1300 687 846When you discuss what your local gardening experts would like to do to your garden, it will be essential to understand what kind of irrigation system you would have set up. The irrigation of your landscaped yard is crucial if you want to maintain the yard.
The water volume that the surface can hold with a particular irrigation system is the effective water holding capacity. Maintaining the moisture content of the medium under the water holding capacity may be beneficialin order to manage crop growth or lower the risk of soil-borne pathogens.
In general, it is essential to rinse thoroughly. The amount of water used must be adequate to re-wet the entire section of the growing medium. If the surface is dry and not enough water is added, the growth will be disturbed.
The delivery method plays a crucial role in the comprehensive irrigation process. For top-down drainage, gravity would pull the water down. As it travels down, some will be held back by the rising medium.
Generally, some water escapes from the bottom of the container until the medium is entirely wet. At the same moment, the water pools at the bottom of the pot and travels back up.
The relationship between the volume and the rate of application of the water and the quantity retained can be very complicated. Usually, the slower the application, the larger the volume contained. Adding small amounts of water frequently with gaps between applications (pulsed irrigation) leads to improved water retention and decreased leaching.
Irrigation system breakdown
In the most simple words, the irrigation system has three main components: a water source, a distribution system to the soil surface, and water flow control valves. Any irrigation system aims to provide water to the growing plants as consistently and cleanly as possible.
Three of the most popular gardening irrigation systems are drip or trickle irrigation, sprinklers or booms, and hand watering. If you’re unsure what the difference is between these three systems, we’ll identify what they are and help you decide what’s better for your landscaping requirements.
Although there are many variations in irrigation systems, we like to address the basic form that is widely used when it comes to gardening of residential and business properties.
Drip irrigation
Drip irrigation system distributes water in a regulated manner. Using a series of long plastic pipes, drip irrigation is typically low to the ground so that less water is lost to runoff and evaporation. At frequent intervals, or depending on the nature of the garden, there are holes in the irrigation tubes to enable the water to flow out.
The drip system distributes water from different emitters. In the drip tape, the emitters are placed in the tape at periodic intervals. Drip tape is commonly used to water ornamental plant crops in soil beds but may be used in basic container settings. The tape is extended in long runs at the height of the pots, which are mounted under the emitters. Drip tape is often compensated for pressure, which ensures that water does not come out of the emitter until the tube is pressurised evenly. This guarantees a consistent flow rate for all emitters. The pressure regulator is used to prevent undue pressure that might snap the tape.
The pressure-compensating exit ensures even flow rates for each emitter. Multiple exits may be linked to the same pressure compensator. If the diameter and length of the tube from each exit is the same, the flow rate would be constant. If a various exit system has pipes of variable sizes, a flow restriction tool at the end of each tube is required to achieve a continuous flow rate.
As the name suggests, the drip irrigation method allows the water to drip directly into the soil near the plant where the hole is situated. Usually, the soil around the drip irrigation line is barren earth or non-living matter, like stones or pavements. As a result, no planting is demolished underneath the drip system.
Pros
> It reduces the waste of water.
> It is very cost-effective for individual plant irrigation.
> It prevents substantial soil erosion.
> It is easy to instal.
> It cuts down the weeds.
> It prevents diseases due to overwatering.
Cons
> Just a limited amount of water can be supplied at a time.
> The seen pipe system is not that appealing.
> The exposed pipes can be affected.
> It needs regular inspection to ensure no clogging.
Sprinkler system
Sprinkler system is used in the outdoor production site. Uniformity is a problem outside, as sprinklers are built for turf or field watering and do not disperse water uniformly, particularly in windy conditions. In addition, significant quantities of water may be lost as runoff, depending on the pot distance.
The sprinkler system distributes water through more widespread, regulated ranges. Although the drip irrigation system is above ground when it comes to sprinklers, the pipes are underground with only the sprinklers’ heads exposed above ground.
When triggered, sprinkler systems disperse large quantities of water to cover a large volume of land. Sprinklers designed by experienced landscapers can be mounted in such a way that your yard receives the correct amount of water with no places left unwatered.
The boom system is very useful for plug trays and flats. Mist nozzles can supply water reliably at a low rate, helping in standard moistening and decent water retention. The spray is under reduced pressure, so the compaction is reduced. Drips and irregular spray can, however, weigh heavily on small containers such as plug trays.
Booms may also be used for larger pots, mainly when containers are still closely spaced. Booms usually have fully customisable hoses for various spray patterns, enabling them to be used for misting and higher-volume irrigation. They can be programmed to make repetitive passes over the same location or to shut on or off when going through various areas of their route.
Pros
> It is excellent for all types of soil.
> It has secure underground pipes.
> It quickly covers vast areas.
> It may distribute substances such as pesticides and fertilisers.
> It is less probable to be plugged.
Cons
> It may lose substantial water to runoff and evaporation.
> Sometimes, sprinklers’ head could be affected.
> It can lead to extreme soil erosion.
Hand watering
Hand watering is the most effective solution for plug trays and flats, small pots that are closely spaced. Hand watering is least useful for house plants because they’re at final spacing and the canopy is closed, so it is more challenging to bring the water to the growing medium, and it takes more time to distribute water to each pot.
Also, with the diligent application of seasoned workers, as many as 50 per cent of the water that leaves the pipe ends up on the floor. Performance and consistency can be significantly enhanced by using water-saving saucers or trays that capture a lot of water that would otherwise have skipped the pot. These trays contain water so that it can be absorbed from the bottom up.
Pros
> Hand watering is the cheapest irrigation method.
> You can easily use old fashioned water buckets.
> Water flow can be controlled with a single nozzle.
> Every pot and plant can be watered manually.
Cons
> It may be tough to control water flor sometimes.
> Overwatering may cause root diseases in potted plants.
> The drainage system of the pots should be good enough to manage hand watering.
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