What does a drip irrigation system consist of?
In terms of complexity, installing drip irrigation is similar to installing a regular garden hose. Drip irrigation is an economical solution, thanks to which the amount of water is dosed and delivered directly to the root system. It waters slowly and evenly, dripping from pipes or tapes into the soil through drippers.
The installation can be stationary, mobile with condensation lines or with a hose system.
Irrigation systems are usually located underground no deeper than 15 cm or among plants in flower beds. The location of the drip hose between plants can be freely changed during the season, placed vertically, for example, on a tree. If necessary, the hose can be shortened, or the installation can be lengthened with another drip hose. At the end of the season, the system is removed from the garden and stored over the winter in the same way as regular garden hoses.
Dripline is a special tube used in most drip systems (thin-walled polyethylene tubing, thinner than standard polyethylene hose). Emitters – droppers – are installed on this drip tube
The hose placed on the ground between the plants is difficult to notice at first glance; the system is almost hidden under the leaves. Drip hoses are usually sold in earthy colors, i.e. brown and black, so that they are as little visible on the ground as possible.
Note! The pipes are buried shallowly in the ground or laid directly on the surface, next to the plants. The irrigation system most recommended by gardeners is above-ground pipe drainage. Thanks to this, fertilizers can be added to the water.
Drip irrigation requires a properly constructed installation. First, measure and determine the area where the drip lines are installed. Length and topography will be important for planning the system elements. Dividing into zones will allow you to accurately plan drip irrigation.
The main element is a drip hose and a regular garden hose to which the drip hose is connected. The tape and drip line are almost the same. Lay the drip line directly to the ground in parallel strips up to 20-30 cm wide. The connection to the water pipe is made using threaded connectors.
The drip line is equipped with a pressure compensator, which maintains appropriate pressure, distributing water evenly in the pipes, even if it fluctuates.
Standard connectors will be required depending on how much automation is needed for watering.
How does a drip line work?
Drip hoses with holes are placed in the place where plants are grown. Water is supplied to them from a tap and slowly flows out in drops. The holes through which water drips directly under the plants should be located on the side. Water penetrates into the soil rather than above-ground parts, which are often sensitive to cold water.
Drip irrigation can also be supplemented with filters or sprinklers for watering the lawn. Filters are installed so that water entering the system will not clog or damage it. The filter purifies the water. It can be installed in front of a valve or pressure regulator. Each drip line must end with a valve or plug to flush the installation. These elements must be above the soil. You can open and flush the system at any time.
Additional Information! In the simplest and cheapest version, the tap from which water flows into the drip hose must be opened and closed manually. This can be troublesome, you have to keep that in mind.
The operation of the system can be programmed and improved using controls. For example, sensors will turn the water on and off. There are also timers that turn on the water supply only at certain hours,
Benefits of Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation is the ideal solution for gardeners who want to make caring for their garden as easy as possible. Drip irrigation has many advantages:
- saving water;
- saves time;
- water goes directly to the roots, no wetting of the leaves;
- even in very dry soil you can plant water-loving plants;
- prolonged drought is no longer a problem;
- Drip irrigation reduces soil erosion.
The most important benefits of watering plants using this method include regular watering, especially during periods of drought. The irrigation system supplies not only water, but also special liquid mineral fertilizers in constant doses.
Water is applied directly to the soil, at the roots of plants, rather than on their stems or leaves, which reduces the risk of rot or other diseases resulting from excessive moisture. Water saving, compared to traditional watering, is supplied exactly in the amount that a given plant needs,
How does underground drip irrigation work?
Where is the best place to use an underground drip line? Typically used in irrigation systems for flower beds, hedges, and arable fields.
Plants receive water exactly when they need it. After installation, you can determine the frequency of watering. Irrigation control is carried out using a program. Therefore, the system does not require constant monitoring.
Installation of underground drip systems
Note! Ordinary above ground drip line is not suitable for underground installation. Compared to the traditional solution, this is a slightly more complex installation. However, this installation compensates for this inconvenience with advantages.
The diffraction emitter has very small holes that become clogged easily. Developing roots of plants or weeds reach the drippers and clog the holes. Subsurface drip line emitters are designed to keep roots and microorganisms out. Protection systems vary depending on the line model.
Install lines to a depth of approximately 10 cm to ensure lawn and planting care. They cover everything with a layer of soil, so underground drip irrigation is not subject to harmful weather conditions. Moreover, it does not interfere with the aesthetics of the garden. It is not surprising that more and more people decide to install it. This is especially true for owners of large areas, where manual watering will simply be too labor-intensive and ineffective.
Single-way or multi-way piping can extend from a single control valve to multiple drip pipes located in different parts of the yard. An additional water distribution line is located between the control valve and the drip line. Fittings (including tees, elbows, and reducers) are plastic connectors used to attach drip tubing to other pipes and to control valves.
All underground drip lines have pressure compensators. The pressure reducing valve (pressure regulator) reduces the water pressure and maintains it constant. There are two main types of regulators available: non-adjustable and with adjustable pressure settings.
For a drip system, any type can be used. Typically, unregulated types are used in small home drip systems that have fewer than three control valves. Adjustable ones provide more flexibility and are usually more accurate.
Valves
Turn on or off the flow of water through the pipe.
Manually operated shut-off valves are used to periodically shut off water. They can be installed anywhere in the irrigation system so that sections can be turned off during repairs. This is common in large systems.
Control valves turn the water supply on and off to areas that are irrigated separately from each other. Can be automatic or manual. A drip irrigation system may have one or more control valves.
The drain valve prevents water from flowing back and dirt, microorganisms and other contaminants from entering the drinking water from the drip system.
What are the advantages of underground drip irrigation?
Subsurface irrigation is a method of delivering water below the surface of the soil. In this way, only certain areas of the soil are moistened, and moisture does not come to the surface. This maintains constant soil moisture, preventing fluctuations in soil moisture.
The system installed underground prevents water evaporation, which leads to water savings. The risk of sunburn of leaves is minimized. In addition to all this, nutrients are easily and quickly introduced directly into the root zone. This strengthens the root structure and also reduces the likelihood of unwanted weeds. Therefore, underground irrigation is very precise, efficient and fast.
The presence of diseases and pests is reduced because it reduces the moisture content of plant stems and leaves. Underground drip irrigation keeps gardens and crops in top condition, no matter the weather.
