plastic plumbing. They are manufactured with rubber band or clamp nut. Holes are drilled in the HDPE pipe with a wood drill with a centering spike and start connectors with or without taps are tightly inserted. Regulation of water flow is required if individual zones consume it less than others or for alternate irrigation of different areas.
- Angle or tee drip irrigation fittings are used to connect the tape to a flexible garden hose. They are also used for its branching or for turns. Seats fittings are made in the form of ruffs, which ensures tight fixing of the tubes.
- A repair fitting is used in the event of a break or to extend the drip tape. With its help, its ends are connected.
- The plug is installed at the ends of the drip tape.
Installation with thin-walled tapes
Dividing polyethylene pipes with a diameter of 4 cm are connected to the garden water supply. This diameter is best suited for installing a start connector - a special tap for drip irrigation, which is used to attach a perforated drip tape to the pipe.
It is made with a small thickness and assembled with the help of reinforcement. Holes are made at regular intervals. drip tape is put on the crane with an interference fit, and then additionally fixed with a plastic nut. At the ends, the sleeves are closed with plugs, soldered or tucked up.
The disadvantage is the low strength of the tape material, which is easily damaged by rodents and insects. For other indicators, the system shows itself only on the positive side.
Installation of a system with tubes and built-in droppers
The system is characterized by high strength and significantly longer durability. It consists of a hose in which cylindrical droppers are embedded at regular intervals. The tube can be placed on the surface of the soil, mounted on stands, hung on a wire or buried in the ground.
Water under pressure diverges from the tank through the system and is smoothly distributed, coming from small holes. It is important that the tank is at a height of 1-1.5 m from the ground. The gardener only needs to fill it in a timely manner, after which the liquid flows to the plants under the influence of gravity.
How to water cucumbers?
AT industrial systems drip irrigation of cucumbers is carried out with water supply to each plant. The depth of the roots is 15-20 cm and tensiometers are installed there to control the humidity. For gardeners, improvised tools made from plastic bottles are suitable. They are installed on the bottom or with a closed cork in the ground. The top must be open to fill with water.
- First way. The dropper is made from a used ballpoint pen refill. It is washed with a solvent from the remnants of the paste and drowned out from the end with a match. At the end, a puncture is made in half the thickness of the rod. A homemade dropper is inserted into a puncture made from the bottom of the bottle at a height of 15-20 cm. Then the containers are filled with water and placed near the bushes so that moisture gets to the root.
- The second way. Holes are made in the bottle along the entire height, stepping back from the bottom by 3-5 cm. Then it is buried upside down to a depth of 20 cm. The cork is unscrewed and through upper part fill the container with water. The bottle can be buried with the neck down, after cutting off the bottom, through which it is convenient to fill it with water in the future. So that the holes are not clogged with earth, the bottles are wrapped on the outside with a needle-punched cloth used as a covering material for greenhouses.
- The third way. Bottles filled with water can be hung above the ground by piercing a hole in the lid.
Bottled drip irrigation of cucumbers is convenient due to cost-effectiveness, since there is no need to spend money on materials. The disadvantage is the difficulty of mounting on large areas. The process of filling with water is troublesome, and the holes are often clogged with soil. Despite this, one can see the advantages drip method. Reviews say that in small greenhouses it is quite effective.
Full-fledged watering of cucumbers in large greenhouses is more convenient to produce through centralized system with proprietary droppers.
Drip irrigation devices: automation
Automatic irrigation requires funds for equipment, but as a result, a lot of time will be saved and the crop will compensate for the costs. The most important component of the system is a controller or timer that does not require human intervention. The last to set is only the frequency and the duration can be electromechanical or electrical. The controller can set the watering program, which takes into account the pressure in the system, sets the watering cycles by day and takes into account humidity and temperature.
For simple systems drip irrigation scheme provides for the presence of a single-channel device, and in complex scheme more channels may be required. Judging by the reviews, experienced gardeners they prefer to use several simple timers that work according to separate programs.
In order not to depend on the source of energy, it is advisable to purchase devices that operate on several AA batteries.
Automatic drip irrigation from the water supply often requires a pump. Its power must correspond to consumption. The mechanism should be simple, not very noisy and resistant to chemical compounds that are often used in the system as fertilizers.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that surface irrigation is the most common, the lack of sometimes favorable conditions for it, water scarcity and energy savings lead to the need to use one or another drip irrigation device. The choice depends on the climate, landscape, types of cultivated crops and other factors.
It is important to properly design and install a drip irrigation system to reduce the chance of failure and avoid wasting time on repairs and maintenance.