Luxurious vegetation and bright flowers require regular attention and care. Over time, ordinary watering turns into a tedious duty. To help will be able to automatic watering, extremely clear and simple in terms of assembly and operation. Should we give preference to this type of irrigation, consider below.
- Automatic watering: how the system works
- Benefits of using automatic watering
- Planning and design of automatic irrigation system
- How to install an automatic watering system
- Features of operation of the system of autowatering
Automatic watering: how the system works
Autowatering is recommended for irrigation of greenhouse crops, shrubs, trees, beds, flower beds and plantations. If it is not possible to install a irrigation sprinkler, automatic irrigation systems can be installed for lawn irrigation (for example, if the lawn is too narrow or has an intricate curved shape).
The main component of the system is a long perforated hose. Thanks to this structure, a continuous and uniform distribution of water is ensured.Drip irrigation works at a rate that allows moisture to fall on the soil surface and be absorbed in a specific period of time. For 2 hours, one point of the automatic irrigation system (subject to regulation on watering flowers) soaks the soil within a radius of 15 cm to a depth of 10-15 cm.
Irrigation provides a special program that monitors the operation of valves and water pressure.
Water can be heated and fertilizer added to it. The range of angle of irrigation can vary from 25 to 360 degrees, providing a sufficient depth of moisture penetration throughout the site.
Benefits of using automatic watering
Auto-watering systems have long been the main component of well-kept areas, flower beds and lawns.Many gardeners managed to replace manual watering on the auto system. And all thanks to the fact that the automated irrigation system has several advantages:
- providing regular and sufficient amount of moisture to plants;
- uniform watering;
- washes and nails dust;
- cleans and moisturizes the air, creates natural cooling;
- easy installation and operation;
- reduction of water consumption up to 50% (watering is rational).
Planning and design of automatic irrigation system
You should not worry if you have a magnificent landscape design on the site - the installation of automatic irrigation is carried out carefully and in no way will harm the growing crops.
The water source for an automatic drip irrigation system can be a water supply system or a well that meets certain technical characteristics. If the automatic watering does not work, it is practically invisible on the site, and during work under pressure, water dispensers rise, which water the area. Despite the fact that the drip irrigation system is easy to use, it is recommended to trust its specialists to design and install it. However, a lawn watering system can be made with your own hands. For this you need to consider a few nuances:
- Plot scheme. Topographical features, future constructions and grouping of cultures will be important for the design of the project.
- The soil. Carefully analyze the composition, the presence of natural water sources.
- Landscape. When installing the system, it is necessary to take into account the size of the site and the garden landscape.
How to install an automatic watering system
To independently build a drip irrigation system, you will need the following elements:
- Mini pump. It is possible to use a water pump for an aquarium as this element. The higher the power, the more effective the drip watering of the seedlings will be.
- Long hose. It should not be transparent.
- Tee or special inserts, mounted in the hose. Through them the water will flow into the soil.
- Timer.
- Cranes. They will help create an extensive system.
Installing automatic watering is a simple process that is performed according to the instructions attached to the kit. In fact, the whole procedure consists of a specific procedure:
- The plan of the plot on which it is planned to irrigate automatically (in a greenhouse, on a bed or on a flowerbed) is schematically drawn. Here you need to pay attention to all the features of the place: the slopes, where there is a well or water supply system, etc.
- A container is installed (usually a barrel) in which water will be stored.The vessel is placed at a height of 1-1.5 meters. In the tank installed in this way, the water will heat up during the day, and in the evening, the site will be automatically irrigated with water at a comfortable temperature for the plants (for some crops, the irrigation temperature is of paramount importance).
- The installation of trunk pipes. They are laid either on top of the ground, either with instillation into the soil, or on supports. It is easier and more efficient to put a hose on the ground for further operation and maintenance.
- Depending on the number of beds, drip tape is calculated. If the watering system is installed personally, you must purchase a cleaning filter.
- Starter is installed. Small holes (15 mm) are made in the trunk pipe, seals are inserted into them into which the starter will be mounted later. Drip hose is hermetically sealed, the edge is cut to 5 mm. The other end is curled and also trimmed.
- Controllers are installed to irrigate in the right quantity.
Features of operation of the system of autowatering
It is quite simple to use such a system - watering will be carried out according to the assigned parameters. You only need to specify the time of irrigation and the volume of water consumption.
As a rule, automatic irrigation is programmed for irrigation at night - this period is considered favorable for plants and does not interfere with the work in the garden. Having established the mode of watering once, it is possible to control its work only 2-3 times in a season.
To prevent frost damage to the system in winter, it is recommended to preserve it. Perform this procedure before the onset of the first frost.
To prepare irrigation systems for winter, you need:
- empty the container from the water and cover it so that no precipitates get inside;
- remove batteries, pump from the control unit and transfer to a dry room;
- droppers and hoses to remove, blow the compressor, twist and put in a container, limiting the access of rodents.
The reason for the improper operation of the automatic irrigation system can be blockages, which occur due to:
- Sludge, sand, undissolved fertilizer. It is necessary to use water filters and clean them regularly.
- Too hard water. The normal pH level is 5-7, you can use special acid additives for watering systems.
- Waste from living organisms. Light chlorination is applied and the system is regularly washed.
Gardening is not such a simple thing - it takes a lot of effort and time. Today, gardeners come to the aid of modern technologies that allow them to equip the lawn, the beds, and the greenhouse with automatic irrigation.And they can enjoy the view of the green lawn and the lush flowerbed without much hassle.