Integrated care for plants involves, among other things, the organization of regular irrigation of the soil. But at the same time it is necessary to take into account that for each culture there are some peculiarities in this matter. For example, the intensity of supply of their moisture, the uniformity of its distribution on the site. In greenhouse farms, the most popular method was the drip irrigation planting, which is quite possible to make their own hands on your site.
Features
- No soil erosion, the soil is saturated to the maximum, to a greater depth, whereas with surface watering, not all moisture reaches the root system of plants.
- Excludes irrational use of liquid, which gives its economy up to 50%.
- Consistency and regularity of soil moistening.
- Plants do not get burned, which often happens when watering them in the usual way, because in this case any drop of water on the sheet becomes a kind of "lens" refracting the sunlight( light from the lighting device).
- The roots of plants do not stretch in different directions, but develop in a limited area, which allows you to make planting more frequent, maximizing the useful area.
- The most favorable water temperature for watering plants is provided.
- The probability of the appearance of weeds is minimized, there is no soil erosion.
The time and effort spent on irrigation measures are significantly reduced, not to mention the convenience of using the system. Such organization of plant care ensures their good growth, increase in yield( by 60-70%), reduces the use of various fertilizers, which has a positive effect on "ecological purity of products ".Yes, and seedlings in these conditions, it will take less. From this point of view, drip irrigation is a cost-effective method.
The scheme of drip irrigation in the greenhouse is quite simple: the source of water is a purification filter - a system of capillaries. If there are no special difficulties with the first two parts of the design, then the drop line should be understood in more detail.
Sold in 2 versions - ribbon or tube. However, the "tape" is a conditional name. In fact, this is the same tube, only elastic. It looks like a tape in a collapsed state, in a bay. At the end of each section of the line is put a "sprinkler" - a dropper. It can be either embedded in a tube( tape) or attached to it.
The latter are distinguished by a variety - the flow rate, the number of holes, the design( compensated or not).
Preparatory activities
The scheme of the location of "seedlings" is preliminary determined depending on the type of culture( the spaces between the rows in the greenhouse, their length).It should be noted that for each plant species there are different irrigation characteristics. If different seedlings are planted on one "bed", then separate subsystems of irrigation will have to be made.
Calculates the required fluid requirement for each type of seedlings. Based on this, the maximum water flow is determined with simultaneous watering of all plants.
The scheme of the arrangement of the elements of the system is drawn up - pieces of tubes, connectors( adapters, crosses), droppers.
The types of fittings required, their number, the number of droppers( if installed separately), the total length of the hose are counted.
Installation of the
system
tank installation Any tank of sufficient capacity is used, which ensures a full watering of the entire landing in one time. It should be noted that it should be located approximately 2 - 2.5 m above the bed level. In this case, the water will flow automatically and the pump will not be needed. Depending on the type of container, it can be mounted either on a wall or mounted on a stand.
The place in the greenhouse should be chosen taking into account how it is more convenient to bring a pipe to it for regular filling with liquid. At the exit, a crane is required. It should provide not only opening / closing the irrigation line, but also a smooth adjustment of the volume of water passing through it.
It is desirable that the "vessel" has a lid. In the course of operation, precipitation will fall on its bottom, so it should be possible to clean the tank. By the way, that's why the outlet pipe( together with the crane) is mounted above the bottom( about 2 cm), so that clean water flows into the "line", without suspensions.
Filter
Much depends on where the water comes from. If from a natural reservoir, that is the risk of getting into the system of various microorganisms. They will begin to multiply, and it will be necessary to change quite often both injectors and tubes( tapes, hoses), since all the holes will be clogged. Given their diameter, it is unlikely to be able to clean them, especially the line along the entire length.
What type of filter to choose, each solves according to local conditions. But it is desirable to do not only rough, but also fine water purification. Spending on the filter will reduce the cost of subsequent repairs to the elements of the system. And the soil on the "plantations" will not be contaminated by all kinds of deposits.
Capillary system
You can purchase a regular watering hose. It is recommended opaque( to avoid the multiplication of microorganisms on its internal walls) with a thickness of not more than 1.5 mm. This is easier to lay on the irrigation site.
According to the developed scheme, the hose is cut to the required number of parts of a certain length. All of them are connected together by fittings in accordance with the laying scheme.
Marking of the locations of the droppers is made. Accordingly, holes are punctured in the lengths of the hose. Their diameter should be such that the dropper is securely fixed. If possible, small branch pipes( if the design permits) are attached to it for simultaneous watering of several plants.
Automation
If desired, the system can be improved. To do this, you need a control device( controller) and a valve with a solenoid. According to the installed program the crane will open / close independently. By the same principle, it is possible to automate and fill the tank( if necessary).
This is advisable to do when the site owner is deprived of the opportunity to regularly care for planting in the greenhouse( work + other business matters, business trips, etc.).
Estimated costs
The estimate depends on many factors - the number of elements, the length of lines, the price policy in the region. Therefore, it is appropriate to give only approximate prices for the main components:
- "tape"( with a gap between holes of 0.4 m) - 4 rubles / p.m.;
- hose uncompensated( 1.5 l / h, 0.3 m - distance between droppers) - 28.5 rub / m;
- dropper external - from 6,5 rubles per unit;
- fitting( for microdroplet irrigation) - from 13 rubles / item;
- filters: rough cleaning - from 280, thin - from 350 rubles;
- pressure reducers - from 580 r.;
- fitting - from 15 p.:
- cranes - from 36 r.:
- tees - from 34 p.
Recommendations
It is better to purchase drippers in which self-cleaning is assumed. All other models are usually disposable, as in most of them the design does not provide a disassembly.
In addition, it is advisable to use products to which tap-offs can be attached. This will allow a single dropper to water several plants at the same time.
"Tapes" are produced using different technologies. There are options with welded walls, and they are much cheaper. But the period of their operation is extremely small.
The hose should not be too soft, otherwise water under pressure will simply "throw out" the droppers. But it should not be too rigid, as this will complicate the installation of the system and the fixing of the droppers.
We hope that this article was useful. In any case, the cost of the drip irrigation system will fully pay off.
