Irrigation can be a complex subject . In ordering to get to understand this subject , we postulate to have good basis cognition . An irrigation organization is a hydraulic system that run water with the help of pumps , pipes , tubing , and more . Irrigation system must be take and sized free-base on the type and size of our organisation . There are three key aspects to realise irrigation at a canonical level : Capacity , uniformness , and control .
CapacityDrip irrigation system need to have enough mental ability to meet the needs of H2O campaign and nutritious delivery . Drip irrigation systems include the employment of emitters to provide water and nutrient at the root zone level . Each emitter has a fussy menses rate that is design to bear a specific amount of water . If the sum of all menstruation rates from emitters outmatch the capacity of the system , then emitter will not be able-bodied to cede the same amount of water supply , reducing also nutrient bringing .
so as to have enough capacitance , we already learned capability must be count base on the catamenia of H2O that must be delivered . It is important to also consider that demands of H2O from plants can change depending on dissimilar factors and we should always prevent having enough capacity for a bad - case scenario . The demand for water supply can even be dissimilar inside of a greenhouse . This is why most raiser prefer to instal a pressure regulator in small racing circuit . take into account to have good irrigation controller .
UniformityOne of the most crucial feature of irrigation in commercial product is uniformness . Why ? uniformness allows you to have control over different variable affecting production . Non - uniform arrangement can have a hold on 24-hour interval to glean or involve product character . uniformness can be affected by the type or design of our irrigation system . Another very crucial aspect to look at is substrate . Substrates can by all odds have a strong effect on irrigation uniformity .
Drip irrigation system target a good percentage of uniformness by using a high number of emitter with uniform discharge . Drip irrigation in comparison to other irrigation systems such as sprinklers can provide more uniformity .
Uniformity can be touch by the substrate . Some brands have worked really hard develop substratum choice to improve uniformity . Grodan is one of these marque . Rockwool is an excellent choice to provide piss retention to our plant . This substrate is mostly used for sprouting and transplantation . However , Grodan has also developed slab that can be used in drip mould irrigation system . These slabs are recognise by the fantabulous conditions provide at the root zone level , including of course uniformness to improve crop development .
ControlHow can we make up one’s mind when and for how much sentence to irrigate ? Historically , the most commonly used method is to schedule irrigation . Other options include automation based on environmental conditions such as radiation .
When irrigating , growers need to think about two aspect : duration between irrigation event and the duration of each irrigation event . Usually , intervals between irrigation events will change across the cycle reckon on different factors such as stage of ontogeny and environmental conditions .
Irrigation demand can be harvest - specific . normally , growers adjust irrigation based on crop needs and , by run and error . By running , trial growers can be completely indisputable the organisation is delivering the necessary amount of water and nutrient to each plant . In addition to water system and nutrients required by the plant , growers usually point to add 20 % to 30 % more water to “ flush ” the organization and promote a more homogeneous environment at the ascendant zone level . This “ superfluous ” of piss can remunerate in a small percentage in case emitters are not leave uniform irrigation . Also can aid us to avoid saltiness accumulation in substrates .
HydroponicsIrrigation in aquiculture is a complex topic . Water and nutrient uptake from plants can switch depending on environmental factors . Also , irrigation can also further specific ontogeny in our crops .
For example , in tomatoes is cognise dissimilar temperatures at the root zona level can have an encroachment not only on weewee uptake but also the uptake of specific nutrient . Previous studies have shown that intake of nutrients like Ca and P are more sensitive to changes in temperature than other nutrients ( Adams , 1989 ) .
Irrigation can also have an effect on promoting generative or vegetal growth . productive increment is stimulated by a high-pitched difference between day and night temperature , role of low drain pct , and eminent electrical conductivity . On the other hand , vegetative maturation is stimulated by low or no difference between daytime and night temperature , low electric conduction , and gloomy drainage percentage .
Irrigation may seem simple than what really is . In decree to have real dominance over our crop , we should study deeply the irrigation requirements and the effects that can impact our crop .
For more information : Hort AmericasChris Higgins , CEO[email protected]www.hortamericas.com
