Posts Tagged Water supply
October 16, 2009 at 2:00 am · Filed under Greenhouse ·Tagged change weather, climatic change, climatic conditions, cold environment, conventional method, depletion of the ozone layer, expectation, glass house, greenhouse cultivation, greenhouse gases, high energy, incoming sunlight, ins, mother earth, natural heat, new approach, outer space, proper water, sudden change, Water supply
The climatic conditions of all the areas throughout the world are drastically changing. The reasons for this sudden change weather are many. Some of them are:
- Depletion of the ozone layer.
- Increased greenhouse gases.
- Over pollution.
- Intake of high energy from outer space.
Due to these reasons there has been a situation of irreversible climatic change that has occurred to our mother earth. The past procedures what we followed for many things are not possible on today’s date. So a new approach to the existing procedure must be followed in order to survive in this world. This case is also applicable to agriculture.
We all know that for every man living they have to depend upon food, which is got only through cultivation. The day old cultivation procedure followed by all the men are outdated and has many problems associated with it. They are:
- Too high utilization of water.
- The place required for cultivation has to be very large, which is not usually got.
- Proper water supply must be there, which is also not possible due to drying up of rivers.
Due to these reason the conventional method has failed to make up to the expectation of the humans. The remedy to the current crisis is to go in for greenhouse cultivation.
Greenhouse cultivation is the process of growing the plants in a closed atmosphere mostly a glass house. This method made its existence due to its capability to grow plants in cold environment. It traps the incoming sunlight and makes it warm for the plants to grow. But nowadays the greenhouse is used more extensively due to the following reason.
- Due to the availability of natural heat within the greenhouse.
- The advantage of closed environment is associated with the greenhouse.
- The timely watering should be done in this process.
- The unmanned cultivation is possible with the greenhouse.
- The growing up of plants one over the other can also be done.
These advantages go hand in hand with the development of the greenhouse. The temperature inside the greenhouse can be increased extensively by the use of small greenhouse heaters. By using them a temperature of 70 degree can be maintained when the outside temperature is 0 degrees. They are available with various specifications. One of the configuring methods is based upon the size and heating temperature. The price associated with the heater is too little and the method they work is simple so the works can be easily monitored.
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October 11, 2009 at 12:41 pm · Filed under Drip irrigation ·Tagged actuation, brass fittings, capillary, Drip irrigation, holes, irrigation timing, mankind, pipes, plants, saving water, soaker hose, soaker hoses, soil conditions, source of water, specific place, sprinkling, Water supply, working principle
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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October 11, 2009 at 12:39 pm · Filed under Drip irrigation ·Tagged capability, Drip irrigation, efficiency, extent, external surface, fertile land, garden hose, holes, limiting factor, plants, problem solver, scientist, soaker hose, Water supply
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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September 16, 2009 at 3:35 pm · Filed under irrigation systems ·Tagged conventional irrigation, crops, grasses, initial investment, lack of water, lawn irrigation system, lawn irrigation systems, maldistribution, plants, principle of moments, roots, sprinklers, uniformity, Water supply
Sprinkle your field
Lawn irrigation systems can be implemented in many places. You can use them in your gardens also. The lawn irrigation system is best suited for plants that need just the right amount of water. Because if you provide an irrigation system that over irrigates the field then there are many chances for the crops to also get washed away along with the water. Many fields which include the crops which do not have a strong base roots and which can not withstand the strong current of water flowing through the conventional irrigation system can be irrigated with the help of lawn irrigation systems. This is the reason why all the gardens and the backyard grasses are irrigated using the lawn irrigation systems.
Lawn irrigation systems
Lawn irrigation systems work with a sprinkler fixed at the top portion of the pipe which projects out from the ground. The sprinkler works on the principle of moments. When the water flows on the flaps they cause force on the flaps there by causing the flaps to turn along with the top sprinkler. This ensures proper spraying of the entire fields. This also increases the uniformity of the production of the crops in the fields. This also reduces the lack of water to plants as in conventional irrigation this is the only disadvantage. This is called as the maldistribution of water. That is, some of the plants get more water while the others starve of water. Thus causing them to dry and they might die because of the insufficient water supply to those plants.
Disadvantage of lawn irrigation systems
Although there are many advantages in the case of the lawn irrigation system, there are also the same number of disadvantages in the lawn irrigation system. One of the major disadvantages of this system is that you can not be able to implement this on a large field which is in hundreds of acres as you need to install them for every 3 meters or so. This increases the initial investment in the irrigation systems. These irrigation systems are mainly used in the small farm lands where the flow of water is continuous. Also these systems use many mechanical devices which could fail during their life period. Hence to minimize this you need to invest a lot on the maintenance cost for them.
Article Summary: Lawn irrigation system is the most economical way to irrigate small and medium fields which grow crops and other flowers. They can be timed using timers so that no man is necessary to sprinkle and irrigate the fields. Thus the crops can grow healthy when they get water in time.
Resource Box Info: This article discusses about the implementation, applications and some of the advantages and disadvantages of the lawn irrigation systems. For more information on the irrigation system you can visit http://agricultureguide.org/agriculture/irrigation/.
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September 16, 2009 at 3:01 pm · Filed under irrigation systems ·Tagged drip system, ground cover, household, irrigation leak, irrigation system leak, irrigation systems, leak, leak detection, leaks, measures, micro irrigation system, proper manner, sensors, sprinkler system, water leak, water pipes, Water supply
It is very common to see an irrigation system leak in a home. Hence it is greatly necessary to select repair measures that will be providing good level of defense for this kind of the problem. There are many chances of irrigation leaks that might happen either in aboveground condition or else in the belowground condition. If the leak occurs in the aboveground system, then there are chances that the leak might happen in drip system or the micro irrigation systems. Hence it should be the responsibility of all people to check for potential irrigation leakage spots in the pipe and fix the problem as soon as possible. There is a chance of saving thousands of gallons of water every year per household if the water leak is detected and corrected in a proper manner.
Types of leak irrigation detection
There are mainly two types of checking for irrigation system leak namely the active leak system and also the passive leak systems. In the passive irrigation system leak, there will be number of sensors that will indicate the leak spots and you need to carry out appropriate actions to stop the leakage. In the active irrigation system leak detection, the sensors will detect leak spots and also action will be taken to repair the leak spots to prevent any further leakage of the irrigation system.
Tips to find leakages above ground
Be aware that if the leakage occurs in aboveground conditions, then chances are great that they might be occurring in drip or micro irrigation systems. Remove all the ground cover that surrounds the surface of water pipes. You can also turn on the water supply and search for any spraying or leaks that occur. By doing the above steps it will be greatly possible to remove any aboveground irrigation leaks.
Tips to find leakages below ground
The above ground leakages will most commonly occur in regions of the micro irrigation system and also the high pressure sprinkler system. By capping all the under ground, it is possible to reduce the chances of leakage. Do not dig the ground in search of leakages as far as possible and try to unearth the system to a maximum level.
Article Summary: Irrigation system leak is a common problem which most of the individual face in day to day life. Thus there should be great level of importance that should be given to prevent any leaks in irrigation systems to large amount of water. There are many devices that are available to detect irrigation leak spots and also to undertake repair actions. It is also possible to identify leak spots manually.
Resource Box Info: This article discusses about various techniques and methods that are available to prevent irrigation system leaks and also gives essential tips to identify leak spots. If you want to have more information about irrigation system leak, fell free to visit http://agricultureguide.org/agriculture/irrigation/ .
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September 16, 2009 at 2:36 pm · Filed under irrigation systems ·Tagged atomizing, center pivot, center pivot sprinkler, circular area, computer system, crop field, crops, Fertilizers, irrigation system, irrigation systems, lack of water, latest trends, maldistribution, malnutrition, nozzle, shape center, shape of a rectangle, sprinklers, sprinkling, temperature sensors, timer, Water supply
Unmanned irrigation Systems
Center pivot sprinkler are the latest trends that has developed in the irrigation system in a very great manner. These irrigation systems are operated without a man. These center pivot sprinkler are the systems which work based on the timer that is pre loaded in its circuit which helps it to sprinkle daily at a particular time in the day and in the evening. This ensures that no crop gets dried because of the lack of water supply to them. This also maintains the productivity of the crops in a field. This type of irrigation systems are used in fields which are basically round in shape.
Center Pivot Sprinkler
In this type of irrigation system the sprinklers spray the water from a huge nozzle that is mounted on a center pivot through which a pipe runs through. This pipe carries water through it. Some fields also add some fertilizers which are water soluble and they are sprayed in the fields directly. There are many advantages in this type of irrigation system. Some of the systems also use the moisture and temperature sensors of the environment and in the sand. By sensing these parameters the computer system embedded in the irrigation system could come to know when and where to irrigate, thus controlling the parameters and the health of the crop that is produced in the field.
Disadvantages of Center Pivot Sprinkler
Any system in the world will have both advantages and the disadvantages in it. This holds good for center pivot sprinkler also. Some of the disadvantages of the sprinkler are that this is not suitable to irrigate a large field which is in a shape of a rectangle or a square. This is because the sprinkling takes place in a circular area only. Hence if you have a square field then the corners of the field will not be sprinkled thus causing malnutrition and maldistribution. And another disadvantage in this system is that some of the water and the fertilizers that are sprayed after atomizing are sometimes carried away by the wind if the crop field is situated in a windy region. These may again lead to improper distribution of the water and the fertilizers to the crops. Also there are more chances of these atomized particles to evaporate into the atmosphere hence loss of water directly and fertilizers in a very large amount.
Article Summary: The circular shape of the irrigation system can also lead to less cultivable area and the maintenance cost for this type of irrigation system is also very high compared to the conventional type of irrigation system.
Resource Box Info: One can visit the following website to get the cost of the equipment of the centre pivot sprinkler http://www.agricultureguide.org/.
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September 9, 2009 at 4:09 pm · Filed under Greenhouse, Pest Control ·Tagged beneficial insects, control measures, effective control, effective management, fungus gnats, green house, green houses, greenhouse pest, greenhouse pests, greenhouses, growth of plants, house pests, initial investments, morphological features, organic chemical, organic matter present, pest control techniques, soil surface, sticky traps, Water supply
Greenhouses are gaining sufficient importance in the recent years. People are ready to adopt new techniques of plantation that tends to involve some amount of initial investments. As in any plantation, there are opportunities for the entry of pests. One needs to know more about the common pests that attack the plants that shelter under the greenhouses. The entry of pests in the ambient atmosphere within the greenhouses can lead to several other complications related to the growth of plants.
Greenhouse Pest Control
Greenhouse pest control involves the effective management of pest control techniques for elimination of the common greenhouse pests. Several techniques adopted in control of green house pests involve the use of sprays to control spread of pests. Certain insects involve use of soap preparations to wash off the green parts of the plant. Organic chemical scan also be sprayed to nullify certain pests. Constant monitoring is required to make sufficient control measures for plants in green houses. Life cycle of certain pests is to be carefully monitored in order to plan for effective control methods. Development of the beneficial insects can be solution to tackle certain pests. The predators can be used to stop the attack of pests like aphids.
Common Greenhouse Pests
The common greenhouse pests involve aphids and scale inspects. The morphological features of the insects vary depending on the habitat that it survives. The common greenhouse pests like fungus gnats require presence of moisture around the plants, which encourages the growth and spread of fungus gnats. These tend to occupy the soil surface drying up all the organic matter present in soil. This greatly affects the growth of younger plants. Providing interrupted water supply can provide the pests inaccessible. Also the plant can be offered great defense by doing so. Sticky traps can be used to prevent the entry of some common greenhouse pests.
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September 7, 2009 at 10:46 pm · Filed under Drip irrigation, Fertilizers ·Tagged application system, backflow, control valve, drip irrigation system, faucet, fertilizer application, fertilizer solution, fertilizing system, liquid fertilizer, nutrients, particles, plants, precaution, synthetic fertilizers, tank, threads, Water supply
A drip irrigation system delivers an exact same amount to each root of the plants at the same time. If you add fertilizer into the water, it means you deliver an exact same amount of nutrients needed by your plants at the same time. It is called drip irrigation fertilizer application.
With drip irrigation fertilizer application, you deliver just enough fertilizer to meet your plants requirement. No more waste. How come?
Drip irrigation fertilizer application can be adjusted to a very dilute ratio of fertilizer and water up to 1:1000. It can also be stopped and restarted at any time. Thus, it will not waste any “leftover” fertilizer, creating an environmentally friendly fertilizing system.
Parts
A drip irrigation fertilizer application system consists of a tank to hold the fertilizer solution, a control valve built into the tank cap and tubing to connect it to your drip irrigation faucet. A connection with hose threads is sometimes included.
Type and Amount of Fertilizer
Any dry or liquid fertilizer can be used as long as it is water soluble and have no small particles that may clog filters or emitters. Both organic and synthetic fertilizers are suitable with this drip irrigation fertilizer application system.
Any amount of fertilizer prescribed can be used. Therefore you can use a proper amount of fertilizer, whether your farm is big or small.
Precautions
Add a valve to the faucet before attaching the drip irrigation fertilizer application system. It is to prevent the fertilizer solution backflow that your water supply is safe.
Take a special precaution too if the drip irrigation system extends to the ground higher than the faucet.
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September 7, 2009 at 10:43 pm · Filed under Drip irrigation ·Tagged coupler, drip irrigation system, drip irrigation tubing, emitters, inch tubing, misters, plants, Soil, sprinklers, tap, water flow, Water supply
Drip irrigation tubing is one of most important components of a drip irrigation system. It is responsible for delivering water to the sprinklers, emitters and misters. Without it, the water flow to plants is cut off.
There are several types of drip irrigation tubing, each with its own specific purpose. The most common types are: 1/2 inch distribution tubing, 1/4 inch distribution tubing, soaker tubing and emitter tubing. Installing the proper drip irrigation tubing for your drip irrigation system is extremely important.
1/2 inch distribution tubing is used as the main water supply. It runs from the tap to the 1/4 inch distribution tubing, soaker tubing and emitter tubing. It can be used either above or below the soil. If you are to purchase this type of drip irrigation tubing, you can choose either one of these length: 50, 100 and 500 feet.
1/4 inch distribution tubing is used to connect the 1/2 inch tubing to the sprinklers, emitters and misters. It is the supply line so you need to punch a hole in it and connect it to a 1/4 inch barbed coupler.
Soaker tubing is similar to soaker hose. You need to connect this drip irrigation tubing to the 1/2 inch supply line using the 1/4 inch barbed connector. But if you want to connect it to the 1/4 inch supply line, use the 1/4 inch barbed tee connector.
Emitter tubing is the drip irrigation tubing used for spot watering, designed specifically to put an emitter every 12 inches. Just like the soaker tubing, you need to connect it to the supply line with the 1/4 inch barbed connector.
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September 6, 2009 at 6:12 am · Filed under Articles ·Tagged conventional irrigation, cultivators, durability, duration, flexibility, irrigation sprinkler, irrigation system, irrigation systems, mechanical linkages, nozzles, poor water, pop up sprinkler, precision machining, rotor type sprinklers, sprinkler head, sprinkling, tripod, water productivity, Water supply
Advancements in the field of manufacturing have brought in special devices that can replace conventional irrigation systems. Conventional irrigation involves wastage of water with poor water productivity exhibited. Also these irrigation systems have limited range that can be achieved. Also flexibility in conventional irrigation systems is totally absent. All these have paved way for entry of new type of irrigation system named sprinkler head irrigation systems.
An overview of irrigation sprinkler heads
Sprinkler heads are component of irrigation systems that tend to irrigate land by sprinkling action. This sprinkling action is achieved by powering water through small nozzles. The irrigation obtained through sprinkler heads is flexible. It can have better reach compared to other irrigation system. Precision machining has also improved the durability of sprinkler heads appreciably making it useful for sufficient duration of time.
Types of sprinkler heads
There are several types of sprinkler heads that are employed to different types of application. The selection of a specific sprinkler head is dependent on the dimensions of the cultivable land.
Tripod type of sprinklers is present with stand that facilitates the use of sprinklers to be positioned at particular direction. The direction can also be varied by actuating controls of tripod. Mechanical linkages are present to move them manually. The hose or tubing can be attached to the sprinkler head at specific location.
Pop up type sprinklers is popular among all the cultivators present all over the world. The water is sprayed to longer distance at particular pressure. Thus longer reach can be achieved. Different types of nozzles are available to cater all the range of land. These are placed on the surface of ground and water supply can be connected to them with suitable hose.
Rotor type sprinkler heads are available in commercial market. These rotor sprinklers are used to irrigate all around the land. The reach can be talked based on the angle covered by the heads. Certain designs can have longer reach as well as better angular cover all around the land.
Article Summary:
Sprinkler head irrigation systems can be utilized to irrigate large range of cultivable land. The design of sprinkler heads differs based on the application of irrigation system to particular land. There are different types of sprinkler heads that are employed in regular agricultural practice namely rotor type sprinklers and pop up spray sprinklers.
Resource Box Info: This page discusses about usefulness of sprinkler heads in agriculture practice. Irrigation using sprinkler heads are discussed briefly here. One can visit http://www.agricultureguide.org/ to obtain some more information regarding the topic. Also details about other irrigation systems can also be acquired from the website.
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Agricultural Biodiversity 