Timely manual watering is not always possible. In addition, it is unknown how much water a particular plant requires for better development. To solve this problem and obtain maximum water savings, it is recommended to install drip irrigation.

Diagram of an automatic drip irrigation system.

The principle of operation is that there is no water getting on the stems and leaves of watered plants, which eliminates the occurrence of sunburn and helps reduce the number of weeds. Moisture is supplied regularly in the required quantity directly under the root systems of vegetable plants.

There is economical water consumption. Drip irrigation is an ideal method for irrigating beds, flower beds, shrubs, fruit and berry plantings and hedges. An undoubted advantage will be that drip irrigation does not require constant movement of hoses, which eliminates breaking of plants and the creation of unnecessary dirt.

The only and main disadvantage of drip irrigation is the presence of financial costs for the purchase of equipment, as well as further installation.

Do-it-yourself installation of automated drip irrigation at first glance is quite challenging task. However, in order to subsequently avoid constant red tape with watering cans or hoses in your garden, it is recommended to use just such an irrigation system.

Irrigation systems using drippers

You can acquire a high-quality and reliable drip irrigation system using the “do it yourself” principle. For these purposes, you will need to purchase high-quality components so that in the future you will get a high-quality and durable design that requires minimal participation from you.

In order to install drip irrigation yourself, the following materials are required:

1. Droppers. The main elements of the system, on the functioning of which ideal operation depends drip system and watering itself. They come with adjustable and unregulated water flow. The ranges of these parameters range from 2 to 20 l/hour.

In addition, there is a distinction between compensating and non-compensating droppers. The first is to maintain stable flow rates, regardless of the pressure present in the pipe or hose.

The best elements, of course, are the compensating adjustable droppers.

1. Splitters (“spiders”).” The number of these splitters should be equal to the number of droppers to which they are directly connected. The number of fittings extending from the spiders varies from 2 to 4 pieces.
2. Thin plastic microtubes. Mounted on splitters. With their help, water is diverted to the required watering location.
3. Racks. They act as elements used for installation at certain irrigation points. Microtubular ends are attached to them.
4. Distributing (distributing) tubes. One of the ends of such tubes is connected to the supply pipe, and the other is fixed with a plug. From the sides to the tubes at the required distance, droppers with connected microtubes and splitters are attached.

Typically, distribution tubes made of plastic have a wall thickness of 0.11 cm and a diameter of 1.6 cm. Distribution tubes and the elements attached to it are the main assembly units (modules) of the irrigation system. Their number is personal plot depends on the area of ​​irrigation. For example, in order to water a medium-sized greenhouse, two distribution tubes are sufficient.

1. Start connectors. They are special fittings for fastening distribution pipes to the supply pipe. To install them, it is necessary to drill holes in the pipe into which the fittings of these elements are inserted. Everything is sealed using clamping nuts located on the start connectors.
2. Supply pipelines. Plastic tubes that supply water from the filter to the distribution tubes. One end is attached to the filter, and the other is fixed with a plug.
3. Water filter. The performance of a drip irrigation system is directly dependent on the purity of the supplied water. Small pieces of dirt, soil or rust can clog narrow drip holes, leaving the plants they serve without water. Before purchasing a filter, you need to determine its brand and performance, which, depending on the model, varies widely. To calculate the required productivity, you need to know the number of drippers that will be installed on your personal plot. The flow rate of the drippers is multiplied by their number, and the result is the filter performance necessary to provide all elements with purified water. The water filter is attached to the water supply.
4. Various elements of connecting fittings intended for fastening: unions, tees, fittings, taps, pressure compensators. With the help of taps, it is possible to shut off or open the access of water to certain areas of the garden. Pressure compensators regulate the pressure in the system, which allows you to create the required irrigation.

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DIY drip irrigation installation

The pipe or hose for supplying water must be connected to a water supply or a large container of water, which is installed at a height of about 1 meter. As a water supply, it is possible to use both special polyethylene tubes and ordinary watering hose. First you need to install a cleaning filter.

We install pipes or lay out hoses in beds, along fruit and berry, vegetable or decorative plantings. One end is closed with a plug or broken off, and the other is connected to the tap.

If system wiring is required for several beds, tees must be used.

When using a conventional hose, it is necessary to install small self-tapping screws along its entire length, one opposite each planting, but they should not be screwed all the way through.

Then the screws are unscrewed half a turn, after which the water tap can be opened. IN in this case Self-tapping screws are used to regulate the water supply.

It is necessary to prevent kinks and creases in the hose when it is moved by pets. To do this, it is recommended to fasten the watering hose using special brackets made of wire.

To prevent excessive evaporation of moisture from the irrigated area, it is necessary to cover the ground around the plants with straw or peat mulch.

Watering and its rate will depend on many factors. These include the soil of the site, the types of plants being watered, as well as climatic and natural conditions. It is generally recommended to do drip irrigation daily for about half an hour early in the morning.

The given drip irrigation system is the most durable and reliable. Its service life is 8-12 years if high-quality installation was carried out.

Drip watering of plants is the most the best way saturate the root system with moisture, negating the risk of soil erosion. At first glance, drip irrigation technology may seem too sophisticated to some gardeners, and many ignore this method precisely for this reason. And completely in vain - the advantages of watering by drip you will see at the first harvest.

This method of irrigation is distinguished by the fact that water flows directly into the root zone in small portions - this avoids its erosion. The amount and frequency of moisture supply should be regulated depending on the need for it for each specific crop. Water must be supplied to the plants through a drip irrigation system, and each plant requires the same amount of moisture.

Precise regulation of the water supply during drip irrigation at the dacha for each plant prevents drying out of the soil, and at the same time, the root system is maximally protected from excess moisture.

Drip irrigation technology

An automatic drip irrigation system relieves the owner of unnecessary hassle associated with moisture saturation and feeding of plants, since these processes take place practically without human intervention and even during his absence - you just need to install a special pump and timer.

How to water plants with drip irrigation, having built such an installation at your dacha with your own hands? It is quite simple, and its efficiency is very high. As for caring for the system, during operation it is necessary to periodically clean all its elements, removing blockages, preventing possible algal blooms, etc.

This irrigation system has quite a lot of advantages, although drip irrigation is not used so often in dachas. This is explained simply - many are frightened by the thought of the complexity of designing such a system, as well as the practical implementation of the project. However, these fears are unfounded. In any case, drip irrigation has many more advantages than disadvantages.

Advantages of drip irrigation on the site

Drip irrigation on the site is beneficial in terms of both saving physical, water and energy costs, as well as effective care of crops and increasing productivity, ease of care for beds, etc. d.

When describing drip irrigation, it is necessary to mention that the gradual supply of water contributes to less wear and tear on equipment and pipelines, and also saves energy. This means that all components of the system can work for a long time without requiring replacement. In addition, since this system is practically insensitive to low pressure in the pipeline and can carry out irrigation even at the most weak pressure, you don’t have to spend money on buying a pump.

The main advantage of drip irrigation is that it provides plants with more effective hydration, preventing the roots from drying out or rotting from excess liquid.

Look at the photo: With drip irrigation, water is supplied to the plant root zone, so it is instantly absorbed and the plant uses the incoming moisture 100%.

The use of drip irrigation makes it possible to saturate each plant with a certain amount of water, depending on its individual needs. Root system with this watering it develops much better than with other methods. As you know, the bulk of the root shoots are located exactly in the place where the droppers are located, which means that water, getting directly to them, causes the roots to become more fibrous, with a large number of active root hairs. As a result, the intensity of consumption by the root system increases. nutrients from the soil along with moisture.

As the water passes through the pipes of the system, it warms up to optimal temperature, so the plant roots do not experience stress from too low temperatures when watering.

Watch a video of drip irrigation at your dacha, mounted with your own hands:

Advantages of the drip method of watering plants

When water is supplied to the drip irrigation system for plants, fertilizers can be added to it, which in this case are delivered faster to the roots of the plants and are better absorbed by them, so that the plants absorb active and nutrient substances faster and more intensely. This method of irrigation is the most effective when fertilizing and watering the soil in hot and dry climate conditions.

The principle of operation of drip irrigation is designed in such a way that water does not fall on the leaves, fungicides and insecticides are not washed off from them into the soil, which means that the possibility of the spread of various diseases among plants is reduced.

Since the drip irrigation system moistens the soil to the required degree, normal air circulation is maintained in it, which means that the breathing of the root system will also remain normal during the entire growth cycle. At the same time, soil oxygen penetrates faster into the roots of plants, which allows them to function more actively. In addition, normal air circulation in the soil and sufficient moisture prevent soil erosion.

Drip irrigation can be installed on sites with even the most complex topography. In this case, you will not have to build any ledges or move the soil, drying it out and compromising its integrity.

Considering the principle of operation of drip irrigation, this system is indicated for growing crops on slightly saline soils. A feature of this type of irrigation is the leaching of salts from the soil. But at the same time, even if salts accumulate along the edges of the irrigation zone, this will not cause harm to the plants, since moisture will be absorbed by the plant root system only from the leached zone.

As can be seen in the photo, drip irrigation does not allow peripheral water flow, and the soil between the rows of plants always remains dry. This means that at any time, regardless of irrigation periods, it will be possible to cultivate the soil, spray plants or harvest crops.

Drip irrigation can be carried out even in the hottest sun - water will not fall on the leaves of plants, which often, for example, when sprinkling, leads to sunburn. So drip irrigation removes all restrictions on watering time - this can be done at any convenient time.

Operating principle of drip irrigation

Even a beginner can install the system; all you need to do is acquire basic knowledge and stock up necessary set tools and materials. Here, the help of specialists is not needed even when assembling automation with a timer.

After installing this system, you can forget for a long time about all the problems with watering the plot that existed previously, when you had to regularly walk around the garden for a long time with a watering can or stand for several hours with a hose in your hands, watering each bed in turn. If you make the drip system fully automated, human presence will not be required at all; it will be enough only to check its operation from time to time and, as necessary, clean the elements from blockages.

With the drip method of watering plants, water is supplied directly to the roots, so much less is required. In addition, with this method of irrigation, water does not evaporate as intensely as, for example, with sprinkling or surface watering, and this also makes it possible to reduce its consumption. In total, water savings in this case are very significant and amount to 40-70%.

How to water plants in a greenhouse and in pots using drip irrigation

Drip irrigation is indispensable in a greenhouse, where with normal watering plants often suffer from excess or lack of water (especially in hot weather). sunny days) moisture. And this is very important, since seedlings and other fastidious plants that are sensitive to the amount of moisture and other factors are usually grown in greenhouses.

When using a drip irrigation system, these problems can be avoided, especially if, simultaneously with watering, plants are also fed through the same system. It is known from practice that greenhouse plants in greenhouses where drip irrigation is used develop twice as fast and exceed the size of their “relatives” watered by conventional methods. This is because drip irrigation encourages plants to develop healthier roots.

Drip irrigation is also a salvation for plants planted in tubs and pots at the dacha. Very often, when watering the entire area, they are simply forgotten about, and these plants die because the soil in pots and tubs, especially in the open air and in the sun, quickly dries out. For these plants, you can use hoses with personal connections to the tubs or use drip irrigation from plastic bottles dug into the ground.

One of the most important conditions successful cultivation vegetables in the greenhouse is timely and sufficient watering. Based on the fact that the conditions of closed ground differ from natural ones, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of alternative irrigation. This can be drip irrigation, which will not only save you from daily hard work, but also provide a good final result. This article talks about the advantages, operating principles, and installation features of automatic irrigation systems.

Drip irrigation for greenhouses

The drip irrigation system consists of branched ribbons connected to each other and equipped with droppers that supply water to the plants in small doses in the form of drops (hence the name) from storage tank. As a result, each plant periodically receives the required amount of moisture. Such droppers can be either adjustable or unregulated, compensatory and non-compensatory. The use of such irrigation will be most effective in the following cases:

• Difficult terrain (changes in elevation);
• The need for watering at the root;
• Not high pressure in system.

Drip irrigation system in a greenhouse: operating principle and advantages

The principle of operation of such an irrigation system is that water flows directly to the roots of plants, promoting its local development. In addition, it manages to warm up sufficiently, since it moves through the system at a low speed. Thus, it is possible to create a specific climate in closed ground conditions, which allows for high yields.

The advantages of drip irrigation include:

• Saving water resources;
• Minimal risk of waterlogging, soil leaching and erosion;
• Preventing sunburn;
• High level of absorption of nutrients from the soil;
• Significant reduction in labor costs;
• Significant increase in yield.

Do-it-yourself drip irrigation in a greenhouse - step-by-step instructions

Available for sale ready-made systems irrigation systems, which just need to be connected to the selected area. In addition, you can install such a system yourself by purchasing hoses, tapes and droppers.

Regardless of the chosen method, you will need certain knowledge to correctly connect the system. Step-by-step instruction This process will be discussed further.

To install and connect the system, you will need special devices: droppers and hoses, pipes for the main line and filters, as well as special plugs and filters for pipes. All this can be purchased in specialized stores. When connecting the system, you should know that it implies stationarity and a certain number of branches. So, to supply water from the storage tank, one main pipe will be enough, from which the drip pipes will depart.

System connection diagram

Therefore, the main pipe is laid first, placing it along the path. Then, on both sides, distributing arteries are attached to it using detachable connections, from which drip irrigation tapes extend. As distribution pipes, you can use ordinary polyethylene irrigation pipes with a diameter of about 4 cm. To do this, a pipe of the required length is plugged on one side, and a tap is installed on the other to connect to the water supply. In addition, holes with a diameter of about 14 mm, necessary for attaching the connector, should be made along the entire perimeter of the pipe. In this case, the distance between the holes must coincide with the intervals between plantings. The dispensing tap is equipped with a sealing gasket, after which a start connector is installed, which ensures regulation of the water supply.

The standard drip irrigation connection diagram includes the following points:

• Organization of a water intake source equipped with a pumping station;
• Installation of a check valve;
• Installation of a coarse filter;
• Connection of the controller and pressure sensor;
• Installation of fine filters and a second check valve;
• Main line connection with shut-off ball valve at the beginning;
• Installation of a flushing valve at the end of the line;
• Laying drip tapes in the required directions;
• Insertion of IVs.

Installation procedure for drip tape

There are several ways to install drip tape. Among them, the simplest is considered to be connecting the tape to the pipe using a clamp.

To set up a temporary water supply system, a drip tape is attached to a pipe using a tee, the two ends of which connect sections of the pipe, and the third connects the drip tape through a clamp. In this case, the far end of the tape is twisted for tightness. With this installation method, it is also recommended to install special filters in front of the drip tape to protect the tape from internal contamination. They are connected to each other with a coupling and screwed on connectors, onto which hoses are put and secured with clamps.

Installation of drip irrigation tapes to the water supply system can also be done using special fittings (with or without a tap). To do this, it is necessary to drill a hole with a diameter of 15 mm in the distribution pipe, into which an elastic band is inserted for mounting the fitting spike. After this, the device is attracted to the pipe using a nut. It is to this that the drip tape is attached.

System care after installation

In order for the automatic watering system to perform its functions most effectively, it is necessary to provide appropriate care for it. First of all, we are talking about droppers, which become clogged very quickly and are the first to fail. Their clogging can be of mechanical, biological, or chemical origin. To prevent the first type of clogging, it is recommended to use mechanical filters, which must be replaced periodically, since particles of sand and dirt collect in them, preventing them from penetrating into the drip tape.

The chlorination procedure will help prevent biological clogging as a result of algal blooms. tap water or complete flushing of a drip irrigation system. In case of liquid fertilizers through a drip system or due to the natural hardness of water, chemical clogging can occur, which can be avoided by adding special substances to the water that regulate its acidity. The first signal that the drippers require replacement or cleaning will be the diameter of the water spot. If it is less than 30 cm, it means the dropper is clogged. If instead of a stain a whole puddle forms, this means that you should check the fastening between the hose and the dropper.

IN winter period After some time, the system should be dismantled by first rinsing it with clean water and disconnecting its elements one by one. It is advisable to store the drip system in a heated room.

Types of automatic greenhouse irrigation

The most common types of automatic watering for greenhouses include sprinkling, drip irrigation and subsurface irrigation.

Sprinkling (irrigation with sprinklers)

Using a sprinkler system, plants are watered in closed ground from above using special spray nozzles connected to a hose. Such sprinklers provide uniform watering throughout the greenhouse, but lead to the precipitation of moisture particles on the leaves of plants, which can cause sunburn. In addition, watering in this way requires a lot of water, which is uneconomical.

Subsurface irrigation for perennial plants

Subsurface irrigation is used when growing large perennial plants. In this case, not ordinary, but porous hoses and pipes are used, through which water is supplied directly to the roots of plants at a depth of the arable layer (35-60 cm). The functioning of such a system is based on the action of the suction force of the soil. For this reason, this method of irrigation is not suitable for sandy and sandy loam, as well as pebbly and saline soils. The subsurface irrigation system includes: a water source, pumping station, water control unit, pipelines, as well as subsurface humidifiers.

Types of irrigation: subsoil, above-ground and sprinkling method

This method of irrigation makes it possible to maintain the active layer of soil in a moist state without destroying the soil structure. As a result of subsoil irrigation, a crust does not form on the surface of the substrate, and moisture evaporates less and remains in the soil longer. Automation of the process does not require much labor, and the peculiarities of pipe laying do not create obstacles to use mechanical means in greenhouse conditions.

However, this irrigation method requires large financial investments for the construction of the system itself and preventive work to avoid silting of pipes. In addition, it cannot be used on light and saline soils and leads to deterioration of conditions for seed germination and survival of seedlings. Therefore, the method of subsoil irrigation is relevant when caring for greenhouse perennials.

External drip irrigation

With external drip irrigation, water is supplied from a storage source into pipes (ribbons) equipped with slots. Such “drippers” are laid out either on the surface of the soil in the beds, or dug in shallowly. Thus, you can significantly save water resources while maintaining the required level of soil moisture. Such a system can be additionally equipped with automation to regulate watering.

Automatic drip irrigation device for greenhouse

Get good harvest in closed ground conditions, automation of various processes will help without significant labor costs. Thus, a drip irrigation system will help satisfy the plants’ need for water, which will not only save your energy, but also save water resources. In addition, in conditions of sufficient soil moisture, crops develop well and produce a good harvest.

Even if you do not have access to a central water supply and have to constantly ensure that the storage tank is full, this process can also be automated. For example, mount pump equipment, which will pump water from an available source, and the installed automatic controller will regulate the water supply at a certain period of time.

Pros and cons of different watering methods

In addition to external drip irrigation, greenhouses also use a sprinkler system and subsurface irrigation. Each of these methods has both its advantages and disadvantages.

For example, when sprinkling, moisture from sprayers gets onto the stems, leaves and fruits of plants, which is not always acceptable. To use a subsurface irrigation system, large financial costs will be required associated with the purchase and installation of special pipes. Therefore, this type of irrigation is used in large greenhouses industrial scale, where the costs will be justified. The most affordable, and therefore the most popular, is the drip irrigation method, in which moisture is used efficiently and rationally, since it goes directly to the root system of the plant in the required quantities and at a certain time interval. Among the advantages of sprinkling are the uniformity of irrigation and the ability to irrigate areas with large differences in elevation, as well as maintaining the structure of the soil and improving the microclimate of the irrigated area.

What does the automatic watering system consist of?

The automatic watering system includes: required elements, as well as some components that are added at will. The main components of the automatic watering system include:

• Storage tank
• Pump equipment
• Pipelines (plastic pipes, fittings, safety valve)
• Devices for connecting to a water supply source (fittings, taps)
• Sprinklers (sprinkling devices)
• Control system (remote control, sensors, cable in an insulating tube, solenoid valves)
• Equipment for drip irrigation (drippers and other small components).

What types of droppers are there and what are their differences?

Droppers can be either external or built-in. External ones, in turn, are divided into compensated and uncompensated; they can have a different number of outlets and different water flow rates.

Since the droppers are a non-separable element, they cannot be cleaned mechanically. Modern external drippers are equipped with a self-cleaning mechanism, which extends their service life. But a dropper built inside the hose (tape) will last much longer. Its design consists of a filter, a valve and a labyrinth through which water is supplied. And although such tapes are much thinner than conventional hoses, their service life is longer. However, you should know that the cost of such a “tape” is quite high, which distinguishes a hose with a dropper integrated into it from a tape made of glued polyethylene. The latter are equipped with a primitive internal dropper, which is formed from microscopic holes that remain when gluing inside the seam.

Additional functionality of an automatic irrigation system

In addition to the required components of the irrigation system, there are additional components that expand the functional capabilities of the automatic watering system. One of these elements is a microcontroller, which makes it possible to water on certain days of the week or at the required interval. In addition, the microcontroller can be equipped with photocells that trigger the system depending on the time of day. Remote control allows you to control the system remotely via the Internet.

Flexible hoses and elbows provide connections between sprinklers and fittings. The modules make it possible to expand the territory of the irrigated zone, and pressure regulators make it possible to specifically limit it in a selected area. An automatic meter accurately controls water consumption, allowing you to select the most effective irrigation mode.

The garden and vegetable garden need timely watering, especially in hot weather. summer months. The drip irrigation system is a real salvation for summer residents who do not want to spend the lion’s share of the weekend dragging a watering hose around their site. Drip irrigation is the most rational way to supply plants with moisture; it does not allow the root system to dry out and lack nutrients, and also does not allow the formation of a hard crust on the soil surface or erosion of the fertile layer.

Drip irrigation system design

The principle of operation of drip irrigation is the drip supply of water directly to the root system of plants. Depending on the equipment used, moisture can be supplied both to the surface of the soil - using a drip tape or hose, and into the depths of the fertile layer - using drippers.

Depending on the type of water supply, the system can be gravitational or forced. In the first case, water comes under the influence of gravity from a pre-filled tank of the required capacity, in the second - from a water supply or from a pump connected to a well. Drip irrigation systems are designed for a pressure of no more than 2 atm, therefore forced system A pressure regulator – reducer – must be installed. To create the necessary pressure in the gravity system, the tank is raised to a height of at least 1.5-2 meters.

Water from a tank or water supply system is supplied to the irrigation site through main pipes with branches. Standard fittings for drip irrigation are usually used as branches; they are described below. The main pipes are laid along the fence, the walls of the greenhouse, or simply in a furrow, secured with holders.

Drip lines running along the rows of plants along the entire length of the bed are connected to the branches. For drip lines, you can use a flexible drip tape with holes or a regular plastic pipe, to which droppers are connected through splitters. The ends of the drip lines are closed with plugs or flush valves.

To avoid clogging of the system, install a filter at the outlet of the tank or at the point where it is connected to the water supply. fine cleaning, as well as a valve tap or reducer, with the help of which the water supply is regulated.

Design of a drip irrigation system

For high-quality irrigation, the droppers should be located at a distance of 30 cm from each other, while the fertile layer is moistened in 1-2 hours. Further watering is undesirable, as it leads to waterlogging and rotting of the root system, as well as excessive water consumption. During this time, about 15-30 liters of water per square meter are consumed.

To achieve such an irrigation regime, you need to correctly calculate the total length of the system or its individual sectors, as well as the capacity of the storage tank in the gravity system. In a forced system, you cannot do without manual or automatic control watering Manual control is suitable for gardeners living in the country: just open the tap and, while you are resting or harvesting, the system will moisten the soil to the desired depth. If you rarely visit the dacha, it is worth purchasing a controller that can be programmed for any period.

Example of calculating tank volume

The greenhouse has dimensions of 10x3.5 meters. The area of ​​the greenhouse is: 10 · 3.2 = 32 m 2. We multiply the resulting value by 30 liters required for irrigation: 32 · 30 = 960 liters. Thus, a greenhouse requires a tank with a volume of 1 cubic meter.

The tank must be installed at such a height that the system maintains stable pressure. When the tank is raised to a height of 2 meters, the pressure in the system will be 0.2 atm, which is enough to irrigate approximately 50 m2. If the area of ​​the site is larger, with the gravitational method of water supply, it is advisable to divide the irrigation system into sections and supply water to them one by one, or install a separate tank for each section. A pump that increases the pressure will also help solve the problem - in this case it must be maintained at about 2 atmospheres.

To ensure stable pressure in the system, factors such as the diameter of the main pipes and drip lines are also important. A pipe with a diameter of 16 mm passes 600 liters of water per hour, which is quite enough to water a 30 m2 area. If the area of ​​the site is larger, it is better to choose a pipe of larger diameter: a 25 mm pipe will allow you to pass 1800 liters per hour and water the area about 100 square meters, a 32 mm pipe has a throughput capacity of about 3 cubic meters, which is enough for a plot of 5 acres, and a 40 mm pipe has a capacity of 4.2 cubic meters, or 7 acres.

The length of each drip line should not exceed 100 meters at any bandwidth main pipes. Typically, drip lines are connected in parallel at a distance equal to the distance between rows of plantings. In case of watering fruit trees or bushes, drip lines are placed around them at a distance of 0.5-1 meter from the trunk.

Equipment and fittings

Before starting the installation of a drip irrigation system, it is necessary to draw a pipe layout plan and calculate the required amount of materials, connecting elements and equipment.

To install a water supply system you need:

• A plastic or metal tank of the required volume or a pump that supplies water from a well;
• Valve tap;
• Controller – in case of installation of an automated system;
• Ball valve;
• Pressure reducer;
• Fine filter;

Adapter for connecting to an irrigation system.

The irrigation system includes the following elements:

• Plastic pipes with a cross-section from 16 to 40 mm for main pipes;
• Drip tape or drip tubes complete with splitters and droppers;
• Fittings: taps, tees, mini taps, start connectors, adapters for connecting drip tape, plugs.

Installation technology

1. Install the tank at a height of 1.5-2 meters or connect to the water supply system. An adapter is cut into the tank, onto which a valve tap is screwed using a FUM tape - it is necessary to regulate the water supply. If water enters the tank from water supply network, it can be equipped shut-off valve float type, as in a cistern.

   

2. After the tap, a programmable controller is installed that regulates the water supply depending on the specified program. You can set it to turn on every day or to water every few days, and you can also set the watering time. After the controller is installed ball valve, allowing you to shut off the flow of water.

   

3. To regulate the pressure, a reduction reducer or a pump is installed in the supply system to increase the pressure. The working pressure is 1-2 atmospheres; if it increases, leaks may form at the junctions of the tubes and droppers; if it decreases, the water will flow unevenly. To purify water, the system is equipped with a fine filter - this will avoid blockages.
4. Plastic main pipes, cut into sections corresponding to the distance between the drip pipes, are connected to the supply system through splitters and adapters. The pipes are connected using tees. The last main pipe at the remote end is equipped with a flush tap - it will come in handy if the system is clogged.
5. Drip tapes or tubes are connected to the tees via adapters. Drip tape is a flexible hose with perforations through which drip irrigation is carried out. The tape is easily cut with a knife, its ends are bent and special clips are put on them, acting as a plug.

   

6. The drip tube is plastic pipe, usually its diameter does not exceed 16 mm. In the top of the tube, at a distance of 30-60 cm, holes are made for a splitter with a diameter of 3 mm. Rubber seals and splitters are inserted into them, which can have from 2 to 4 branches. Dropper hoses - plastic tubes with holes - are inserted into the branches. Droppers are stuck into the ground next to the plants.

   

7. The system is tested and the required pressure is determined, which is adjusted using a reducer or valve on the tank.

Installing a drip irrigation system with your own hands is not difficult; if calculated correctly, drip irrigation can reduce the labor intensity of gardening work and increase the yield by 1.5-2 times. For the winter, the system is easily disassembled: the tubes and droppers are removed, the water is drained from the tank, and the control equipment is removed. If necessary, the system can be expanded or redesigned. Its use is not limited garden plot, it can be successfully used in flower beds, balconies, lawns and in the greenhouse.

Video: connecting a drip irrigation system

Not everyone knows what drip irrigation is. The main advantages of such irrigation include the preservation and subsequent improvement of soil structure, saving root growth, economical water consumption, the absence of water starvation in the plant and saving time and labor for the owner.

Drip irrigation has a very simple principle. With this type of watering, water is personally supplied to each plant, and it is supplied either constantly, or at certain intervals, just a little bit at a time. In this case, the soil never dries out, and the roots of the plant are located in optimal zone humidity. The water supplied to the plants is always warm, as it flows slowly and during this time has time to warm up well in the pipes. To water, you just need to open the tap, and not run around with a hose or watering can. Plants, as well as soil fauna and microflora, will never experience a shortage of water. Next, we will look at the organization of drip irrigation using the example of AquaDusi.

First you need to mark out the planting plan, determining the distance between plants and the length of the beds. Then you need to cut the tubes to the required length and combine them into the system. It is best to use opaque material to prevent algae from growing inside them. The tubes should not be very long - about 6-8 meters, and they should be laid with a slight slope of 5 cm per meter of length, secured on pegs. Considering that water is supplied rather slowly, the diameter of the tubes can be small - 10-15 mm. After this, you need to make holes for the nozzles (droppers) in the places where they are needed, and insert the nozzles into the tubes.

Plastic parts from medical IVs, having a hole diameter of 1-2 mm, can be successfully used as nozzles. By turning on the water, you can check the functionality of all assembled system and immediately eliminate any deficiencies found.

You can also equalize the speed at which water flows out of the nozzles by changing the inclination of the tubes. To make it easier to monitor the operation of the nozzles, you can raise the entire system to a height of 10-20 cm above the ground.

After passing a successful check, you can begin to plant plants near each nozzle, and in the case when the plants are small, you can plant them in groups at once. Upon completion of planting, it is necessary to mulch the soil surface with a layer of 3-5 cm.

There is a main drawback in the drip irrigation system, which is that with a slow supply of water, it will flow only from the first holes, reaching the last very poorly. If you turn on the water more strongly, then all the nozzles will work well, but the water consumption will increase significantly and the plants will have an excess of it. But there is a solution to this problem - you need to supply water in portions.

Drip irrigation dispenser

From ordinary plastic bottle You can make a fairly reliable and, at the same time, simple dispenser using the toilet principle. To do this, you need to hang the bottle upside down, and tightly insert a small piece of tube with a diameter of 5-10 mm into the cap. Then the tube, which is approximately 30 cm long, must be bent into a loop inside the bottle so that the bend is at the bottom and the end is in the neck, almost at the bottle. This way we get a siphon. Then you need to make two holes in the bottom of the bottle: a tube will be inserted into one to supply water, and the second will serve as a breather, that is, to remove air. To supply water you need to take a thin tube, the diameter of which should be 1-3 mm. This can be borrowed from a medical dropper.

The principle of operation of such a dispenser is very simple - when the top bottle is completely filled, the water is immediately discharged through a siphon tube into the irrigation system and distributed through the irrigation pipes. In the case where there are several such tubes, you may need a second bottle, which will act as a receiver-distributor. Both bottles must have the same volume. It is better to install such a receiver-distributor even when one tube is used for irrigation, since the dispenser works much more reliably with it.

Calculation of water supply

Let’s assume that a two-liter bottle is installed as a dispenser, which fills with water in 20 minutes. Accordingly, three bottles or six liters of water will be collected per hour. Watering time is about seven hours (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), so that’s 42 liters of water per day. For example, twelve tomatoes and seven cucumbers grow in a garden bed. It turns out that each plant will receive approximately 2.2 liters of water per day. To reduce the water supply, a so-called nozzle is inserted into the supply tube - a piece of insulation from the wire or simply another thinner tube. If you have a tap, you can regulate the flow directly with it.

With these calculations, it turns out that one barrel of water (200 liters) is enough for five days. Although, in fact, it will last for a longer time, because when the water level in the barrel decreases, the pressure will drop and the irrigation system will “save” water. And the consumption will be more economical the less water there is in the barrel.

Experiments have shown that if the soil is very well mulched, then 1-2 liters of “drip” water will be enough to water one cucumber per day. For peppers and tomatoes, the norm will be two times less. Although, experienced gardener can determine by eye whether the plant has enough moisture or not. If in doubt, you can simply touch the ground with your finger.

Operating principle of drip irrigation

The barrel is filled with rainwater from a pump, tap or even buckets, after which the plants are left under supervision.

During daylight hours, the water in the barrel is heated by the sun. In the evening, when darkness comes, electronic device When starting, a photocell is activated, which turns on the starting pump. Water, heated by the sun during the day, is supplied to nozzles that are installed near each plant through a system of hoses and tees. Watering stops when each plant receives approximately two liters of water. It turns out that from a barrel filled once, watering can be done 5-7 times.

Using the electronic starter, you can program the period with which the automatic watering. It can be set to water different plants or for watering under different weather conditions - a five-stage system from watering every day to weekly watering. Once the barrel is empty, it must be refilled and the cycle will continue.

The electronics are capable of turning irrigation on and off, so it can be installed on any barrel, and the barrel itself can be filled in absolutely any way.
The kit contains everything you might need to organize watering, except for batteries and, of course, the barrel itself. There is also very detailed instructions on installation of the system and its operation, as well as recommendations issued by the Institute of Vegetable Growing.

Advantages

The most important advantage of a drip irrigation system is that water is supplied directly to the plant itself, and does not irrigate the entire area, as sprinkler systems do. Thanks to this, weeds develop much less easily. Also, when using sprinkling, there is a high probability of waterlogging the soil, because on heavy soils there may not be proper absorption of water, and as a result, rotting of the plant’s root system may occur. If you use a drip irrigation system, this will never happen.

It is the nozzles or droppers that are the most important element of such a system. They can dispense a measured amount of water at certain intervals. Thanks to this, you can easily adjust the intensity of watering.

Flaws

1. The main disadvantage of a drip irrigation system is the mandatory constant monitoring. Since if there is an excess of water, you will get washed out of the soil and excessive water consumption, and if you stop watering in hot weather, even for a short period of time, the roots that are in the surface layer and are accustomed to constant humidity may simply die.

2. There is another drawback, which is that the system works by supplying water from a barrel, and not from a central high-pressure water supply. In addition, the droppers have rather small holes, which very often become clogged. Of course, it’s not difficult to clean them - take them out and wash or blow them out, but this also needs to be constantly monitored. In this case, it is not possible to enlarge the holes, since the distribution of water will be disrupted and it will not be able to reach the very last nozzles.

There are ways that can help to some extent in solving these problems:

• You need to install a filter at the entrance to the system, which can be a large piece of ordinary foam rubber. It must be put on the inlet end of the hose located in the barrel. When it becomes clogged, it can be easily removed and cleaned.
• All containers used, such as the dispenser and receiver-dispenser, must be protected from insects that can clog the droppers.

After the protective measures described above, cleaning the system will be required much less frequently, which will free up time for other matters.

Frequently asked questions about drip irrigation

1. What is the length of your hoses?

The supply hose has a diameter of 9 mm and a length of 22 meters. The other hose has a diameter of 6 mm and a length of 30 meters. Both hoses are supplied in coils; you can cut them yourself.

2. What types of hoses are used in a drip irrigation system?

The material used to make hoses is polyvinyl chloride. Such hoses have many advantages: high strength and wear resistance, long service life, excellent characteristics (maintaining their original shape, fracture resistance, flexibility and elasticity). These hoses are capable of operating at temperatures from -40 to +50 degrees, and can also withstand pressure up to 3 kg/cm2.

If you need to attach the hose to something, you can warm it up for a short time by dipping it in boiling water for 10-20 seconds.

3. How long will the batteries in the system last?

According to calculations, the batteries should last for the entire season. That is, for about five months.

4. Can IVs become clogged?

Naturally, droppers can become clogged, just like any other irrigation system. The filter located at the inlet will save you from clogging with sand, but there is also the possibility of water “blooming” from standing for a long time. To prevent this, black hoses are used, which helps to virtually eliminate blooming, unlike translucent hoses.

5. How big should the container be?

In order for the automation to work properly, the barrel of water must be installed at a height of 1.2-1.5 meters from the ground. If the height is higher, the drippers may begin to flood your plants. Another important value is the height of the barrel. In the case where there is more than a meter from the edge of the barrel to the water surface, the starting pump may encounter difficulties in lifting the water.

The ideal volume of a water container can be considered a barrel holding 150-200 liters, which should be installed above the ground, at a height of approximately 1.2 meters, and also have a tight lid.

Drip irrigation. Video