Drip irrigation from a barrel for a greenhouse: the key to a good harvest
Drip irrigation from a barrel for a greenhouse: the key to a good harvest for many years
For the proper development of plants in the greenhouse and the guaranteed receipt of a good harvest, an irrigation system should be properly organized. Drip irrigation from a barrel for a greenhouse is the most acceptable option. The device can be purchased as a complete set or made independently from ready-made component materials. Recommendations for the selection of the components of the system and the sequence of its installation are described in detail in this article.
Drip irrigation is the most efficient and economical for greenhouse irrigation
Drip irrigation from a barrel for a greenhouse: the principle of operation of the system
Drip irrigation was first used in 1950 in Israel. This area was characterized by a shortage of water, so scientists tried to find a way to irrigate plants with minimal expenditure of water resources. As practice has shown, this irrigation option allowed saving not only water, but also labor resources, and also contributed to an increase in yield by 30-40%.
The principle of drip irrigation is based on the supply of water in small quantities directly to the root system of the plant
For greenhouses, it is most advisable to organize a drip irrigation system from a barrel. It consists of a storage tank, a main pipeline and discharge hoses with droppers. All elements are connected using shaped components: corners, tees, connections to the crane, repair fittings.
Useful advice! The fewer shaped parts involved in the system, the higher the water pressure.
The principle of operation of such irrigation is as follows. A main line is diverted from the storage tank through the filter, to which outlet pipelines are connected, located along the entire length of the beds. In them, holes with a diameter of 3-8 mm are made evenly along the entire product for droppers, through which the liquid seeps to the roots of plants. To create a pressure, the container must be located at a certain height from 0.5-3 m. This ensures gravity irrigation. If the pressure is not enough, then a submersible pump should be installed for drip irrigation from the barrel.
To create a water pressure in the main pipe of the system, it is necessary to install tanks at a low height or use a pump
The system can be automated by installing a controller that will allow watering at a certain time with the required intensity. In addition, the installation of several timers on some sections of the network will allow you to create a specific watering mode individually for each group of plants.
Advantages of a drip irrigation system in a greenhouse
Conventional surface watering allows you to quickly saturate the soil with moisture no more than 10 cm deep. However, after some time, the surface layer of the earth dries up and becomes knocked down, which prevents the free flow of oxygen to the roots of plants. Drip irrigation gradually saturates the root system with moisture. This contributes to the growth of roots and the maximum possible extraction of nutrients from the ground.
The rest of the soil near the plant remains dry, which eliminates the possibility of waterlogging and waterlogging of the soil. This has a beneficial effect on the health of green spaces, since diseases such as gray and white rot, powdery mildew, bacterial spotting and black leg develop in a waterlogged environment, which can destroy plants.
Drip irrigation acts pointwise on the planting site, leaving the rest of the bed dry, so the risk of waterlogging is excluded
Drip watering of the greenhouse with your own hands reduces the likelihood of a plant burn that occurs when moisture gets on the leaves. Small drops in such cases act as lenses through which the sun’s rays can leave burns on the surface of the leaves. Since irrigation is directed exclusively to the root zone, weeds will not receive the proper amount of moisture, which will worsen their development. In addition, this system prevents soil erosion.
As numerous reviews prove, drip irrigation from a barrel for a greenhouse allows you to provide a sufficient supply of water, which makes it possible to water in the absence of electricity for several days. Such a system can be used to apply top dressing directly under the root of plants, and this will save on fertilizer.
In the barrel, the water is heated to ambient temperature. Therefore, plants will not experience stress when watering with cold water, which significantly slows down the growth of green spaces.
The implementation of irrigation from the barrel provides constant hydration, it is only necessary to monitor the filling of the tank
Disadvantages of the drip irrigation system of greenhouses
When organizing a drip irrigation system in a greenhouse, it will be necessary to pay due attention to the implementation of constant monitoring. An overabundance of moisture that has arisen due to incorrect calculation will contribute to a significant overspending of water and will be detrimental to plants. The barrel should be checked regularly and filled in time.
The disadvantages of the system also include the need for periodic cleaning of holes, since, having a small diameter, they quickly become clogged. This is especially true for underground pipe laying. To clean the holes, the system should be flushed and purged using a compressor. It is not recommended to increase the diameter of the holes, since water will pour out at the beginning of the system and will not reach the last nozzle holes.
Useful advice! To protect the drip irrigation system from contamination, a filter should be installed at the outlet of the barrel or a piece of foam rubber should be used instead.
To achieve the best effect, it is necessary to carefully calculate the amount of water supplied to the system and the dosage for each plant
Recommendations for choosing a barrel for drip irrigation
Since a barrel has been selected as the source of water supply for the greenhouse irrigation system, it must be of high quality and designed for a certain volume of water. The size of the tank directly depends on the total area of the greenhouse. Mainly for small greenhouses, there is enough capacity of 200 liters to provide the necessary liquid supply.
The tank can be made of plastic, stainless steel or carbon steel. Plastic barrels are available in various configurations and sizes. Such products have low weight, sufficient strength, are not prone to corrosion, are convenient to install and operate. Stainless steel containers are durable (more than 30 years) and highly resistant to corrosion. The material is not afraid of mechanical and aggressive influences. The main disadvantage of stainless steel tanks is the high cost of products.
Plastic water barrels are the most profitable and convenient to use, besides they can serve for many years
Carbon steel tanks are the cheapest, but less durable. The products are heavy, need painting. The surface can corrode, which reduces the service life of the tank.
The volume of the barrel is selected based on the single water consumption required for watering green spaces. For cucumbers, you will need 2 liters / hour per bush, for tomatoes – 1.5 liters / hour with an interval of 1 every 4 days. For cabbage and potatoes, 2.5 liters per plant per day will be enough. Based on the experience of greenhouse owners, it can be concluded that an average of 20 liters will be needed to irrigate 1 m2 of territory.
To create sufficient pressure in the system (at least 0.3 atm.) the barrel should be located at a certain height. The distance from 1 to 2 m is considered optimal . For this purpose, a stand made of steel profile or wooden beam should be provided for it. The most common option is a tripod welded from metal pipes. You can build a powerful and stable stool out of wood.
Important! It should be remembered that as the tank is emptied, the pressure in the network decreases.
To provide enough water, you will need to install several barrels
Choosing the type of dropper for the irrigation system in the greenhouse
Droppers are represented by devices with small tubes at the end of the products. They cut into holes in a pipe or hose and regulate the volume of water supplied. There are several varieties of products that are selected based on the type of cultivated crop, the dimensions of the greenhouse and the material condition of its owner.
Droppers can be compensated and uncompensated. The first option is equipped with a valve and a membrane, so that water is dosed to the plant at different pressures. The devices are equipped with an anti-drainage system, so that when the water supply is turned off, the pressure in them does not drop to zero. When the system is switched on again, no additional time will be required to expel air from it. This option is considered the most suitable for areas with elevation differences. The volume of water supply by uncompensated devices at the beginning of the row will be greater than at the end.
The choice of suitable droppers for irrigation depends on the characteristics of the irrigation system
Droppers are produced with manual adjustment or a fixed volume of water supply, which is indicated on the package. This value is in the range of 1-3 l/h. There are also models of the “spider” type with dispensers that allow watering several plants at once. Such devices differ in the highest cost. They are located at a great distance from each other. It is advisable to use this system for watering perennial plants.
Useful advice! When choosing droppers, you should pay attention to the possibility of disassembling the structure. The cover should be easily removable, so that the device can be cleaned from the inside.
Droppers are most often placed at a distance of 25-30 cm from each other. This step is the most preferable for most plants. However, for irrigation of root crops, the distance between droppers should be 20 cm, for melons – 1 m.
The installation of the controller will automate the drip irrigation system
Automatic micro-drip irrigation system for Aquadusya greenhouses
The Belarusian irrigation system “Aquadusya” is designed for watering 50-60 plants. You can purchase a mechanical, semi-automatic and automatic model. The system is connected to a water pipe or tank, on which the cost of the kit will depend. The drip irrigation kit for the greenhouse from the Akvadusya barrel includes hoses, pencil droppers of the external type, drip tapes and connecting elements. The kit can be equipped with a pump, a water tank and a controller. The automatic watering does not need to be connected to the mains, but is powered by 8 batteries, which can serve for several months without requiring replacement.
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Drip irrigation with your own hands for a cottage without costs: do it yourself easily and simply
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The Aquadusya Automatic system provides watering of plants in the evening. During the day, the water in the tank is heated under the rays of the sun to the desired temperature, and then flows to the roots of the plantings. After 2 liters of liquid is poured under each bush, irrigation is automatically turned off. The system can be programmed in such a way as to create a water supply to different plants in different doses, taking into account weather conditions. The barrel is automatically filled with water when it is emptied. You can buy drip irrigation for a greenhouse from a barrel for an average of 5,500 rubles.
The Aquadusya drip irrigation system is designed for 60 plants
The semi-automatic model of the irrigation system, the price of which is 3,500 rubles, is programmed for daily switching on and off of the irrigation process. However, the automatic filling of the container is not provided here. This process will have to be performed manually as the tank is emptied. Here it is necessary to turn irrigation on and off independently, as well as monitor the condition of the water in the tank. The cost of the kit is 1900 rubles.
Model “Beetle”: drip irrigation system for greenhouses
Such a characteristic name of the drip irrigation system for the greenhouse from the barrel “Beetle” of the Russian manufacturer received due to its unusual appearance. The discharge pipes depart from the highway in the form of spider legs. This device has a lightweight design and is quite easy to install in greenhouses and greenhouses. There are various models that differ in the set of components and, accordingly, the method of water supply.
Drip irrigation in a greenhouse from a barrel “Beetle”
For greenhouses, the Beetle irrigation system is selected for 60 bushes, designed for an area of 18 m2, and for greenhouses – for 30 plants or an area of 6 m2. There are models for which the source of water supply is a centralized water supply. They are additionally equipped with an electric timer. This watering option can be used for carrots, radishes or beans that are immune to cold water. The systems that are connected to the water tank have special fittings.
The main advantages of the drip irrigation system “Beetle” are affordable cost, which is an average of 4500 rubles., reliability and a long period of operation. The kit includes all the necessary components, including mounting brackets. The complete system with a tank must have a level tube, thanks to which the water level in the tank is monitored. There are also models with a filter and timer. The system can be completed by purchasing an additional set designed for 20 plantings.
Automatic watering for the greenhouse “Clip-36”
Pulse-local hydro-automatic drip irrigation system operates on the principle of water supply in small portions lasting 1.5-2 minutes with long intervals during the day. Irrigation is fully automated, but there is no automation, which ensures reliable and long-term operation of the device.
Installation diagram of the drip irrigation system Clip-36
The system is designed for watering an area of 36 m2. The kit includes a water measuring tank with a volume of 16 liters, which can be connected to a water tap or a barrel. It is equipped with a siphon that blocks the water supply when it is filled. The water is heated and fed to the plants. The excess fluid flows back into the distribution network. Thanks to the cyclic system, it is possible to adjust the consumption of 16 liters of warm water after 1-7 hours, which depends on the needs of the plant.
Automatic watering of greenhouses does not need to be connected to the mains or the use of batteries. The system can be installed at any phase of crop growth. The irrigation branched polycarbonate tubes included in the kit can be shortened, thereby adjusting to any length of the bed. They have special openings, water outlets, thanks to which a simultaneous and uniform irrigation process is carried out.
The presence of a small capacity allows you to apply fertilizers simultaneously with watering. The system does not require the connection of water outlets to the placement of plants. It is characterized by reduced clogging, which is associated with an increased through-hole cross-section, due to which it is characterized by a long period of operation.
For a large number of plants in a greenhouse, it is better to install an automatic or semi-automatic irrigation system
The daily water supply can be regulated within 0.5-20 l/m2. When the system is connected to the water supply, it becomes fully automatic. A capacity of 200 liters will be enough to carry out seven-day watering, so that the greenhouse can be left unattended. The installation features of the system can be seen in the video “Drip irrigation for a greenhouse from a barrel “Clip-36”.
Pulse-local irrigation has a short duration of impact on the soil and intensity, as a result of which the humidity of the earth remains at 85%, which is optimal for plants. The cost of the kit is on average 7,500 rubles.
The system of automatic watering of greenhouses “Signor Tomato”
This system is fully automated and powered by the solar battery included in the kit. Due to this, such watering is completely autonomous, does not require an electrical network and constant battery change. The device is also equipped with a water measuring tank, a submersible pump, a controller, a system of elastic hoses that can be located in problem areas, and connecting elements.
The fully automated drip irrigation system “Signor Tomato” is powered by a solar battery, which is included in the kit
Irrigation is controlled using a remote control, through which the necessary parameters are set, including the amount of liquid, frequency and duration of irrigation during the day. The pump starts working on time and turns off after a certain period of time, which is enough for watering plantings.
The system is designed to supply water to 60 plants. Each requires about 3.5 liters of water per day. You can purchase an additional set designed for 20 plants and increase the system. Due to the presence of a pumping unit, there is no need to install the barrel on a hill and make a hole for connecting the crane. The pump supplies the required amount of water to the system and monitors the pressure in the network. You can buy drip irrigation in a greenhouse from 5500 rubles.
The device in the greenhouse of drip irrigation with your own hands
Despite the numerous advantages of ready-made kits, many summer residents strive to assemble a drip irrigation system for a greenhouse on their own. Such a solution will reduce financial costs and adjust the system to your needs and requirements.
Arranging a drip irrigation system with your own hands will allow you to save significantly
Before making drip irrigation in the greenhouse, a competent and rational scheme is being built, which is the key to efficient water consumption and eliminates the possibility of premature equipment failure. On the plot plan, all objects and the trajectory of the territory should be marked with an indication of height differences. The irrigation scheme will depend on the type of plant, the size of the row spacing, the number and height of rows. Based on the plan, the total length of the drip tape, the number of droppers, G- and T-shaped branches, plugs and fittings are calculated.
Useful advice! After calculating the necessary components of the system, the amount of drip tape and consumables should be increased by 15-20%.
For the correct arrangement of irrigation elements, it is necessary to determine how plants with different liquid needs will be placed. Installation in this case can take place in separate zones.
When installing the barrel, it is necessary to take into account the source of its filling, which should be located nearby. Also, in the case of organizing automatic watering of a greenhouse with your own hands, working from the network, you need to worry about the proximity of the device to the source of electricity.
The device of an automatic drip irrigation system from a container
Useful advice! It is possible to create a system for replenishing the water tank with rainwater from the roofs of buildings on the territory, which will save on water resources.
Components for drip irrigation in a greenhouse with your own hands
Before you do watering in the greenhouse, you should prepare all the components of the system. Their purchase is carried out on the basis of calculations that are performed according to the drawn irrigation scheme.
The main elements of the irrigation system in greenhouses by drip with their own hands are hoses or PVC pipes, the diameter of which should be 10-16 mm, which will ensure a slow flow of moisture to the plants. It is better to choose opaque products, because algae can grow in them as a result of exposure to sunlight.
It is not recommended to use metal elements for this irrigation option, since small rust particles will clog the dropper nozzles, which will disable the system. Fittings should be made only of primary polyethylene, this is the key to quality products. The recycled material will be susceptible to UV radiation and other aggressive factors.
A convenient option for the location of the container is right in the greenhouse
Adjustable droppers are mounted on the discharge pipes. The tightening density can be varied by means of a clamping spring. The water flow is regulated by means of the upper cap. If there is a large slope of the surface in the greenhouse, a compensating type of droppers should be used.
You can purchase polyethylene drip tapes with built-in droppers that resemble a maze through which the flow of water is directed to the root system of the plant. The tapes are produced with a thickness of 0.127-0.381 mm. Their service life may not exceed one season. Such belts are usually used for irrigation of vegetables with a short growing season. For ordinary soils, products with a thickness of 0.2 mm are sufficient, and for rocky ones, it is better to purchase tapes with a thickness of at least 0.25 mm.
Drip pipes with external droppers are more durable and durable. The wall thickness varies from 0.9 to 1.2 mm. Such products can withstand a pressure of 6 bar. To install droppers in pipes, it is necessary to make holes in 30 cm increments.
Connection of the discharge pipes to the main hose of the system
In addition to irrigation and distribution pipes, you should purchase a tank with a capacity of at least 200 liters, a pump with a filter, racks for dropper dispensers, taps to adjust the flow rate and overlap the system in certain areas, tow or fum tape for sealing joints, adapters, tees, couplings, plugs. A controller or timer is needed to arrange automatic watering.
Installation of a drip irrigation system for a greenhouse with your own hands
The device in the greenhouse of drip irrigation with your own hands begins with the installation of a barrel. It should be placed at a height of at least 1.5 m. To do this, you need to build a metal or wooden stand. If the container has a lid, it is necessary to provide mini-holes for oxygen intake. If there is no lid, the tank can be covered with gauze.
The water in the tank can be heated in two ways: under the influence of direct sunlight and with the help of a heating element located in the barrel. The latter option is used if the process of pumping water into the tank comes from a well or well.
If you install a container of a sufficiently large volume, it can be used to provide watering not only of the greenhouse but also of other beds
A hole is made in the tank for the installation of a ball valve, which is mounted using a coupling and a seal. A coarse filter is installed after the tap to protect the system from clogging. Next, it is necessary to connect the main pipeline by means of branching fittings. With the help of tees, PVC discharge pipes of a smaller diameter than the main one are mounted. In them, previously, using an awl or a nail, holes should be made for the installation of droppers, which are inserted through a rubber seal.
If drip tapes are used, then holes are made in the main pipeline for their connection using starting fittings. The ribbon shows a line that indicates the location of the sprinklers, so the system is laid with a colored line up. A plug is installed at the end of each branch. For reliable sealing of all connections, a fum tape or tow should be used. The installation sequence can be viewed on the video of drip irrigation in the greenhouse with your own hands.
Useful advice! When organizing a drip irrigation system, factory external droppers can be replaced with medical ones.
A set of necessary components for the installation of a drip irrigation system
The final stage is the system check. After the water supply, it is necessary to make sure that it flows evenly to each dropper, which will contribute to the uniform moistening of the soil.
When installing a watering system in a greenhouse with your own hands, you can provide a feeding unit, which consists of an injector, a hose and a filter. Such an installation is extremely necessary for the fertilization of plants in the greenhouse. This device can be purchased in the store or made with your own hands. The principle of operation of the mechanism is based on mixing fertilizer with water.
Automatic drip irrigation for a greenhouse from a barrel
Using automation, it is possible to install watering of greenhouses without your participation, which implies an uninterrupted supply of water at a specified time, a certain duration and with the necessary interval. After the tank and filter are installed, the feeding unit is completed, the automation installation begins.
Automatic watering in the greenhouse involves the use of a timer or controller. The device runs on batteries and controls the irrigation system, which involves starting and stopping the irrigation process according to the selected program. For large greenhouses, the installation of structures with a high degree of automation is carried out. Such devices control the ambient temperature, soil moisture. The controller can be equipped with a function of accounting for the amount of liquid that has passed through it.
The use of automation for irrigation will greatly facilitate the life of the owner of the greenhouse
For drip irrigation from a barrel for a greenhouse, you can buy a timer mechanical or electronic. The first type, working on a spring, creates a continuous supply of water for up to 24 hours. All indicators are entered manually for a while. Electronic timers allow you to fully automate the irrigation system. The mode is programmed for an indefinite time. The latest timer model is equipped with 16 commands, which allows you to create an individual watering mode for several categories of plants.
Useful recommendations for long-term operation of drip irrigation in a greenhouse
Despite the fact that the irrigation drip system is characterized by a simple design, it needs proper care, which is the key to durability. Periodically diverting pipelines with droppers should be cleaned of clogging. For the main pipeline, it is better to choose a plastic product, since the material does not corrode, leading to the appearance of small rust particles in the system, which will cause clogging of the drip holes. The same applies to a metal barrel.
The system must be equipped with a filter, which is purchased with the kit. In extreme cases, you can use a piece of foam rubber by inserting it into the pipe coming out of the barrel. It is recommended to clean the filter once a week. The barrel must have a lid to prevent various debris from entering the water, which can cause a decrease in pressure in the system.
For the high-quality operation of the irrigation system, it is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the pipes and install a filter
Despite the fact that the drip irrigation system involves the introduction of fertilizers for plants, they should be pre-dissolved with water. After fertilizing, it is recommended to rinse the system with clean water for 15 minutes.
In autumn, the water from the pipes is drained. The system is disassembled and placed in a storage room. Otherwise, the nozzles for the autumn-winter period will be completely clogged with dirt, which will require their laborious cleaning in the spring.
Installing a drip irrigation system in a greenhouse from a barrel not only has a beneficial effect on the growth and development of plants. This design allows you to reduce water and ease labor costs associated with the maintenance of the greenhouse. You can not only buy, but also perform homemade drip irrigation with your own hands in a greenhouse. To do this, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of the system and the rules of its installation.
