Posts Tagged holes

Drip Irrigation Timer

Some of us would have come across the word drip irrigation. We all know irrigation is a process of providing water to the plants, but we don’t know what is drip irrigation. Drip irrigation is nothing but, providing water to the specific plant at specific place at specific time. The conventional process of irrigation satisfies these thing, then why is that we should go in for a new process of irrigation. The answer to this question is very simple.

Why drip irrigation is needed ?

The need for drip irrigation is due to the difference or advantage it has over the conventional process. The drip irrigation saves water while the others waste them. Water is a big problem faced by many of the countries. So saving water is very essential to all of mankind. The process of drip irrigation is very simple and its application is also very easy. The working principle involved is that the plants are provided water with minute holes in the hoses. These hoses are known as soaker hoses. The soaker hose works by the principle of capillary outlets. There are very small holes in the range of 1/6 to 1/4 of an inch. These holes form the outlet or source of water supply to the plants. The other great advantage in these hoses are that, it can fit with any type of fittings and pipes. This advantage is got by the hose due to the fact that it poses brass fittings at the ends. The higher end hoses even poses greater advantages than the lower end hoses. They are manufactured precisely to meet the standards. The hose can be placed above the soil or as in some cases buried in the soil. This is how people grow plants in dry places. They are highly advantageous and capable of providing plants in any soil conditions. The other thing is that, it saves water by reducing the sprinkling and showering.

Drip irrigation timing :

The other important thing that is so far not mentioned about the drip irrigation is that it can be integrated with mechatronics system. The water is provided to the plants based upon the actuation of valves. The valve opening and closing time can be automated using mechatronics system. So the water is provided to the plants at proper intervals and proper amount of water can be given to the plants. The advantage of the drip irrigation is doubled on application of the timing system in the process.

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Drip Irrigation Soaker Hose

Irrigation is a common terminology to all of us. But the real meaning of it, is not known by many. Irrigation is a process of watering the plants artificially. This is done because, sufficient amount of water may not be present in that area or the season may not be correct for the cultivation. There are many artificial ways of irrigation possible. The normal way of irrigation is the  way in which the water is sent to the plants via a channel or tunnel and sprayed at the end. But the major problem faced in this process is that, the amount of water wasted in this is too high. The problem solver that originated due to tiresome effort of many scientist is the Drip irrigation process.

What is drip irrigation process ?

Drip irrigation is a new and advanced process, that is not known by many. The way it differentiates from the other process is by, making the water directly available to the most needed part, rather than spraying it or converging a large amount through channels. This is achieved by making small openings in a pipe and focusing the water supply to the plants. The advantage associated with it is that it can save water to a large extent. The other thing about it is that it can even make a dry land into a fertile land. It is environmental friendly and to add to its advantages it can even challenge the nature itself. This was developed due to many hours hard work of many scientist. It is environmental friendly and accepted world wide for its capability. The limiting factor for this process, is the efficiency of the soaker hose.

What is soaker hose and why it is needed ?

All would have come across what a irrigation process is and what are the advantages associated with it. The item required to incorporate this method on the field is a soaker hose. The soaker hose is a item which resembles the structure of a normal garden hose. The difference it has over the garden hose is that, it has minute holes throughout its external surface.  This forms the outlet for water to escape and irrigate the plants at particular places. The holes are so small that each hole is of the diameter of one by sixth to one by fourth of an inch. This is the working principle of  a soaker hose. The unique advantage of the soaker hose over the other hoses is that it can fit with and pipes and fittings.

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Drip Irrigation System Vs Others

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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Growing Cucumbers Effectively

Growing cucumbers is not hard. Some say that growing cucumbers need spacious space, but today you can do it in less space, too.

Before you start growing cucumbers, here are few things you need to know about these plants:

  • Cucumbers are members of the Cucurbitaceae family.
  • Cucumbers are climbing vines so once you grow them, they will grow up higher and higher.
  • Cucumbers have two types of flower: male and female. The female ones have tiny cucumbers at their bottom.
  • Cucumbers love a warm, well-drained soil.
  • Cucumbers can be eaten fresh (slicing varieties), or pickled (pickling varieties). The pickling varieties can grow up to 7 – 10 cm long and 2.5 wide, while the slicing ones can grow even bigger (up to 35 cm).
  • It is recommended to highly consider growing cucumbers and put them in your daily diet since their properties will help you improve the health of your skin, hair and nails.

Growing cucumbers begins with a good preparation. Put a fair amount of organic compost into the soil. Always keep the soil well-drained. Raise the beds around 6 inches high.

Next step in growing cucumbers is sowing the seeds in biodegradable seedling pots, 2.5 cm deep. It will keep the roots safe when you plant out the seedlings. Do not plant them outside before the last frost.

Also, when you sow the seeds, keep the holes apart at about 40 cm between each. Three seeds in each hole is a best trick to increase the success rate of germination. Keep the rows apart at about 90 cm between each.

Growing cucumbers in a green house is a good idea, too, since they enjoy sunlight and a warm environment. Make sure you spare enough space up high that they can reach around six feet. Another way of growing cucumbers is, should you do not have enough space for them to grow up high, letting them spread over the ground, against the wall, stakes or trellises.

Weed the cucumbers regularly, but be careful not to go below a couple of centimeter with your hoe. Damaged roots will slow down their growth.

Growing cucumbers also means that you have to water them well each week. They love water!

Help them pollinate by transferring the pollen from male flowers onto the center of female flowers, use cotton bud to help you out.

Harvest your cucumbers by twisting them off the plant, or by cutting the stalk just above the tips. Do this when they reach suitable size, normally 50 to 60 days after planting. The ripe fruits should be dark green. Do not wait till they turn yellow, it means they are overripe and their flavor declines.

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Types of Fruit Seedlings and Planting Times

Generally square, quadrangle, chess and triangle planting are applied to flat areas. In sloping areas, contour planting is applied parallel to terrace curves. Let’s learn how to mark our seedling locations, dig seedling holes, plant our seedlings and understand the optimimum plantation times. Read the rest of this entry »

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Planting Citrus Trees — Where, When and How?

The best young citrus tree is the one with 4 or 5 years old roots, and it is well grown, healthy and strong. Only the best young citrus trees must be bought as it’s effect on production is great. The best time to plant these is spring, from the end of March to the start of May as the trees planted early will grow and be more resistant to the cold winter. But if cold isn’t an issue, autumn is just as well. While planting your citrus trees, the roots must not be exposed to the sun or the wind for too long because they are very sensitive, they wither and die very quickly. For this reason the trees are uprooted without clearing the soil from the roots and sold in plastic containers with their roots in soil as well. But if the tree is completely removed from the soil, they should be kept in moist chests or straw and if they aren’t going to be planted very soon, it’s best to temporarily cover their roots with soil and water them, without exposing the trees to direct sunlight. While transporting young citrus trees, pluck all the leaves and never leave the young trees in the water to keep them alive.

They are not to be planted too deep !

Young citrus trees should be planted in holes you’ve prepared earlier, and watered as soon as possible. They are not to be planted too deep, it’s best to plant them too close to the surface then planting them too deep. The grafted zone must be entirely out of the earth. A water basin of around 120 centimeters diameter should be dug around the tree and filled with water, and the soil must be monitored to keep it from being too dry. For the first few years trimming too much should be avoided to let the tree grow strong branches and fruits must be plucked before they grow too much so the branches don’t break under the weight.

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