Системы капельного полива для теплиц: Вечный капельный полив в теплице своими руками

Как работают системы капельного полива для теплицы, основные виды и их применение

Теплицы и парники строятся для получения максимальных урожаев в условиях недостаточно теплого климата. При этом растения в теплице испытывают некоторый недостаток освещения. Поэтому большинство тепличных комплексов, предназначенных для промышленного производства овощей, используют специальные фитолампы, решающие эту проблему. Большинство садоводов нашей страны пользуются теплицами в летний период, при большой протяженности светового дня и редко сталкиваются с проблемой недостатка освещенности, при использовании качественных покрытий для парника.

Вторая, еще более важная проблема выращивания растений в теплице – отсутствие естественных осадков. Во многих регионах проблемы засухи или недостаточного увлажнения почвы встречаются и на открытом грунте. Единственным надежным методом борьбы с этим явлением является установка системы капельного полива в теплице, потому что позволяет не только решить вопрос с орошением, но и устраняет проблемы с переливами.

Преимущества капельного полива в теплице

Если установлен автоматический капельный полив в теплице, растения получают влагу и питательные вещества в микродозах, которые необходимы им в данный момент. Поэтому не происходит накопления избыточных минеральных веществ (нитратов) в плодах.

Кроме того, разрыхленная почва, прокультивированная перед посадкой, остается такой же воздухопроницаемой. Это обеспечивает корневую систему растений столь необходимым для нее кислородом.

Технологии капельного полива

Источником воды для капельного полива является обычный водопровод или пластиковая емкость с теплой водой. В частных хозяйствах обычно используется капельная лента для безнапорных самотечных систем полива, которая подключается к емкости, установленной на открытом солнечном месте. В самой простой системе, когда вода нагрелась, нужно просто открыть кран. По системе трубок и переходников жидкость попадает в специальную ленту, имеющую микроотверстия. Будут политы все растения в самых отдаленных уголках теплиц или открытых грядок.

Системы полива капельными лентами

То же оборудование может работать и в автоматическом режиме. Достаточно приобрести капельный полив с контроллером КПК 24К. Помимо капельной ленты и трубок, в его состав входит небольшой автономный насос, работающий от батареек и управляющее пусковое устройство. Задается определенная периодичность включения полива – от нескольких раз в день, до одного раза в месяц. Бочка подключается к водопроводу через поплавковый клапан. Таким образом, растения в теплице будут обеспечены водой без человеческого участия, до тех пор, пока не кончатся батарейки.

Похожими характеристиками обладает набор для капельного полива Урожай 2. Он позволяет организовать полуавтоматический полив площади до 50 квадратных метров. В его комплект входит 60 метров капельной ленты и 6 коннекторов для организации 6 отдельных линий полива. Это позволит произвести устройство капельного полива в теплице больших размеров.

При самостоятельном обустройстве системы орошения стоит обратить внимание на итальянские линии производства оборудования для капельного полива, которые отличаются от китайских аналогов в лучшую сторону. Они совмещают в себе максимальную экономичность и высокую надежность. Имеют повышенную устойчивость к засорению и легко очищаются специальными составами. Существуют толстостенные ленты с многолетним сроком использования и тонкостенные, которыми можно пользоваться на протяжении 1-3 лет.

Капельный полив под землей

При всех достоинствах использования капельных лент, во время их эксплуатации вода попадает на поверхность почвы. Поэтому часть влаги испаряется, не успевая достичь корневой системы растений. Для решения этой проблемы, и достижения максимальной экономичности, были разработаны системы полива с использованием отдельных капельниц для каждого растения. Например, капельный полив Сеньор Помидор состоит из таких капельниц.

Его особенностями являются:

• нужная влажность при малом использовании воды, она дозировано подается под корень, усваивается до 95 %;
• каждое растение получает свою порцию воды, земля на необходимой глубине не высыхает, корни концентрируются в одном месте;
• отверстия в капельницах больше, чем в ленте – они меньше засоряются;
• почва на поверхности и воздух сухие, что снижает риски грибковых заболеваний растений;
• семена сорняков, из верхних слоев почвы, не прорастают.

Можно купить капельный полив с насосом в теплице Синьор Помидор, оснащенный автоматикой. Ее большим преимуществом является полная энергонезависимость. За электропитание отвечает солнечная батарея. Она заряжает аккумулятор, к которому подключен контроллер. Насос будет автоматически запускаться с любыми удобными интервалами. Поэтому, прикорневой капельный полив с помощью этой системы будет работать все лето и очень экономно расходовать воду.

Капельный полив под давлением

Использование емкости как источника воды для капельного полива удобно на небольших площадях, но не подходит для производства овощей в промышленных масштабах. Только давление магистрального водопровода или специального насоса позволяет эксплуатировать поливочные линии длиной 100 м и более. При использовании самотечного полива – единственная возможность внесения водорастворимых удобрений – просто добавить их в воду. Делать это придется при каждой подкормке, автоматизация капельного полива будет не полной.

Для массового выращивания в больших теплицах такой подход не годится, используется фертигация при капельном поливе – последовательное внесение удобрений в воду.

Как вносятся удобрения через капельный полив, какие из них лучше всего использовать можно прочитать здесь.

Внесение удобрений через капельный полив

Имеется несколько методов фертигации:

1. Простейший способ – использование удобрительной емкости. Это бак, имеющий два крана, входной и выходной. При открытии входного бака, под действием перепада давления в него попадает вода. На дно емкости засыпаны сухие водорастворимые удобрения. Выход подсоединен к основному оросительному шлангу. В результате удобрения медленно рассасываются в воде и поступают в систему. В начале удобрений больше и они быстрее растворяются. Когда их почти не остается, концентрация раствора очень слабая.
2. Более совершенный способ предполагает использование инжектора Вентури. Это своего рода тройник с конусными сужениями на концах. Шланг с фильтром, подсоединенный к одному концу, опускается в емкость с концентрированным раствором удобрений. Через два других выхода проходит движение воды под давлением. Этот поток создает разряжение, и питательная смесь поднимается по шлангу, в небольших дозах примешивается к воде. Это обеспечивает стабильное содержание удобрений в растворе.
3. Самое современное устройство это гидравлический дозатор для капельного полива в теплице, иногда называемый дозатрон. Он представляет из себя небольшой насос, установленный в емкости с раствором удобрений. А вращение ему передается от турбины, установленной в потоке воды. Чем больше скорость воды, тем быстрее работает насос, увеличивая поступление удобрений. Они попадают в специальную камеру, и из нее, с основной массой воды, в оросительную систему. Это позволяет достичь максимальной точности количества вносимых удобрений.

В профессиональных системах капельного полива обычно осуществляется точный контроль и коррекция давления воды на входе в систему. Это необходимо для того, чтобы количество раствора, достигающего самых отдаленных участков, было номинальным. Но давление в начале капельной линии может быть избыточным. Поэтому, все используемые капельницы имеют редуктор, приводящий давление к нужным параметрам. Как следствие — все растения, находящиеся в огромной теплице, подключенные к одному трубопроводу, получают одинаковое количество воды и питательных веществ.

Капельный полив на конкретных примерах

Для выращивания каждой культуры на огороде требуется индивидуальный уход: свои условия посадки, нормы полива, внесение удобрений и прочее. Далее будут рассмотрена организация капельного полива на примере некоторых овощных культур.

Огурцы на капельном поливе

Самое распространенное растение, выращиваемое в теплицах – это огурцы. Они не очень требовательны к уходу, но нуждаются в постоянно высокой влажности и температуре. Поэтому капельная система полива огурцов не будет слишком сложной. Растения сильно разрастаются, поэтому нет смысла сажать их слишком плотно.

Следует соорудить теплую органическую грядку из собранных в прошлом году растительных остатков, травы, перепревшего навоза, плодородной земли. После высадки рассады или семян, нужно проложить капиллярную ленту по каждой линии с растениями. Огурцы любят частые поливы. С помощью автомата или вручную полив можно включать 1-2 раза в день, из расчета до 1 литра на квадратный метр, до цветения. В процессе цветения и плодоношения огурцы потребляют очень много воды – норма увеличивается до 3-4 литров ежедневно.

Помидоры на капельном поливе

Томаты более требовательны к уходу. Они могут заболеть от высокой влажности воздуха. Поэтому целесообразно сделать в теплице своими руками капельный полив помидор, с использованием индивидуальных корневых капельниц.

Для грядки используется плодородная почва и полностью перепревшая органика. Перед высадкой рассады, в каждую лунку выливается по несколько литров воды. Используется отдельный шланг с капельницами на каждую линию томатов на грядке. Первую неделю рассаду лучше не поливать. Следующий этап — полив 2-3 раза в неделю из расчета 20-30 литров на квадратный метр в неделю. В процессе появления цветочных завязей, полив уменьшают до 2 литров в неделю на растение. Когда помидоры наливаются, нужно поливать уже по 5 литров в неделю на куст. А во время созревания – полив резко уменьшают или вовсе прекращают при влажной погоде. Капельный полив помидоров сохранит поверхность почвы сухой, влажность воздуха в теплице низкой, и защитит томаты от фитофторы.

Лук на капельном поливе

Каждый садовод знает, как не просто за один сезон вырастить лук-репку из семян. Массовая технология выполнения капельного полива лука в теплицах подтверждает тезис о большой эффективности этой технологии. Лук высаживается в 8 рядов на грядку, на нее укладывается 2 ряда капельной ленты. Одна лента орошает 2 ряда справа и слева от себя.

При интенсивном земледелии, используют комплексные минеральные удобрения, обеспечивающие все потребности растений при каждом поливе. Расход воды увеличивают от всходов до формирования луковиц. Начинают с 3 л в день, и доводят до 7 литров в день на квадратный метр. Вначале преобладают азотные удобрения, на завершающем этапе – калийные и фосфорные. Полное соблюдение агротехники позволяет собирать 10 кг лука с 1 м. кв. Все желающие купить капельный полив с насосом в теплице имеют довольно большой выбор наборов и комплектаций. Выбирать надо, исходя из площади теплицы, и типа высаживаемых растений.

Сама установка капельного полива своими руками из хороших комплектующих не представляет сложности.

Тот, кто самостоятельно собрал теплицу, сделал в ней высокие грядки, и с организацией капельного орошения легко справится.

90000 Complete Guide About Greenhouse Irrigation System 90001 90002 A 90003 Greenhouse Irrigation System 90004 is a type of 90003 micro-irrigation system. 90004 It preserves water and nutrients by letting water drip gradually to the roots of plants, via a pipeline installed either just above the soil surface or hidden below the surface. 90007 90002 The objective of a 90003 Greenhouse Irrigation System 90004 is to deliver optimum water and nutrient levels directly into the root zone and reduce wastage and evaporation.It dispenses water through a network of valves, pipes, tubing, and emitters. It is more efficient than other types of irrigation systems, such as surface irrigation or sprinkler irrigation, depending on how well the system is outlined, placed, maintained, and operated. 90007 90012 90002 A 90003 Greenhouse Irrigation System 90004 is one of the most efficient ways of farming in this modern age and has proven to produce quality yields within a very short time. However, you will need experts to install and design the best 90003 Greenhouse 90004 designed especially for your crops, soil and weather conditions.90007 90002 Choosing the best Irrigation System for your greenhouse or polyhouse is not as easy as it sounds. You need to understand how all the available systems work, and it is best to involve experts to guide through the selection and set-up process. 90007 90021 Benefits of Greenhouse Irrigation System? 90022 90002 All modern 90003 irrigation systems 90004 are useful in different ways, depending on how you use them. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider installing a Greenhouse Irrigation System.90007 90002 Most greenhouse irrigation systems use filters to prevent clogging of the small emitter flow trail by small waterborne particles. New technologies are now being introduced that reduce clogging. Some domestic systems are introduced without additional filters — since drinkable water is already filtered at the water treatment plant. 90007 90002 Almost all greenhouse equipment companies suggest that filters be used in a system. Due to sediment settlement and accidental insertion of particles in the middle lines, last line filters just before the final delivery pipe are strongly recommended in addition to other filters in the overall system.90007 90002 A 90003 Greenhouse Irrigation 90004 can ensure water conservation by reducing evaporation and deep drainage when compared to different irrigation such as flood irrigation or overhead sprinkler irrigation since water can be more precisely applied to the plant roots. 90007 90002 Besides, drip can eliminate many diseases that are spread through water contact with foliage. In areas where water supply is limited, there may be no actual water savings but then in desert areas or in sandy soils, the system will supply drip irrigation flows slowly as possible.90007 90037 90038 90003 Working and Efficiency Factors 90004 90041 90042 90002 Drip Irrigation, also known as trickle irrigation, works by delivering water slowly and directly to the plant root. The high efficiency of the system results from two primary factors. 90007 90002 They absorb the water into the soil before it can evaporate or runoff. 90046 It only applies water where it is needed. For example, at the plant’s roots rather than everywhere. Drip systems are simple and relatively forgiving of errors in design and installation.90007 90002 It is a very effective method of watering plants. For example, the standard sprinkler system has an efficiency of around 75-85%. A Greenhouse Irrigation System, in contrast, has an efficiency level of over 90%. Over time, this difference in water delivery and efficiency will make a real difference in crop production levels quality, and in a company’s bottom line. 90007 90002 In areas where water is a short supply, such as the desert areas of the world, the 90003 Greenhouse Irrigation System 90004 has, unsurprisingly, become the preferred method of irrigation.They are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, simple in design, and help maximize plant health for the optimum moisture levels. 90007 90002 Irrigation systems are essential in modern farming since they significantly enhance crop production. A Greenhouse Irrigation System may seem expensive in the short run but it will save you money and effort in the long run. For instance, this system can help the lower cost of production by at least 30% because you will control the amount of water, Agro-chemicals, and labor costs.However, it is advisable to get a quality greenhouse irrigation system for significant benefits. 90007 90021 How do I choose a quality Greenhouse Irrigation System? 90022 90002 We are here to help you create to get the best Greenhouse Irrigation System suited to your needs at an affordable price. 90046 Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right greenhouse irrigation system seller. 90007 90037 90038 90003 Experience and Reputation 90004 90041 90042 90002 Choose a company that has been in the industry for many years as it would understand the product and how would it suit your needs.Also, check the reputation of the company. The best way to judge the reputation of any company is by looking at its customer reviews and ratings. 90007 90037 90038 90003 Choose a Certified Company 90004 90041 90042 90002 90003 Greenhouse irrigation system 90004 providers should have a license by relevant authorities to operate in a particular area. Therefore, do not be afraid to ask for the company’s documentation before signing any deal. Also, request the qualifications of the staff who will install the systems on your farm.This will ensure that you get the best service and a quality system. 90007 90002 A company that offers quality irrigation systems will always provide a reasonable warranty for the systems they install. A warranty is always a mark of quality, and you will have the chance to get back to the company in case the system develops any problem within the stipulated period. 90046 In summary, greenhouse irrigation systems are the way to go, but you need to plan appropriately and ensure that you get the experts to help you enhance your productivity.90007 90002 Contact us anytime you need the system installed in your farm, and our experts will guide you appropriately. In case of questions about our quality irrigation systems and solutions, please email our team on [email protected] or WhatsApp us on + 91-9871999458. Our representatives will get back to you within the shortest time possible. 90007 .90000 Hydroponic Irrigation Systems | Greenhouse Drip Irrigation Control 90001 90002 90003 Real World Commercial Greenhouse Equipment 90004 90005 90006 Hydroponic Irrigation Controllers Vs Our Greenhouse Automation Equipment 90007 90008 Let me do a little breakdown of commercial greenhouse equipment and what you should expect from the best in world class greenhouse automation. 90009 90008 Your current greenhouse irrigation system may be connected to your water supply or water tank reservoirs for your fertilizer feed system.Somewhere along the way you are probably mixing fertilizers into your water line and out to the crops. The problem with this system is that a lot of hand mixing or individual injectors are all being manually controlled and there is no central location for multiple feed formulas to be produced or any way for the actual irrigation to be monitored in a sufficient way. 90009 90008 With our world class greenhouse automation systems, you can create up to 10 feed formula programs with up to 48 irrigation values ​​for multiple crops.You can monitor your water usage and set trigger set points when you feel the plants would need more water. As an example we have soil sensors set up on a wireless mesh network that would communicate back to the central greenhouse computer to trigger an irrigation when plants get too dry for instance. We are also monitoring Water Flow, EC and pH of the water and ensuring that the right nutrients get absorbed by the plants to ensure growth. The end result is you get a better production system and a large increase in yields for any crop benefiting from our software.90009 90008 There is also reduction of plant loss that is caused by excess fertilizer, over watering or disease. It probably happens more than most growers like to admit, but keeping irrigation timers on too long or a broken irrigation valve (all monitored by our system), can cause major harm to the crop. 90009 90008 90017 90003 Commercial Greenhouse Growers 90004 90020 can start to rest easy knowing the right amount of water and fertilizer is getting out to the crops daily and you are saving serious money on labor, fertilizer & water expense.You just need to invest in the right kind of greenhouse automation system. The perfect balance of fertilizer, EC and pH is all managed by the system, and this is where automation truly helps you stay in line with what the crop is looking for enhanced growth. 90009 90008 Ask yourself what is the right move for your greenhouse and make the right decision. What counts are the results you’ll now get from the crop after installing the system. The best 90017 90003 hydroponic drip irrigation systems 90004 90020 are the ones that are not complicated to use but offer amazing technology and deliver great results.90009 90008 Our automation systems are created for large-scale growers but anyone can learn to run them as they are simple to operate. 90009 .90000 Drip Irrigation System | Install Drip — Garden Drip 90001 90002 Drip Irrigation 90003 90004 90005 90006 90007 90008 Novedades Agricolas, designs and installs for over 35 years ago drip irrigation systems, which can be customized to specific customer needs. 90009 90010 90011 90012 90013 90014 90015 90014 Very generally, can be defined as drip irrigation located. Drip irrigation is an irrigation method that allows optimum application of water and fertilizers in farming systems in arid areas.The water applied directly infiltrates into the soil irrigating the root zone influence through a piping system and emitters. 90015 90014 Currently several improvements have been add to drippers: 90015 90020 Compensating drippers: 90021 90014 These issuers offer a fixed rate within a more or less wide pressure range. The usefulness of these emitters is the ability of homogenization irrigation along an irrigation line as the last emitter line typically have a lower pressure than the first because the pressure drop due to friction of water with pipe.90015 90020 Anti-drain drippers: 90021 90014 These droppers are automatically closed when lowering the pressure in the irrigation system so that no discharge pipe occurs, resulting in benefits such as preventing the entry of air into the system and irrigation pump does not need to load the system to start operating, thereby optimizing their use. 90015 90020 Adjustable drippers: 90021 90014 They can regulate the flow with a mechanical control. 90015 90008 ADVANTAGES OF DRIP IRRIGATION: 90009 90034 90035 Significantly reduces evaporation of soil water.90036 90035 Allows fully automated irrigation system, with consequent savings in labor. Controlling the rate of application is easier and complete. 90036 90035 Due to maintaining high humidity in the bulb, allows the use of more saline waters for irrigation systems irrigation and sprinkler surface. 90036 90035 Have an easier adjustment on uneven, rocky or steep terrain. 90036 90035 Reduce the proliferation of weeds in non-irrigated areas. 90036 90035 Allows controlled nutrients without irrigation water lost by leaching with possibility to modify at any time the crop input, ie it is the system most suited to the FERTIGATION.90036 90047 90008 Growing and Climate control systems: 90009 90014 The use of drip irrigation systems are widely used in fruit, citrus, vines and vegetable crops, especially in temperate areas with scarce water resources. 90015 90008 INSTALATION PARTS: 90009 90034 90035 90056 Pump assembly: 90057 to provide the appropriate pressure and flow rate to the facility. 90036 90035 90056 Filtering: 90057: the varying degrees of thickness thereof filtration anger related water quality, and the size of the sprinkler nozzle.90036 90035 90056 Fertilizing Systems. 90057 90036 90035 90056 Pipe Network. 90057 90036 90035 90056 Porta issuer Pipes: 90057 flow and spacing between them will depend on the crop in question and the characteristics of the soil where you are. 90036 90047 90020 Drip irrigation heads 90021 90020 Pipies 90021 90004 90005 90006 90007 90084 90084 90010 90087 90014 They are responsible for transporting water with fertilizers.. 90015 90034 90035 90056 Main pipelines 90057 90036 90035 90056 Second pipelines 90057 90036 90035 90056 and in that case tertiary 90057 90036 90047 90010 90087 90010 90011 90012 90013 90020 Irrigation Lines 90021 90112 90005 90006 90007 90116 90116 90010 90007 90014 They are pipes with the corresponding drippers carries emitters that enable downloading flows established.90015 90008 90123 We install the widest range droppers that exist today, which will give the most appropriate to your installation solution. 90124 90009 90010 90011 90012 90013 90008 MATERIALS USED 90009 90034 90035 Installing buried with PVC or PE and accessories needed. 90036 90035 Installing porta issuer PE pipes and fittings. 90036 90047 90014 90015 90014 90015 .90000 How Exactly Does Drip Irrigation Work? 90001 90002 Over recent years, there have been considerable technological advancements in irrigation. One of the more effective of which is drip irrigation. Irrigation technologies, put simply, provide water to plants, and methods for doing so can vary widely. Techniques for irrigation can range from surface irrigation techniques, either through channels or completely flooding the field, to the more precise and controlled method of drip irrigation.Other examples include overhead irrigation which, consequently, creates a lot of runoff. 90003 90002 For anyone who has played the Civilization series of games, or has an interest in the development of civilizations, you’ll quickly appreciate that irrigation was a very early technological advancement of our species. It allowed for the development of more efficient farming and subsequently provided stable, more or less, food supplies. Drip irrigation is, in effect, a modern «tweak» of the time old technique.90003 90002 In the following article, we’ll quickly gloss over what drip irrigation is and the components of a typical system. Let’s get stuck in then. 90007 90008 90003 90002 Example of a commercial setup [Image Source: 90011 Wikimedia Commons 90012] 90003 90014 What is drip irrigation? 90015 90002 Drip irrigation is renowned for being a very efficient method of watering plants. By way of example, the average sprinkler system has an efficiency of around 90017 75-85% 90018. Drip irrigation, in contrast, has efficiencies in excess of 90017 90% 90018.Over time this difference in water delivery efficiency will make a considerable difference in crop production and the company’s bottom line. In areas where water is short supply, such as the desert regions of the US, drip irrigation has, unsurprisingly, become the preferred method of irrigation. Drip irrigation systems are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, simple to design, and help maximize plant health due to the reduced moisture levels on fields. 90003 90002 This form of irrigation, sometimes called trickle irrigation, applies water directly and slowly to the soil.The technique’s efficiency is provided by two major factors. The first is that water is absorbed by the soil for access to the plant roots rather than running off or evaporating. Secondly, the water is only supplied to those areas of the field that actually need the water, i.e. the plant roots. Most drip irrigation systems are simple to design which minimizes design errors and installation flaws. There are some great guidelines out there if you are interested in perhaps installing one. 90003 90014 Why irrigation is important 90015 90002 Irrigation is one of the oldest technologies mankind developed.It is used extensively across the world. Countries with the largest populations (USA, China, India etc.) have over 90017 100,000 km2 90018 of irrigated land! Wow! 90003 90002 Irrigation consumes a lot of fresh water and can result in water logging of crops and build up of salts. Salinization is a big problem in places like Egypt. The riverbed of the Nile has been irrigated from close to 5000 years since around 90017 3100 BCE 90018. These practices draw salt from lower horizons in the soil to upper levels.This is so bad in some places that the soil is actually whitish in areas! This is not an issue isolated to Egypt and occurs wherever irrigation has been employed for a long period of time. 90003 90002 Drip irrigation offers a great solution to this potential problem. Historic practices such as centre-pivot irrigation are not sustainable in the long term. They consume large amounts of water and are potentially damaging to the «health» of the soil. Drip irrigation allows the user to better control the amount of water plants receive, rather than blanket watering the area.Eutrophication is massively decreased by drip irrigation as fertilizers are not carried away by water runoff into watercourses. 90003 90014 Drip irrigation might be the future 90015 90002 Italy is one of the world’s largest agrarian countries and has a large percentage of land given over to growing wheat, corn, rice and fruits etc. Italy began implementing drip irrigation in 2011. Italy’s adoption of drip irrigation is estimated to save the country 90017 4.3 billion Euros 90018 over the next thirty years! According to the World Water Development Report (WWDR), 90017 47% 90018 of the world’s population are likely going to live in «areas of high water stress» by 2030! If this warning is to be believed, it is essential that we develop and implement ways to better use and conserve water supplies.Drip irrigation might just be the perfect solution for farming. 90003 90014 How does it work? 90015 90002 In effect, drip irrigation places small drip emitters in close proximity to the crops ‘root systems. This provides a much-improved efficiency and makes the system much more controllable compared to other methods. The emitters release water in a slow and steady fashion. The emitters are very small, about the size of a US quarter and are arranged in an array in the ground. These emitters are directly connected to the water source by feeder hoses.Another setup is to have the emitters built into the feeder hose instead of rows of independent emitters. This is called a trickle hose. 90003 90014 Who invented it? 90015 90002 The invention of drip irrigation is often attributed to one Simcha Blass. Simcha was an Israeli engineer and inventor who lived between тисяча вісімсот дев’яносто сім and 1982. Simcha was an important figure in water development in Israel and he, with his son, initiated, introduced and developed drip irrigation systems. 90003 90002 Drip irrigation was tested in a primitive form in the 1920’s but the modern technology as we know it was properly developed by Simcha in the 1930’s in Israel.Its discovery seems to have been something of an accident. Blass, whilst spending some time in the desert regions of Southern Israel noticed something strange. He noticed that one tree near his location was performing much better than all other vegetation nearby. 90003 90002 When Blass went for a closer look, he noticed that a water pipe near the tree had a small leak supplying its root system with its very own regular slow supply. This accidental discovery led Blass to embark on a journey of trial and error testing various materials and water pressures for an ideal solution.It was not until the 1950’s with modern plastics that Blass could take his technology to the next level. In the 1960’s Blass was able to finalize the technology and patent the design. 90003 90014 «Gubbins» of a drip irrigation system 90015 90002 Drip irrigation systems are pretty simple setups but do consist of several constituent parts. A typical simple system will consist of the following components. 90003 90002 90061 90003 90002 Simplified drip irrigation system [Image Source: 90011 IrrigationTutorials 90012] 90003 90014 Valves 90015 90002 The role of valves in the drip irrigation system is very simple.They turn the water flow on or off. Valves come in various «flavors». 90017 Isolation valves 90018 are manually operated for systems that require an infrequent shut-off of the water. These valves are typically sited close to the water supply to enable isolating the system for repairs or off season. These can be installed anywhere in the system to enable isolation of segments of the system for localized repairs but this is usually only employed in larger systems. 90003 90002 90017 Control valves 90018 are valves that turn the water on and off to individual «circuits» or areas of the yard that are perhaps irrigated separately from one another.These can be automatic (using solenoids) or manually operated. Depending on the system design there can be just one or many installed. For instance, you may have one control valve that controls water supply to the emitters in a vegetable garden. Yet another may be present that controls water supply to shrubs or hanging pots around the house and patio. 90003 90002 90078 90003 90002 Drip irrigation system [Image Source: 90011 Wikimedia Commons 90012] 90003 90014 Backflow preventer 90015 90002 This is a piece of kit employed within the system to prevent, hence the name, dirt, bacteria, other contaminants from being sucked back up into the drinking water supply for the drip system.This device is essential for all drip irrigation systems. 90003 90002 Backflow preventers are essential because drip emitters rest directly on the soil and are potential very susceptible to water contamination from soil born diseases etc. 90003 90014 Pressure regulators and pressure reducing valves 90015 90002 These devices, as the name implies, reduce the pressure of water flowing through the system and keep it at a constant level. Pressure reducing valves and pressure regulators are in this instance synonyms and essentially the same thing.90003 90002 Drip irrigation systems, on the whole, perform best at lower water pressures than typical water supply systems. These devices also enable a constant system pressure even if the supply pressure fluctuates periodically, which is nice. Designers need to be conscious of areas with low water pressure as these devices will clearly further reduce the system pressure. 90003 90002 Usually, two types of pressure regulators are employed in drip irrigation systems. Non-adjustable ones with pre-set outlet pressures and user adjustable types.In general, small homeowner system will use non-adjustable valves if they have less than 3 control valves. You can, of course, install adjustable valves if you want full control of your system. Non-adjustable regulators must be installed after the control valve and in cases where multiple control valves are present, pressure regulators are needed for each one. Accidental installation before the control valves can cause pressure surges that will damage the system. 90003 90002 Adjustable pressure regulators, on the other hand, can be installed before or after the control valves.In large systems, you can install a single or fewer adjustable pressure regulators in the main supply line before control valves to save on costs. 90003 90014 Filters 90015 90002 The filter is obviously used to, well, filter the water. Drip emitters have very small openings which are easily clogged up so employing filters earlier in the system is essential for increasing the life span of the irrigation system. Recommendations for filters are that they are between 90017 150 and 200 mesh 90018.High-quality filters are often installed before the valves or pressure regulator but lower quality ones can be installed after the pressure regulator. High-quality filters usually have a maximum pressure rating of 90017 10.3 bars 90018 (90017 150PSI 90018). 90003 90014 Emitters 90015 90002 Now we come to the «guts» of the drip irrigation system. The emitters are responsible for directly controlling the rate of water supply to the soil. Emitters are usually small plastic devices that either screw or snap onto the drip tube or pipe.In trickle pipe systems they are pre-assembled and part of the pipe assembly. Common emitters, emit, water at around 90017 4 liters per hour 90018. 90003 90002 As a general rule of thumb 1 or 2 emitters are usually required per plant. This does, of course, depend entirely on the size of the plant in question. Trees or shrubs will clearly need more than a small plant. Use of multiple emitters also provides the system with backups in case of a blockage in one or more of the emitters. The more emitters present the wider the area of ​​irrigation and hence the increased growth of roots for healthier crops and plants.Of course, if plants tend to be planted close together the system may only need 1 per plant depending on the system design and «coverage» of the emitters. 90003 90002 Emitters are usually installed at least 90017 450 mm 90018 apart. As a rule, some sources suggest installing emitters 600 mm apart under 90017 80% 90018 of the plant’s leaf canopy, this is where the roots are after all. For highly permeable soils emitters should be placed 90017 300 to 450 mm 90018 apart. Emitters should never be buried unless they are specifically designed for this purpose.90003 90002 90127 90003 90002 [Image Source: 90011 Wikimedia Commons 90012] 90003 90014 Mainline and lateral / sub-main pipes 90015 90002 This pipe is the main connection between the water supply to the control valves of the drip irrigation system. It can be made of galvanized steel, copper, PVC or heavy wall Polyethylene. Each type has the inherent limitations and strengths. PVC, for example, is easily damaged by sunlight and is usually buried or protected. Polyethylene has a low burst pressure and is usually only used where water pressures are lower than 90017 50 PSI 90018.90003 90002 Lateral / sub-main pipes are located between the control valve and drip emitter assemblies. These can again be made of PVC, PEX or Polyethylene. As these are generally placed downstream of the pressure regulator high-pressure ratings are not essential. 90003 90014 Drip tube or hose 90015 90002 This is a special type of tube common in most drip systems. They tend to be laid on the ground surface between plants. Emitters are generally installed to these tubes. Drip tubes tend to be made of thin-walled polyethylene and consequently have a much lower pressure rating than other parts of the system.It is generally recommended that these stay above ground as they can commonly be nibbled on by pesky local rodents! In large commercial setups, these tubes are usually «hard-piped» in these systems and the emitters are installed directly onto the laterals. 90003 90002 Drip tube tends to not exceed 90017 60 meters 90018 in length from the point where water enters the tube. Tubes can be extended so long as the point of entry of the water supply never exceeds 90017 60 meters 90018 from entry to pipe termination point.e.g. a 120-meter tube where the water entry point is at the center point. 90003 90014 Air vent 90015 90002 Air vents are installed in systems that are turned off at any time. They prevent air from being sucked up into the emitters. As the water pressure falls away, air can be sucked back through the emitters and entrain dirt or soil into them. Clearly not desirable. The presence of an air vent mitigates this problem by drawing in air through it rather than the more delicate emitter openings.90003 90014 End cap or flush valve 90015 90002 Unless you want water to run out of the end of the drip tube you’ll need to install an end cap! All well and good but this do introduce another issue for the drip irrigation system. The water flow within the drip system is very slow which can allow sediment to build up, even allow algae to grow within the pipes. Normally drip tubes are flushed about once a year, more if an algae problem is persistent. 90003 90002 90160 90161 90003 90014 Benefits of drip irrigation 90015 90002 Given the technology’s setup, the greatest benefit this method provides to the producer is control.Given the amount of control it provides, the technique offers great economic benefits as well as reduced waste. A typical lawn sprinkler will use between 90017 4 and 20 liters 90018 of water per minute. A standard drip irrigation system, on the other hand, measures water use in liters per hour. This slower supply of water to the crops improves root take up and reduces water loss through ground percolation. This allows the water to be used more efficiently and reduce waste through evaporation for example.The direct application of water to the soil also prevents drift. Drift is the phenomena of water being blown or dispersed to other parts of the site where water is not required, e.g. walkways etc. 90003 90002 A well maintained and managed drip irrigation system can, all but eliminate, water waste through surface runoff. Drip irrigation systems rarely need excavations and rarely disrupt the integrity of landscapes during installation. Tubing can be weaved throughout the site where irrigation is required.Drip irrigation systems can, therefore, also be moved and are not required, which is nice. 90003 90002 The design of drip irrigation provides maximum crop yield and increased fertilizer use on crops. Its localized supply of water results in reduced weed growth and also restricts the population of potential hosts. Drip irrigation systems result in minimal, if any, soil erosion as there is no surface runoff. This also controls potential fertilizer pollution in natural groundwaters and surface waters.The use of emitters, control valves etc. allows the user to provide ready adjustment and sophisticated control of water supply to areas of the site. Seed germination is greatly improved and tillage operations are decreased. 90007 90003 90002 90175 90161 90003 90014 Disadvantages of drip irrigation 90015 90002 There are many advantages for using drip irrigation over other irrigation methods and they are usually a great solution for commercial properties. Drip irrigation is not without its problems, as you’d expect.They do tend to require more maintenance than a more conventional system. 90003 90002 As previously discussed the slow water flow rate and low pressure can cause sediment to build up in pipes. Algae can even grow where climates permit. Mitigation of these issues requires regular flush outs of the system. This is usually required at least annually but can be more frequent in the case of algal build up. Non-potable water contains more particles which can easily clog filters and drip emitters in particular.Drip emitter nozzles also require regular cleaning. These irrigation systems can also have an issue with salinity hazards. 90003 90184 90002 Drip irrigation is best used for beds rather than say a lawn. Large open spaces that do require regular watering are better served with more conventional irrigation systems. For larger commercial applications, regular monitoring of plant health should be carried out to make sure the system is working at peak efficiency. Clogged or block emitters can cut off the water supply to «spots» in the field that will cause the gradual decline in health of the plants in the affected areas.This obviously adds an extra manpower cost to the facility. A well organized and managed monitoring system will identify problems early on, allowing for repairs to be carried out in a timely manner. 90003 90002 Water distribution elements of the system can also be damaged by exposure to sunlight especially if made of PVC. This can cause ongoing maintenance and repair costs that may not be the case with alternative irrigation systems. 90003 90014 The last word 90015 90002 So there you go. Drip irrigation has come a long way since the random observations of one engineer and inventor.With future water supplies potentially becoming stretched, the need to improve water use wherever we can will likely see drip irrigation becoming ever more important to our agricultural needs. Drip irrigation is a relatively simple technology and offers a fantastic alternative to more traditional, water «hungry» or should we say «thirsty», irrigation methods. It is seeing ever increasing popularity in more arid regions of the world and you can even install a simple one in your garden! It is of course not perfect but the benefits and reduced water consumption and environmental impacts of the tech more or less outweigh its limitations.90003 90002 Sources: 90011 IrrigationTutorials, NKOLandscaping, AgriInfo, LearnTravelArt, MyOliveTree 90012 90003 .