Drip irrigation device: principle of operation and scope
For the garden and vegetable garden to produce a good harvest, regular and timely watering is important. Especially in the summer. Of course, you can saturate the soil with moisture using a special irrigation hose, but today there is a more modern option - drip irrigation. What this system is, how it works, how much it costs and how to properly make drip irrigation, you can find out by reading the article.
A drip system is intended for irrigation of plants that are planted by an ordinary method. Ground or underground drip irrigation is used to care for crops, grapes, flowers and trees. It is also ideal for watering greenhouses. But drip irrigation is not suitable for moistening lawns. Since it is impossible to water a large area with pipes. In this case, sprinklers are used.
But for a small garden, berry, or vegetable garden, a drip system is a great way. Many summer residents install from droppers, considering this the most economical and rational method of caring for plants.
System pluses
Drip irrigation prevents the root system from deficient in nutrients and dry out, prevents the formation of a hard crust on the soil surface and erosion of the fertile layer. Drip irrigation was first used in Israel. The effectiveness of the method is obvious. Indeed, today Israel is the leading exporter of agricultural products. A summer resident gets a lot of advantages from using a drip system.
The drip irrigation device gives the following results:
- Plant fertility is increased by about 40%.
- Labor costs are significantly reduced. No need to carry heavy buckets, drag and drop a hose. It is enough just to open the tap.
- Weeds grow much less. Because they lack moisture. This reduces the number of weeds.
- The likelihood of soil erosion disappears.
- The likelihood of the appearance of fungal diseases is reduced.
- Leaf burns are excluded. After all, drip tubes deliver water precisely to the roots of plants.
- Water savings are approximately 70%. Moisture does not spread throughout the entire site, but only enters the root zone of the plants.
- The system operates at low pressure.
- The presence of a gardener and total control of irrigation is not required. An automated system will deliver water at the right time.
Device and principle of operation
The principle of operation of drip irrigation is as follows: water is supplied directly to the root system of plants. Moisture, depending on the equipment used, can be supplied to the surface of the soil or into the depth of the fertile layer. In the first case, the system is equipped with a drip tape or a hose, in the second - with a dropper.
Based on the type of water supply, gravitational and forced systems are distinguished. In the first variant, water is supplied by an inclined container with water and the action of gravity. In the second version, drip irrigation is carried out from a water supply system or a pump that is connected to a well. In this case, the system is necessarily equipped with a gearbox. From the water supply network or the tank, water flows through the main pipes, which have branches, and is supplied to the desired irrigation point.
Drip irrigation by functionality is divided into:
- manual;
- auto;
- semi-automatic.
The manual system must be turned on and off by the summer resident independently. The water tank is also filled manually using a hose or buckets. The automatic instruments are fully controlled by the system. The semi-automatic device starts and stops irrigation on its own. But the gardener needs to replenish the water tank on his own. The semiautomatic device can be programmed, set the intensity and time of irrigation. In terms of cost, the most expensive are automatic models.
System elements
Installation of drip irrigation is not difficult. This work does not require special knowledge and skills.
But before installation, you should decide what to buy for drip irrigation, and which manufacturer to give preference to.
In fact, the assortment for drip irrigation is very wide and is represented by various parts from different manufacturers. When choosing, you should not chase a low price. Since the quality of cheap products cannot be high. Better to stick to the best value for money. It should also be noted that today well-equipped drip irrigation kits have appeared on sale. That saves the summer resident from the need to select individual parts. Below are the materials required to set up a drip irrigation system.
Dropper: its types and functions
They can be of two types: drip tapes and single devices. Drip tape is a hose with many holes. Inside there are special systems that regulate the output of water. Depending on the principle of operation, there are three types: labyrinth, slot, emitter. Each of the varieties has its own positive and negative sides. Most summer residents prefer emitter tapes. Since they are more technological and durable.
But before you buy an emitter tape for drip irrigation, you need to remember that it is most convenient to lay out the tapes on the beds with vegetable crops. But single devices or droppers are more suitable for watering stand-alone perennial crops, shrubs, trees. These units are also divided into two types: without pressure compensation and with compensation. Droppers can be used, for example, for watering currant bushes. In addition to watering, you can read in detail about high-quality and timely care for currants.
The main difference between the drip tube and the tape is the wall thickness and longer service life. The handset can work properly for 3 years or more. Also, the tube, unlike the tape, can be buried in the ground. This does not change its functionality. Therefore, many people decide to buy a drip tube for irrigation, because it has excellent performance characteristics.
Many novice summer residents are wondering where to get drippers for drip irrigation and how much they cost. These elements of the system can be purchased at any specialized store or ordered on the Internet.
To extend the life of the tube, it is advisable to install a filter. Otherwise, the dropper can quickly become clogged and stop performing its task. The dropper cost is low. But if a tube for drip irrigation is purchased in bulk, many companies make a discount and, as a result, the product comes out even cheaper.
The tee is an important detail
Without this detail, the productive work of the system is impossible. Using a tee, you can organize watering at the same time in several areas. Therefore, a tee for drip irrigation is an important element and it is advisable to install it immediately.
Soft garden hose or ready-made hose
If you are using a soft garden hose, you will need to plug it on one side. The cost of this part is low. You can buy a drip tip at any specialty store.
Controller: types and applications
It is an essential part of any automatic irrigation system. It determines the operating time of the valve, ensures the regularity of watering. It looks like a small box with a display and several switches. The controller receives information from wind, humidity and temperature sensors. Most models are mains powered. True, there are also devices with a battery. They are more convenient to use.
If you buy an automatic drip irrigation controller, the efficiency of the entire system will increase significantly. Semiconductor and hybrid controllers are commercially available. Semiconductors are installed indoors. Used to control watering in small areas. Most often for irrigating lawns and lawns near houses.
Hybrid models are more reliable and modern. Save energy and water. Equipped with a microprocessor that controls the valves one by one. Basically, such units are used to organize irrigation of large areas, greenhouses.
Drip irrigation injector
This element allows you to increase the yield, reduces the labor intensity of irrigation, eliminates the contamination of groundwater and soil, and allows water to instantly flow to the roots of agricultural crops together with mineral fertilizers. But you need to know how to choose the right injector for drip irrigation, since it costs a lot. The choice of the device should be based on the specific situation, in consultation with a specialist.
Other system elements
Also, for the installation of the drip irrigation system, you will need a pump, fitting, taps, adapters and plugs. Most often, difficulties in choosing parts for organizing drip irrigation arise with hoses. Since they can be of different types. And many summer residents do not know which inlet hoses for drip irrigation are better to use.
When choosing, one should be guided by where the system will be located: on the surface or under the ground. You can find oozing hose on sale. It is used for underground laying. It is made of PVC and has a microporous structure. Performs the function of moistening the soil around the crop. Ideal for growing tomatoes that don't like moisture getting on their leaves.
The sprinkler is used for watering flower beds, beds, lawns. The maximum hose length is 22 m. However, if necessary, the length can be increased. Equipped with fittings for more efficient irrigation. Ribbon hose is the most expensive. Its advantage is that it can be used in conjunction with electrical engineering.
Knowing how to install drip irrigation can help you organize an efficient crop irrigation system.
Installation is simple. First, lay the piping. After that, the filter and pump are installed. Then the controller is mounted and, if necessary, the fertilizer application unit. Further, drip tapes are laid out under the trees and along the beds. The tapes are connected to the main pipes.
Cost and popular models
Many novice gardeners and summer residents are interested in how much drip irrigation costs, and which models are more popular. As for the cost of equipment, it depends on the type of system chosen, as well as on the model, quality and manufacturer. For example, a semi-automatic drip irrigation system Aquadusa will cost a summer resident about 1,700 rubles, and an automatic model will cost 2,100 rubles.
In addition to Aquadus, models such as Rodnichok and Beetle are widely used. Most often, semi-automatic devices are chosen. They are cheaper and, moreover, the automatic float for filling the water tank can be purchased and installed separately. Installing a control system on your own allows you to save a little money. Some craftsmen are trying to organize underground drip irrigation with their own hands, and they do it well.
Thus, drip irrigation is currently the most modern and efficient method of irrigating plants. It allows you to increase yields and save water. The drip irrigation device is quite simple. That allows you to easily install the system on your own.