Automatic watering with your own hands: features of different types of irrigation

Automatic watering with your own hands: how to install and use an irrigation system on the site

Caring for a suburban area, greenhouse, flower bed or lawn takes a lot of time and effort. For maximum optimization of labor, you can organize automatic watering with your own hands, while choosing the necessary irrigation system. The automatic system assumes uniform and regular watering, which allows you to reduce water consumption, increase yields and improve the appearance of plants. How to organize it correctly, depending on the selected type, is described in this article.

The installation of an automatic irrigation system will allow irrigation of the site according to a schedule without additional user participation

Features of the automatic watering system in the country

Automatic watering of the site is a special technical complex that ensures uniform and regular water supply of plants in a certain area. The system can be classified as landscape irrigation. It consists of hoses, sprinklers, cranes, a pump, various valves and a controller that functions on the basis of the embedded program. Automatic watering works according to the schedule entered into the management program.

Atopoliv systems can be used for all types of plantings

The so-called “smart rain” system is often used in winter gardens, parks, greenhouses, industrial greenhouses. It is also installed on a suburban area of any size, so that you can control the watering of the garden, lawn, garden and flower beds.

Among the main advantages of the automatic watering system in the country with your own hands , the following can be distinguished:

• ease of operation;
• no need for self-watering of plants in a country house or greenhouse;
• the ability to set the required intensity and frequency of watering;
• automatic watering reacts sharply to the humidity of the environment, so the system will automatically shut down during rain, which will save water;
• the possibility of installing the system by the hour and on a specific plot of the garden or greenhouse;
• durability.

There are three types of automatic irrigation system: sprinkling, drip irrigation and intra–soil irrigation – each of the options has distinctive features and is selected based on the nature of the site and types of green spaces.

Installing an automatic watering system on the site will save owners a lot of time and effort spent on self-watering plants

Controller and timer for automatic watering system for the garden

Watering can be semi-automated and fully automated. The first option involves the installation of automatic irrigation timers, which are represented by electrical or electromechanical devices that allow you to set the duration and frequency of irrigation.

Fully automated automatic watering systems with their own hands are equipped with a controller. This is the so-called brain of the device, represented by a mini-computer, thanks to which the entire system works. Based on the specified program, the controller controls the device, regulates the amount of watering and the intensity of pressure, controls the pressure in the network and the water temperature. It has a built-in humidity sensor that reacts sensitively to rain. If necessary, it automatically shuts down the system. The controller can be installed in the house and on the street.

Important! An electromagnetic valve is used to organize the timely supply of water to sprinklers and pipes.

Automatic watering can also be used for outdoor potted plants

Many modern controllers are equipped with GSM modules, thanks to which the system can be controlled from a mobile phone. Timers and controllers have different number of channels. For irrigation of the same type of plants, which have the same irrigation regime, devices with one channel are sufficient. For different irrigation options, multi-channel devices will be needed.

Useful advice! You can purchase several simple single-channel devices and connect them to the same highway, while setting different watering programs.

When choosing automation for the irrigation system, you should pay attention to the type of battery and the autonomy of the device. Most devices use multiple finger batteries or one 9V battery.

Filters and water tank for automatic irrigation

Any irrigation system starts with a water supply source. In most cases, when organizing an automated irrigation system in the country with their own hands, a metal or plastic container for water of different volumes is used. It is undesirable to directly connect the system to a centralized water supply system, since it may contain too cold water, which can harm plants. The presence of an intermediate tank will allow the water to warm up to air temperature. In addition, the tank acts as a backup capacity, which will be useful in case of water outage.

Automatic drip irrigation systems are convenient for seedlings and flowers in pots

Useful advice! For the organization of drip irrigation, it is recommended to install the tank on a small hill, so that the pressure in the system will be sufficient for its operation.

The water supply to the tank should be carried out from above, which will make it possible to fill the container to the top. The water intake will be stirred at its lowest point, but not at the very bottom, as this will contribute to the ingress of accumulated garbage into the system. But for the possible cleaning of the container, it is necessary to place a faucet designed to drain water in the bottom of the product.

Useful advice! It is possible to organize the flow of rainwater from the roofs and the territory of the house into a container, which will allow you to get a free source of water supply.

In order for the system to last for many years without significant breakdowns, a filter should be installed at its beginning. It will protect the automatic watering from various small debris, which is often in the water, which is detrimental to the system. Filters can be mesh, disk and bulk. The first option is preferable for systems where the water source is a water measuring tank located at a certain height.

Using automatic watering in greenhouses is a very effective solution

The latter type is used to organize irrigation systems for fields and large greenhouses and vegetable gardens. The disk filter has the best performance characteristics, but it has the highest cost. Regardless of the selected option, the element must be immediately installed on the main line coming out of the storage water tank.

Choosing a pumping unit for automatic irrigation

If the water supply is carried out not from a centralized water supply, but from a well or reservoir, the system should be equipped with an automatic irrigation pump designed for a certain flow rate. The device will provide the required pressure in the pipes, which will activate the sprinkler nozzles.

When choosing a pumping unit, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

• the capacity, which is selected based on the area of the territory for irrigation;
• water consumption required for irrigation of all green spaces, with a reserve capacity;
• probability of automatic control;
• resistance of the mechanical elements of the unit to the effects of chemical compounds in the form of fertilizers that will be introduced into the water as needed;
• the level of vibration and noise generated;
• availability of a “soft start” system;
• ease of installation and disassembly.

If water intake is carried out from a reservoir or tank, then it is advisable to buy a pumping unit for the arrangement of an automatic irrigation system

For the organization of drip irrigation, the most suitable option is a centrifugal pumping unit. More reliable and expensive is the blade type, which can have a vertical or horizontal wheel arrangement. Such a pump is used for sprinkling. If the water flow exceeds 2 liters / s, it is better to install a reciprocating centrifugal unit.

For large areas, when creating automatic sprinkling, it is recommended to give preference to an axial pump. For drip irrigation of a large area, it is advisable to install a vortex unit.

Selection of pipelines for the organization of an automated irrigation system in the country

Pipes are used to ensure the movement of water from the reservoir to the destination. They are connected to the main water pipeline. The elements are stacked separately for each section and connected to valves and sprinklers.

Pipelines can be metal and plastic. The first option is characterized by high strength and performance characteristics. However, metal products are prone to corrosion, which reduces their service life. Also characteristic of the material is labor-intensive installation, which requires certain skills and abilities.

Plastic pipes are the most high-quality and therefore suitable for automatic irrigation systems.

Plastic products are considered a more practical option for the device of an automatic irrigation system with their own hands. The material has a smooth inner surface, eliminating the possibility of accumulation of deposits, thereby reducing the throughput of pipelines. Polyethylene pipes are resistant to temperature fluctuations, the effects of aggressive substances and solar radiation. Such a strong and durable material can be laid underground and on its surface.

The installation of individual elements is carried out using soldering or fittings. The cost of the products is 40-80 rubles/m. Among the well-known manufacturers, preference should be given to Wavin, Rehau and Ostendorf companies.

Polypropylene pipelines are more economical, but no less reliable. The products have good strength characteristics and a long service life. You should buy these pipes from such well-known manufacturers as Aquatherm, Rehau, Wefatherm, Banninger, Ekoplastik, Pro Aqua, Valtek, Santrade, at a price of 30-50 rubles / m.

Polypropylene pipes are not inferior in quality to plastic ones, but they are inferior in price

Varieties of automatic garden watering schemes

There are several variations of automatic watering schemes that can be seen on the Internet. All of them are mobile and are selected based on the characteristics of the territory and varieties of green spaces. The most popular option is the water supply scheme, where a pumping station is used. Water from the source is pumped through pipelines and supplied to plants using sprinklers or in the form of drops. A filter is installed after the pump.

It is possible to provide a node for fertilization. It consists of a tank, an injector and shut-off valves. Such a device will definitely be useful when organizing an automatic watering system for greenhouses, vegetable garden and garden. The solution is supplied to the pipeline using an injector. The number of irrigation lines is determined based on the nature of the plantings and the pressure in the network. The choice of droppers or sprinklers is carried out by calculating the water consumption required for watering plants.

Sprinkler irrigation scheme is acceptable for the organization of automatic watering for flowers and lawn. It can also be used in the country, watering low-growing plantings, the height of which is 10-15 cm. Pipelines in this case are laid underground so as not to create obstacles when mowing the lawn. Sprinklers can also be located in the ground and can be extended at the beginning of the system operation. Automatic watering can work without a pumping unit. The water supply is carried out by gravity, which is most often used for drip irrigation.

The scheme of automatic drip irrigation of the garden

Features of automatic rain irrigation

The rain irrigation option is mainly used for watering lawns, strawberry plantations and large territories with their own hands. Such a system can be installed in greenhouses for crops that like a humid microclimate. Water during sprinkling, which is dispersed by sprinklers, gets under the root and on the ground part of the plant.

Related article:

Drip irrigation with your own hands for a cottage without costs: do it yourself easily and simply
How to arrange drip irrigation in the country yourself from ready-made components or improvised materials. Installation features. 

The sprinkling system can be laid by air or subsurface method. The latter option is more accurate and durable. It is installed with confidence in the permanent location of green spaces. Sprinklers with nozzles are also located underground. At the moment of the start of operation of the pressurized water system, a sprinkler is pushed up, supplying water to the site. When organizing a rain irrigation system for greenhouses, an air method of laying communications is used.

Important! Sprinkling can work at a water pressure in the pipeline of at least 2 atm.

The system can be connected to a centralized water supply pipeline or take water from a barrel. The latter option involves the installation of a pump, the operation of which is controlled by a controller.

The automatic sprinkler system can be of both ground and underground type

The main advantages of the system are the following factors:

• promotes gradual uniform absorption of moisture;
• humidifies the air, which is especially important in greenhouses;
• washes the leaves and fruits of shrubs and trees from dust and insects.

The disadvantages of the sprinkling system include the formation of a crust on the surface of the earth, which prevents oxygen from entering the soil. In addition, such automatic watering requires a large consumption of water and electricity. Constant imitation of rain can be disastrous for some crops due to the fact that it contributes to the development of various diseases. However, this is the most rational system of automatic watering of lawns and beds with frequent plantings.

The automatic sprinkler system consists of a pump, hoses and special spray nozzles that spray water around themselves in a certain radius. Sprinklers for watering the garden can be fan or rotary. The first option is suitable for a small area. The radius of operation of such sprinklers is up to 5 m. Fan sprinklers can be equipped with different nozzles, thanks to which the irrigation sector is regulated.

Schemes of automatic sprinkling of greenhouses under the control of the controller

To moisten large areas, it is better to choose rotary sprinklers, which, dynamically rotating around their axis, spray water over long distances – up to 10 m. For the implementation of root irrigation, the system can be equipped with bubbles. Do not install different types of sprinklers in the same area, as they provide different watering intensity.

Useful advice! For irrigation of roadside lawns, the irrigation system with their own hands is equipped with fan sprinklers that work in one direction.

Preparatory stage before the installation of an automated sprinkler system

Before you make automatic watering, you should draw a detailed plan with the application of all buildings, garden paths, beds and green spaces. The site is divided into zones, and the locations of sprinklers are marked. To be installed at the corners, sprinklers must have a watering radius of 90 °, and 360° over the entire area.

Useful advice! Sprinklers are arranged in such a way that the intersection of the radii of the coating installations is ensured.

Sprinklers must be selected and installed based on the capacity of pipes and the size of the site

Next, a pipeline system is applied, the pump installation location is indicated relative to the selected irrigation source. When determining the number of sprinklers, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the least water supply is provided at the location of the device itself. Most of it gets to the soil far from the equipment.

The next step is to determine the required pipe diameter. Based on experience, many experts recommend laying pipes with a diameter of 40 mm, with a throughput capacity of 50 l/min, on a plot of 1 ha.

It is recommended to install the automatic lawn watering system with your own hands in the fall in order to admire the green plantation in the spring. To lay main and discharge pipes underground, a trench with a depth of 30-40 cm should be dug, if in the future the land will not be plowed here. Otherwise, the depth should be at least 50 cm. A pillow of rubble is placed on the bottom of the trench, which will act as drainage. If an air mounting option is assumed, then it is necessary to prepare supports and fasteners for mounting to the roof.

When installing the system, it is important to monitor the level of the pipes

Important! It is mandatory when organizing automatic watering in a greenhouse with your own hands, you should provide a compensation loop necessary in case of bends and linear changes in the size of hoses at different temperatures.

Rain automatic watering with your own hands: a sequence of actions

Installation of automatic irrigation begins with the laying of main pipes. In the places of branching, the pipe is cut off, a tee is installed to attach a hose that will divert water to the sprinkler. To the end of this branch, you need to attach a hinged knee, thanks to which the height of the sprinkler will be adjusted. All sections of the system are mounted in the same way.

The next step is to install the nozzles in the sprinklers. To do this, unscrew the glass, remove the upper part, squeeze the spring on the sprinkler and insert the nozzle into a special hole. It must be easily pressed so that it enters the sprinkler itself. To check the correct location of the nozzle, you need to release the spring. If the element has risen to the very top, it means that it is installed correctly. Next, you need to turn the nozzle screw clockwise with a special key.

Sprinklers can be configured so that they irrigate only the necessary area

Now you can attach sprinklers to the articulated knees. Then you should bury the trenches, leaving the locations of the sprinklers. Sprinklers need to be set level with the ground by controlling the hinge knee. Next, the sprinkler is buried. The ground around the elements needs to be carefully rammed.

Important! The upper part of the sprinkler should be placed no higher than the lower level line, which is located on the ground.

Then an electromagnetic valve is installed in the direction of fluid movement, which is indicated by a special arrow on the device body. The pipeline running from the valve to the water supply system or pumping station is connected. A software controller is mounted, thanks to which it is possible to automate the system by configuring its operation according to a certain mode. The whole system is checked for operability.

Scheme of installation of automatic lawn watering on the site

Drip irrigation as a type of automatic irrigation system in the country

Drip irrigation for the garden and vegetable garden is the most popular type of irrigation today. It is advisable to arrange it in small areas with parallel planting. This is the most economical irrigation option, since water is supplied to garden crops by drip method. It is advisable to arrange such automatic watering at low pressure in the irrigation system.

A storage tank with water located at a certain height is used as a source of water supply. A main pipeline is supplied to the tank, which diverts water to distribution hoses laid in parallel relative to each other. Drip automatic watering with your own hands is used for berry and vegetable crops, shrubs, trees and flowers. Such a system is often equipped in small greenhouses, flower beds and vegetable gardens.

Today it is possible to buy a ready-made kit, which necessarily includes a timer, a sensor, a pressure gauge and a thermometer, and you can also complete the system yourself. To do this, you will need a main pipeline with a diameter of ¾ or 1 inch and hoses with thin walls, in the structure of which mini-holes are made. For these purposes, it is recommended to purchase an oozing element type. Hoses are laid along each row with crops on the ground surface. You should also stock up on a mesh filter and a timer or controller for automatic watering.

Drip irrigation is usually used to moisten the root zones of the plant

The design of the automatic irrigation system is based on a previously developed scheme. At the first stage, a highway is laid with a certain downward slope for subsequent cleaning and draining of the system for the winter. Parallel branches are carried out with the help of fittings. The ends of the hoses must be closed with plugs.

Useful advice! Hoses and pipes are recommended to be placed on the ground surface on special supports or pegs.

As a source of water supply for drip irrigation, a capacity of a certain volume is used, which is selected based on the number of green spaces. A filter is installed at the outlet of the tank, then a controller or timer. Then the main pipeline is connected. After the installation of the system is completed, it is tested. Then you should set the timer or controller to the required frequency and duration of watering.

To distribute water, the main pipe is connected to the tank, from which branches follow to watering points

Organization of intra-soil watering for the garden

The intra-soil irrigation system is used in small suburban areas. It is also advisable to arrange it for greenhouses. This is a fairly economical option that does not need a large water pressure in the system and can work safely due to the height difference between the two communicating tanks. Underground root irrigation guarantees minimal water loss and prevents evaporation.

The disadvantage of an intra-soil irrigation system with your own hands is the likelihood of rapid clogging and time-consuming installation. It is problematic to arrange intra-root watering on a planted plantation, since it is possible to damage the root system of green spaces.

Such watering is convenient to organize for perennial plants that need constant humidity. Water of a comfortable temperature comes to the roots slowly and evenly, which contributes to the constant maintenance of moisture in the soil.

The controller allows you to set the time, strength and frequency of watering

Installation of the system is carried out similarly to the above options for automatic watering. Here you will need a plastic or metal pipe for the main pipeline, a perforated hose for branches, a pump, a controller and a filter. The pipes are placed in a pre-prepared trench with a plastic film laid on its bottom.

A pump is connected to the storage tank. Next, the filter and controller are installed, and the main pipeline is connected. Automation of the garden watering system with your own hands consists in turning on and off the pumping unit at a certain time. The following parameters are optimal for intra–soil irrigation: head – 0.3 m, water velocity – 0.2 l/s. 3-4 days after starting the system, it is necessary to excavate the soil in several places and check the degree of its moisture.

Which is better to buy automatic watering for greenhouses: an overview of popular kits

Those who do not want to engage in independent selection of elements for the irrigation system, can buy automatic irrigation in a ready-made form. One of the most popular options for drip irrigation is the Aquadusya system. It is designed for an area of up to 5 m2. The maximum watering time is 1 hour.

Automatic watering systems have sensors that measure humidity and therefore turn off during rain

The kit includes hoses, droppers and a controller that runs on conventional batteries. With the help of “Aquaduct” you can organize watering for 50 plants. The system is easy to use and can be mounted independently, without the involvement of specialists, which is carried out on the basis of detailed instructions included with the product. The service life of automatic irrigation is at least 5 years. You can purchase the system for 5400 rubles.

Another popular model of automatic watering for greenhouses, which you can buy for 6500 rubles, is the “Beetle” kit. The name of the basal drip system came from the appearance of the location of the hose, resembling an insect. The model is characterized by a simple design that even a novice craftsman can assemble. The system is designed for watering 60 plants on an area of 18 m2. But there is also a greenhouse option, designed for 30 plants on an area of 6 m2.

Useful advice! The system can be increased by additionally buying irrigation lines in the store.

Installation and connection of the drip irrigation system from the “Beetle” tank

Automatic watering “Beetle” consists of main pipelines and small branches, arranged in pairs opposite each other, at the ends of which there are sinusoidal droppers, which prevents their clogging. The kit may not include a timer, which requires additional purchase of the device. The system is equipped with a filter that automatically cleans the water from mechanical impurities. Automatic watering is connected to the tap of the centralized water supply network or to a water measuring barrel, which is usually located at a height of up to 4 m. Watering can last up to 2 hours with an interval of 1 to 160 hours.

Characteristics of variants of automatic lawn irrigation systems

The leading position among manufacturers of automatic irrigation systems is occupied by Hunter company, which offers a wide range of components for irrigation of both small territories and commercial sites. In the catalogues of the manufacturer, both ready-made fully automated irrigation systems of high performance and various devices designed for self-configuration of the scheme are presented. You can buy an automatic irrigation system designed for 20 m2 on average for 50,000 rubles.

Hanter irrigation systems are divided into fan and rotary

Sprinklers are presented in two types: fan and rotary. The first option has a simple design and a simple principle of operation. Nozzles for such products are made of high-quality plastic, therefore they are characterized by durability and reliability. Round, striped, adjustable and unregulated elements can be purchased for fan sprinklers. Rotary sprinklers are characterized by a complex design. The water flow is controlled due to the special location of the head, which is determined by the required radius. Irrigation with sprinklers can be carried out on a territory with a length of 1 to 30 m.

Hunter automatic irrigation controllers and sensors perform various tasks that are determined at the programming stage. The devices are powered by mains or batteries. The controls can be selected for both outdoor and indoor mounting.

An advanced automatic watering control system allows you to programmatically control all functions

An equally popular irrigation system is the automatic watering of the Garden. The finished kit includes a controller, polyethylene pipelines and sprinklers. The system is designed to irrigate an area of up to 380 m2. This is done thanks to the retractable turbo sprinklers, on which the watering range is regulated.

The controller is equipped with a rain and humidity sensor, as a result of which the humidity regime of the environment and soil is checked. The price of automatic irrigation, designed for 20 m2, is 60,000 rubles.
The organization of an automatic watering system for a vegetable garden, garden, lawn or greenhouse allows rational use of water and at the same time saturate the soil with the necessary amount of moisture that is required for the normal growth of green spaces. Depending on the type of plants and the area of the territory, you can independently organize one of the varieties of the automatic irrigation system that is most suitable for specific conditions, while studying in detail the features of its installation.