The best do-it-yourself drip irrigation systems
Content
Advantages of drip irrigation
How to make a drip irrigation system and achieve an even distribution of moisture over the site, this question worries many gardeners and gardeners. Indeed, this irrigation method has a decent number of advantages in comparison with the others.
Due to the fact that automatic drip irrigation, like simple local irrigation, is very simple, it is not difficult to do it. It has a reservoir with water, which is transferred through pipelines and seeps through the holes due to its own weight. It is important to correctly and accurately position the irrigation system. So that the drops fall under the root system of the plant, and not spill nearby. So, water is consumed very economically and gets to the right place.
Thanks to the drip system, the soil is not waterlogged, and the root system maintains optimal ventilation throughout the entire growth period. Oxygen metabolism does not stop, and the root system is developing well. In addition to the fact that plants receive water, they also assimilate micronutrients. In dry climates, this method is very effective and relevant.
In addition, irrigation in this way makes it possible to keep the leaves dry, and they are less susceptible to various diseases.
On difficult plots of land with a slope, this irrigation method also wins over all others. It prevents soil erosion, and the plants receive maximum moisture. In addition, plants ripen earlier, because the soil temperature is higher than with other irrigation methods.
Undoubtedly, such irrigation systems are very energy and energy saving. After all, you do not need to endlessly carry buckets of water or build complex structures.
You can harvest at any convenient time, the areas between the beds are not moistened, and the watering period does not interfere with harvesting. The drip irrigation system makes it possible to grow plants in soils with a moderate salt content. After all, you can use slightly salted water for irrigation.
System Installation Video
From the video you will learn how to install a purchased irrigation system.
Varieties
Depending on where drip irrigation will be used, the following types are distinguished: greenhouse, indoor, for open areas systems. They have the same principle of operation, but they also have their own characteristics.
For greenhouse
In order to understand how to assemble a system for a greenhouse, you need to decide for which plants it will be used. If these are perennial crops, then the irrigation system is made stationary. When used for temporary plants, the irrigation structure must be mobile.
Before making drip irrigation, you should draw a sketch of the greenhouse itself. Indicate the dimensions, dimensions of the structure and draw the location of the beds.
After that, the hoses are selected. If this system is mobile, then flexible hoses are used, if stationary - rigid. Hoses are different, the main thing is to choose the most convenient and practical option correctly.
It is important to consider the placement and size of the water container. The volume of the tank is selected based on the size of the greenhouse itself. The place should be convenient for approaching and filling.
It is important to calculate additional elements and the expense for them.
After such preparations, the process of self-construction begins:
- install a water storage device;
- it is necessary to mount hoses and pipelines;
- make wiring and taps;
- droppers are made with the help of: ready-made sleeves (purchased in the store), making holes (using a heated nail), bends - "antennae" are made.
At the end of all work, the parts are connected into a single whole and the drip irrigation system is launched.
For an open area
You should know how to make such a system for an open area. There are a number of features, namely:
- due to the fact that the open summer cottage has a large area, the volume of the vessel with water increases;
- considering the option with the selection of water from an external source;
- use sun-resistant hoses.
It is necessary to take into account the weather conditions, namely frost and the case when the water in the hose can freeze.
If there are long distances, then connect a pump with a hydraulic accumulator. In this case, the watering process will not be difficult and without interruption.
For indoor flowers
Such an irrigation system will always come in handy at home. Especially in cases of long absence of the owners. Drip irrigation allows you to care for several plants at once, such a system is able to exist independently and be used repeatedly.
First you need to choose a water container based on the number of plants. This can be a bucket or plastic bottles. Then drip systems are installed, it is optimal to use medical ones. They are inexpensive, sold in every pharmacy, and last for years.
You can install the system in the following ways:
- just insert the hoses into the container. In this case, you will have to suck out water with your mouth in order to start its flow, in addition, the hoses may fall out of the tank;
- make holes at the bottom of the container and insert hoses into them. Preheat them to hold them firmly in place. Additionally, you can use a sealant.
Thus, it is worth noting that not only drip irrigation of the garden is possible, but also indoor flowers and plants.
Manufacturing methods
What are the nuances to consider when constructing drip irrigation for plants? Here are some of them:
- the most important is the water source. The minimum volume (for street watering) is 200 liters. If you take a too small tank, then water will quickly run out in it, and a large one takes up a lot of space;
- filters and shut-off valves are important factors. It will take several taps. One for opening and closing the system, the second in case of draining water from the tank. The filter is needed to keep out debris, dirt, etc.
- pipelines, it is important to choose the right material.
- drippers themselves for irrigation (tips or just holes in the hose).
After all the components are collected, it remains to install the water tank. The top point is selected, you can build a pedestal. The supporting structure is being assembled. Cranes are installed and hoses are secured.
After that, a drip irrigation line is laid. A whole pipe is stretched, then forks are made to each bed and plant. At the end of the straight section, a valve is made, it is screwed in with a tap so that it is possible to drain the water if necessary. Then sleeves are attached or holes are made based on where the plant is located.
Drip irrigation systems for summer cottages are efficient, economical in terms of water consumption, human energy and time. It is not very difficult to make such a system yourself, the main thing is to take into account some of the nuances and follow the rules.
Video "How to make a watering system"
From the video you will learn how to make your own irrigation system.