Drip irrigation - how to understand the basic nuances of such a system?

Many people use drip irrigation to irrigate plants on their plot, and it can be organized independently. It consists of several parts, which must be chosen, guided by certain rules and features. He also has a number of shortcomings.

Arrangement of drip irrigation

This name is understood as a branched device of water conduits, used to supply water to the roots of plants. Many people are interested in how drip irrigation works, and so, the principle of operation is very simple: the liquid enters the pipes from the water pipe or by the pump from the well, and then it goes to the plants. It is important to consider the scheme of irrigation and water flow, the main thing is that the wiring is simple, but practical.

Equipment for drip irrigation

The installation of this type of irrigation is a simple task, and everyone can cope with it if desired. Drip irrigation in the greenhouse and in the open air provides the presence of such components: pump, valve cock, trumpet, timer, tape, fittings, filters and so on. It is important to approach the choice of each element responsibly, so that the device works correctly and without interruption.

Hose for drip irrigation

There are several important aspects that should be considered when choosing suitable hoses.

Many are interested in what kind of hoses there are for drip irrigation along the length, and so, this parameter enters the limit from 1.5 to 100 m.
The diameter depends on the throughput. For a long hose you need a large diameter. The standard parameter is 13 mm.
The service life of the hose depends on the material from which it is made, so the most popular option is vinyl PVC and rubber. The second option is the best.
The hose has a pressure limit that it can withstand. For example, variants with reinforcement are 5-6 bar, and single-layer - no more than 2 bar.
Choose hoses that will not deteriorate not only during the heat, but also at a reduced temperature, so that they do not deteriorate in the winter. Better buy opaque options, because they are less prone to flowering.

Tape for drip irrigation

Many gardeners for the organization of drip irrigation choose a tape that makes it as optimized and quality as possible. The diameter of most options is 22 and 16 mm. Tapes can have different thicknesses, maximum 15 ml - suitable for stony surfaces, and the most popular option - 6 ml. The drip irrigation system can consist of such tapes:

Labyrinth. The cheapest tape has a shape similar to a zigzag, which reduces the speed of water. The liquid in them warms up well, but there is one significant minus - you can not achieve uniform irrigation.
Crevice. A more modern version, which is easy to lay and it helps to conduct a uniform drip irrigation. To work effectively, there must be water of high quality, so you have to use filters.
Emitter. The most high-quality and reliable option, which is resistant to pollution. The tape can be compensated and uncompensated. In the first variant, the length of the tape does not affect the water flow, and the second variant, on the contrary.

Fittings for drip irrigation

There are a large number of different elements and nodes that are important for collecting the most complex systems with minimal time losses. It is important to understand how the drip irrigation is arranged to determine the amount of elements required for a particular site. There are a number of criteria that should be considered when choosing.

Manufacture of high pressure polyethylene fittings, which can be primary and secondary. The first option is more qualitative, and it meets all state standards.
All surfaces of the fittings must be smooth and they should not have any depressions.
Another important rule for choosing a fitting - the end faces of the clamps should be in a strictly perpendicular position to the axis.

Drip irrigation allows the use of different fittings, and most products are suitable for pipe diameters of 3/4 ". Here are some popular details:

Mini-starter. Connects the main pipe and the dropping tape. Additional seals do not need to be used.

A starter with a clamp. To increase the density of pressing the irrigation pipe there is a special pressing, and the tape is fixed in the usual way.

Clamping tee. Use this version of the fitting to ensure the taps of the system, depending on the location of the beds. It connects three tapes into one system.

Adapter. The fitting is installed to align the tape and the pipe. The nut is sealed.

Starting crane with clamp. Install such a fitting on the main plastic pipe, and the clamp will securely seal the connection.

Filter for drip irrigation

When choosing a filter, you need to consider the bandwidth and this indicator indicates the filter itself. The parameter enters the limit from 3 to 100 m ³ / h. Note that the throughput of the filter must be greater than the volume of water that the pump can deliver. Drip irrigation for cottages can include two such types of filter:

Reticulate. Suitable for water filtration from a water supply system or a well. They have a grid that holds small particles of mineral origin, for example, sand, clay, and so on.
Disk. For an open reservoir this filter option is more suitable, which is more expensive, but it is more efficient and reliable. Disc filters are universal, and they delay both organic and mineral impurities. Another plus - they are easy to clean.

Timer for drip irrigation

To improve the system, you can set a timer, through which you can automatically control the process. The drip irrigation system for the greenhouse and for the open area may include such a timer:

Manual or mechanical. The operation of this timer requires constant monitoring. They have lost their relevance with the advent of an automatic device.
Auto. Drip irrigation is carried out in accordance with the specified program. The device can regulate the amount of water that will be consumed during irrigation. This option is more practical for a greenhouse.

Pump for drip irrigation

Buy the pump if you need water from the reservoir or pond. It is important that the liquid is heated before irrigation. Drip irrigation of the garden means buying a pump, which is worth knowing the depth of the dive, the height and the distance to which water will be fed. The main types of pumps:

For pumping out water or side. The maximum depth is 1.2 m. It has a small weight, built-in filter and pressure regulator.

Superficial. They operate from a depth of 10 m. When installing such pumps, conventional soft rubber hoses can not be used, because due to the created negative pressure, the walls of the hose can shrink and block the access of water, which can lead to pump failure.

Drainage. Use this option when the water supply is carried out from contaminated water bodies, and it is also suitable to fill the tanks from which water can be fed into the drip irrigation system by another pump or natural pressure. It has a big head.

Submersible. These pumps can be centrifugal and vibratory. Their main advantage is the possibility of supplying water from a great depth. For centrifugal the indicator is 50 m, and for vibrating - 200 m.

Types of drip irrigation

There are different types of drip irrigation, which have their own characteristics and details. You can install automatic drip irrigation and not automatic, but the first option is more convenient.

Droplet hose. The main element is a thick-walled pipe that can withstand a pressure of up to 3 atm. Thanks to this, it is possible to conduct water supply for long distances. Emitters or droppers are installed at regular intervals. In most cases, the flow rate is 1-2 l / h.
Droplet tape. The tape is attached to the main hose. The length of the irrigation line can reach up to 450 m. With regard to the throughput, it reaches up to 500 l / h.
External microdrops. Irrigation is carried out with the help of drops and micro-jets, the intensity of which in some models can be regulated. Droppers are installed on the outside of the pipes or on attached branches.

How to make drip irrigation?

Organize drip irrigation on the site with their own hands. At first it is better to make them on several beds, and then increase already on the whole garden. There is a simple instruction, how to make a drip irrigation yourself:

The hose is connected to the water supply. It is important to insert a filter that will detain the dirt.
Using an awl in the hose, small holes are made, and at the end a plug is installed.
Droppers or emitters should be inserted in them.

Disadvantages of drip irrigation

Determined with the option of irrigation, it is necessary to take into account not only advantages, but also disadvantages.

The system of automatic drip irrigation can be clogged with solid elements of organic and chemical origin, and even parts of plants.
If to compare with the mechanical method, the price of drip irrigation is higher.
Tapes and hoses for drip irrigation are vulnerable to pests, for example, rodents and wild pigs.
The average lifetime of such systems does not exceed two years. As the wear and tear, the parts have to be replaced, which requires costs.

Water consumption during drip irrigation

When calculating the indicators for the system, it is important to take into account the moisture consumption for a certain period of time. The scheme of drip irrigation should be guided by the need for culture in the moisture, the quality and type of soil, the speed and volume of fluid supply from the source and the length of the drip band. According to the type of water discharge, there are three types of emitters:

0,6-0,8 l / h. This option is suitable for very long lines and in them the liquid is consumed evenly. Choose it should be for plants that require slow moisturizing. This flow rate is recommended for low-productivity water sources.
1-1,5 l / h. The standard version used for conventional soils. The most common expense.
2-3,8 l / h. Install this option on sandy ground and it is suitable for plants with a powerful root system. This is a large flow of water.