Posts Tagged drip irrigation systems
September 21, 2009 at 11:49 am · Filed under Drip irrigation ·Tagged 25mm, backflow preventer, ball valves, butterfly valves, closest point, control valve, control valves, disk valves, drip irrigation system, drip irrigation systems, drip tubes, gate valves, globe valve, globe valves, home gardeners, irrigation controller, irrigation valves, water flow, water source, zone control
If you want to irrigate your farms with a drip irrigation system, having the right drip irrigation valves properly installed is a must.
There are various types of drip irrigation valve you can find in the market. Most drip irrigation systems need at least two different purposive-types: an emergency shut off one and a controlled one.
Emergency Shut Off Valves
Emergency shut off valves are drip irrigation valves to be installed in the area where you tap in for your drip irrigation system. It is the closest point to water source. Having these valves installed is crucial. Without them, you will have to shut off the water flow to your entire house should an irrigation breakdown occurs. Without them, you will also have to work on the mainline or irrigation valves.
The most commonly used for this purpose are gate valves. They are quite affordable though also tend to wear out quickly and then start leaking. Better recommended are ball valves, disk valves and butterfly valves. They are more reasonably pricey than gate valves since they are much more reliable and last several times longer.
Zone Control Valves
Zone control valves are drip irrigation valves that turn on and off water to the drip tubes (or hoses). Often these valves are automatically turned on and off by an irrigation controller/timer.
For a small drip irrigation system you may need only one zone control valve. While for bigger drip irrigation systems several more may be required.
There are two basic types of zone control valve: standard globe valve and anti-siphon valve.
Standard globe valves can be found in almost any size. They are often installed below the ground, kept inside a box or a vault. Since a standard globe valve does not incorporate a backflow preventer, you must provide one on your own.
Anti-siphon valves can be found in 20mm (3/4 inch) and 25mm (1 inch) sizes. They are most recommended for home gardeners since they incorporate a backflow preventer, thus saving a considerable amount of money. The valves must be installed above the ground, at least 150mm (6 inch) higher than the highest drip emitter. This requirement may be a problem for certain areas, but you can always install anti-siphon valves on top of trellis or at the top of the slope (if you have a garden with slopes).
Indexing Valves
Indexing valves are a single valve unit purposely installed to control several valve zones. Usually available in models with or without a built-in anti-siphon device, it requires a special controller to operate. It has a water inlet and several water outlets. When the control unit sends the first signal it opens the first water outlet. At the next signal it switches to the second water outlet. And then to the third, fourth and so on till it gets back to the first water outlet, at which point it shuts off.
Indexing valves must be installed above the ground, at least 150mm (6 inch) higher than the highest drip emitter. It has never been too popular and is generally available in certain regions where a nearby manufacturer has promoted them.
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September 20, 2009 at 12:31 pm · Filed under Drip irrigation ·Tagged agricultural chemicals, capillary action, conventional surface, crop yields, drip irrigation system, drip irrigation systems, evaporation of water, irrigation cycles, management research laboratory, precise application, root zones, soil saturation, soil type, subsurface drip irrigation, surface drip irrigation, time span, vegetable crops, vine crops, water loss, water management research
Drip irrigation systems are mostly installed permanently or semi-permanently above the ground. When applied to irrigate trees and vine crops, they promote no problem. However, when applied to irrigate field and vegetable crops, certain problems occur, mostly because the drip irrigation systems have to be installed and retrieved annually. The annual handling is harmful to the life time span of the system, even under the best handling conditions. Hence the subsurface drip irrigation system emerges.
The depth installment of subsurface drip irrigation system is determined by the soil type and the crops planted. An efficient installation has water moving at the depth of 4 to 30 inches beneath the surface, forming a continuous watered area along the plants row. Frequent irrigation cycles, up to several times every day, maximize capillary action and minimize water surfacing.
Four subsurface drip irrigation systems have been designed, installed and successfully produce better yields by the Water Management Research laboratory of the USDA in Fresno. The oldest one was installed in 1981 and used for three years to irrigate tomatoes. During those years, they also successfully produced twice as much broccoli, at the same farm.
Subsurface drip irrigation system allows the precise application of water, nutrients and other agricultural chemicals directly to the plants root zones. It allows the optimization of growing environment, which leads to higher quality and quantity crop yields.
With the same amount of water, subsurface drip irrigation system waters 46% larger volume of soil than any conventional (surface) drip irrigation system. It decreases the soil saturation, which not only leaves room for more air, but also improves water capillary movement and decreases water loss due to deep percolation. The top 15 – 20 cm of soil remains dry, therefore evaporation of water at the top of the soil may decrease and less salt will accumulate at the surface.
Permanent installation of subsurface drip irrigation system also provides considerable labor saving since irrigation can be applied while the whole equipment stays in the farm.
Any soil surface crusts which usually lead to infiltration problems are no longer trouble makers; they are bypassed if this subsurface drip irrigation system is installed. Other farming applications required to support the conventional drip irrigation system is no longer required, too.
Since subsurface drip irrigation system is installed below the ground, all components are not exposed to sun light, constant wetting, weather changes and other environmental changes. It is expected to last longer than the conventional drip irrigation system.
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September 10, 2009 at 1:39 pm · Filed under Drip irrigation ·Tagged 2l, adequate level, diameter, drip irrigation system, drip irrigation systems, effective control, flow pressure, flow rate, flow regulators, flow valves, gpm, high flow, intensity, low flow, main ingredient, medium flow, pressure regulator, pressure regulators, psi, root tips
Drip irrigation is popular among all people residing all over the world. The utility of drip irrigation is characterized by the presence of certain implied conditions to be satisfied. These technical requirements determine the overall activity of the drip irrigation system.
Technical requirements
The pressure is the main ingredient that is to be maintained by tubing with adequate level of supply of water. The tubing should withstand a pressure of about 2 bars. The tubing is to be maintained sufficiently deep in the ground. The ground can be dug to a depth that can be easily approached by the root tips of plants. Pressure regulation can be done to minimize or maximize the pressure that is maintained. Also flow valves can control the intensity of water. The ideal flow that is used is about 0.2l/s for standard dimension of tubing. The tubing that is generally employed in the drip irrigation is about 24mm diameter.
Pressure Regulator- Types
Pressure regulator is of different types. Varied range of pressure regulators can be used for the effective control of pressure in the tubing in different parts of the drip irrigation systems. They are numerous types and differ based on the design specifications namely—
- Low flow pressure regulators
The design of low flow regulators is quite unique. Also the design can regulate pressure based on the utility. A flow rate of about 0.1 to 1GPM can be achieved with low flow pressure regulators.
- Medium flow pressure regulators
Medium flow regulators are utilized for the gardens that require the flow rate of range 2- 20 GPM to be achieved. With this type of flow pressure regulators one can limit the pressure based on the inlet pressure applied.
- High flow pressure regulators
Flow rate can be limited to about 32 GPM with this type of high flow pressure regulators. The external pressure can vary from 10 psi till 50 psi.
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September 5, 2009 at 8:23 am · Filed under Drip irrigation ·Tagged best solution, bushes, drip irrigation system, drip irrigation systems, drip water, drippers, humid conditions, lack of water, low water, maximum production, nearby area, pests, pvc pipes, sprinkler systems, top soil, washout, water conservation, water system, water water, weeds
Drip irrigation has turned out to be the best method for irrigating the crops. Many crops fail due to the lack of water. Water is the main reason for the growth and if the water is supplied at the right time then we can get maximum production. Drip irrigation is the best solution for the drought hit areas or the areas with low water.
A drip irrigation system consists of the drippers and the PVC pipes connected to every plant in the farm. The water is uniformly distributed to the plants in the form of the drops with the help of these PVC pipes. The drops from the pipes directly flow into the roots and therefore avoid flooding of the nearby area. A flooding usually results because the plants cannot take up the water after a limit. Usually flooding, leads to the growth of the weeds in the farms. As the drip water system needs just drops of water for the growth of the plants, there is a greater chance for the water conservation in the drip irrigation. The drops are also well absorbed by the plants.
Benefits of using drip irrigation systems:
Drip irrigation system has a lot of advantages when compared with the other systems which may include the following:
- Since the water is allowed to flow to a particular area, the flooding of the area is greatly reduced.
- Only 1/10th or 1/20th of the water required for the normal cultivation is needed.
- Drippers ensure that the water percolates well into the ground. In the case of the sprinkler systems the bushes present on the surface doesn’t allow the water to pass into the ground.
- It also reduces the attack of pests to a greater extent, as the humid conditions are required for the growth of the pests. But in this system, the humidity is reduced to a greater extent, as the water is well directed into the soil.
- It also prevents the washout of the top soil by the water as the water is concentrated in the form of the drops at a particular area.
Disadvantages of using the drip irrigation system:
- Drip irrigation system is more expensive than the traditional systems, but once the system has been constructed then we will not suffer from the lack of water.
- The life span of the drip irrigation system is also less usually 10 to 15 years.
- The drippers must be replaced if the periodic flushing is not carried out which further adds to the cost.
Drip irrigation system is popular among the commercial growers and now-a-days it is also becoming popular among the small scale farmers and gardeners as well. On the whole the drip irrigation system is the best technique to irrigate your field without much wastage of water.
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September 5, 2009 at 8:00 am · Filed under Drip irrigation ·Tagged accidental damage, digging in the garden, drip irrigation system, drip irrigation systems, holes, hot days, humidity, intervals, mulch, nozzle, plastic nozzles, runoff, soaker hoses, spray water, sprinkler hoses, sprinkler systems, sprinklers, thin plastic tube, trickle, watering systems
The function of a well-managed irrigation system is to deliver the right amount of water to a specified area in your yard or garden. This process can be performed using many different methods. One such method is drip irrigation. Drip irrigation system delivers water, a drop at a time wherever it is needed, specifically at the root of the plants. Depending on the system you are using you can also provide humidity and get it to mist.
Drip irrigation systems are of 3 types. The first system consists of a thin plastic tube that runs through the garden and thinner tubes that terminate in emitters are attached to it. Plastic nozzles which are the emitters enable the water to nozzles escape in the form of a trickle. One nozzle should be used for each plant. The second system is made up of plastic lines that cross the garden back and forth and contain in-line nozzles that are placed at regular intervals. This installation process of the second system is easier but it is not as precise as the first one. A dual-chambered hose is present in the third system. It works by routing water through a larger hose that fills with water and then fills a smaller tube under equalized pressure. The tube holes give out water at an even rate. You can bury it underground or hide it under layers of mulch. However, any type of digging in the garden should be done carefully to avoid any accidental damage to the hoses. With drip irrigation systems you can time the release of water.
With the help of these systems you can reduce water by up to half. It provides the required amount of water gradually, reducing the chances of puddle or runoff issues.
Drip irrigation system is unlike other watering systems such as sprinklers, sprinkler and soaker hoses. Although sprinklers are less expensive and easier to install, they tend to waste water. On very hot days water from sprinkler systems can also evaporate before reaching the ground.
Sprinkler hoses are designed to lie on top of the surface and spray water from holes. The water comes out in a shower rather than a trickle. They do not drown plants but they do not posses the penetration and precision of drip irrigation systems.
Soaker hoses contain pores and you can bury them under mulch. Soaker hoses provide small amounts of water slowly and directly to the roots of specific plants. They can efficiently deliver small amounts of water to plants. However, soaker hoses are not easily adaptable to the landscape. They cannot for plants in pots and they may also apply uneven amounts of water if they are not placed on flat ground. This problem can be avoided if short runs of hoses are used and if the hoses are run along contour lines. Rubber soaker hoses have a long life
In some areas, there are restrictions and regulations in place regarding the use of drip irrigation systems. You should check if these apply to your area. Drip irrigation takes care of a lot of watering problems but is not feasible for use on lawns. Cost is a also a factor; it is more expensive to purchase and install a drip irrigation system when compared to the other choices mentioned above.
Choosing a watering system will depend on your needs. Cost, rate of delivery, and efficiency factors are the main factors to consider. Any of these systems will be much better than hand watering your plants.
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September 2, 2009 at 6:24 am · Filed under Drip irrigation, irrigation systems ·Tagged atmosphere, conserving water, crops, cultivation practice, drip irrigation systems, efficiency, extent, farmers, Fertilizers, handful, irrigation facilities, irrigation system, moisture level, optimum level, plants, root level, Sustainable agriculture, wastage of water, water application, wit
The drip irrigation is employed for the cultivation of variety of crops such as melon plants. Since only optimum moisture level is to be maintained within cultivation land, one can adopt drip irrigation. For plants like melon family need only less amount of water, drip irrigation can be handful. Read the rest of this entry »
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July 17, 2009 at 6:14 pm · Filed under Articles ·Tagged drip irrigation system, drip irrigation systems, efficiency, planting a garden, plants, routine maintenance, saving water, sprinkling systems, sprinkling water, strict attention, tubes, typical problems, usage of water, utility bills, water hoses, water usage
Many homeowners have begun to save water, both for the environment and to lighten the burden of excessively high utility bills each month. Planting a garden while watching your water usage can be a very tricky thing. Luckily, there are plans and designs to meet the needs of those wanting to plant a garden while saving water.
Drip irrigation systems allow you to efficiently water your garden while still reducing your water usage and lowering your monthly utility bill. Efficiently watering your garden consists of using the needed amount of water, exactly where it is needed and without wasting. Drip irrigation meets all these needs, typically exceeding more than ninety percent efficiency. Alternatively hand sprinkling, water hoses and yard sprinkling systems typically only fall between fifty and seventy percent efficient. This makes drip irrigation a much more likely candidate for those looking to conserve water.
Drip Irrigation
There are advantages and disadvantages to virtually everything. The main advantages of drip irrigation include a lower usage of water, a much easier way of watering your garden and less wasting of water. There are two primary disadvantages, although the pros definitely outweigh the cons in this topic. The basic disadvantages of using this system are the required maintenance and the need to pay strict attention to your garden so that you know that the drip is working correctly.
You will need to monitor your garden every day to ensure that your drip irrigation system is working correctly and feeding your plants the exact amount of water that they need to grow and survive. Breaking lines, fittings pulling away from tubes and plugged emitters are the typical problems that you should expect to find. The longer you have your system in use, the more you will become accustomed to this routine maintenance and it will not take you long to get it done every day. Be sure that you also check your plants and ensure that they look healthy and thriving. You want to watch for any leaks in your system and check the soil around the system and your plants for signs of dryness or over-watering.
You may notice after having your system in place for a time that you need to adjust it. If you need to increase the amount of water that your plants are receiving or increase the amount for other plants, you can adjust the system as you need.
The way that drip irrigation works is by allowing water to slowly drip directly into the soil in your garden. This is done by using small water emitters. These emitters are placed at each plant. The water emitters are connected by tubing. Actually, if you already have a pressurized system you can convert this to a drip irrigation system with barely any work or knowledge of irrigation needed. As long as the system is above-ground, you can change is over fairly quickly and easily to an irrigation system and automatically water your garden. When installed correctly, a drip irrigation system can save you valuable time in caring for your garden. It can save you money on your water bill as well and help you to contribute to the environment by conserving the water that you are using.
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May 23, 2009 at 3:25 pm · Filed under Articles, Drip irrigation ·Tagged Agriculture, backyard garden, drainage, drainage system, Drip irrigation, drip irrigation system, drip irrigation systems, flowers, followers, garden, garden space, ground water flow, Groundwater, help control, irrigation methods, irrigation systems, plants, right solution, viable options, Water
One of our followers, we say them AgriGuiders, has post an article at his site. He asked for publish it at AG. His article as follows :
Are you looking to find the right solution to help improve the drainage system of your garden?
If the flowers in your back garden are continually suffering from having large amounts of excess ground water blighting your efforts to create the perfect environment for your prized plants, you may be pleasantly surprised to find out that there are in fact several viable options to help eradicate the issue and thereby hopefully get the most out of your garden space.
In my experience in this area, I can generally recommend using drip irrigation systems to tackle the issue and
help control ground water flow – as they offer perhaps the most effective method of managing the problem of plant drainage and can be a lot more reasonably priced than you may perhaps initially think. For example, why not try checking out the range of irrigation systems currently available to buy on the web and see if this can solve your plant drainage difficulties. You may also find that many such systems that can be found online are actually very easy to install and use – indeed much less complex than one may think.
I learnt many useful irrigation methods thanks to Agriculture Guide – you can find comprehensive irrigation systems reviews, and also what they are, where they used, how you can construct them easily etc, – for details you have to look Agriculture Guide’s irrigation systems tutorials and reviews. Especially I strongly advise you to look their drip irrigation page too.
So if you are having real problems with getting unwanted standing water away from your plants why not give some serious consideration to installing a drip irrigation system in your garden today ?
* Thanks to you Agriculture Guide, you let me learn about all those irrigation systems that are suitable for my backyard garden.
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March 15, 2009 at 8:32 pm · Filed under Drip irrigation ·Tagged Agriculture, atm, Drip irrigation, drip irrigation system, drip irrigation systems, dripper, drippers, earth structure, Filtration, flow rate, gradient, heaps, High pressure, interval, irrigation systems, minimum time, pipes, plant root, precaution, projection area, structure of earth, time time, Ultraviolet, Volumetric flow rate
Before planning drip irrigation system, some preparations should be made and should be had an idea about how planning can be made for this system. For this purpose these point should be cared.
a. State of the Land: Before planning drip irrigation system, the size, gradient, structure of earth of land should be known. Size of the land is very important criteria for placing main pipe and drippers.Although drip irrigation systems work with pressure as closed system, they can not be used after a specific gradient value without some precaution. Read the rest of this entry »
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March 14, 2009 at 6:12 pm · Filed under Drip irrigation ·Tagged atm pressure, centrifuge, compost, composts, decar, Drip irrigation, drip irrigation system, drip irrigation systems, Electric power, filter flow, flow pressure, irrigation method, irrigation systems, irrigation water, pipe line, pipes, Polyethylene, Polyvinyl chloride, sediment, side pipe, stoppages, system water, type of water, water source, Water supply, Water tank, water transmission
The system which consists of the tools and equipmen that provides the applicable of drip irrigation method called by drip irrigation system.The equipments of drip irrigation system divides three main groups. Read the rest of this entry »
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Agricultural Biodiversity 