Luxurious vegetation and bright flowers require regular attention and care. Over time, ordinary watering becomes a tedious duty. To be able to automatically irrigate, 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
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.
Did you know? Modern automatic irrigation reacts to the humidity of the air, wind force and other weather indicators, and thanks to the sensors can be turned off independently.If you need for a certain period of time to make several cycles of watering, the system can be programmed. For example, the irrigation system can be configured first to drip, and then to rain irrigation.
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 area.
Benefits of using automatic watering
Auto-watering systems have long been the main component of well-kept areas, flower beds and lawns. Many gardeners had time to replace the manual watering on the auto. 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 a natural cooling;
- easy installation and operation;
- reduction of water consumption up to 50% (watering is rational).
Important! The system of automatic watering can be programmed according to a specific pattern.
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 sprayers 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.
Important! It is necessary to make increased demands on the filter of the system: a raid left by water can ruin the system in the first months of operation.
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.
Did you know? Auto-watering the lawn is a common and common system for residents abroad. It is an integral part of the design of park areas and personal plots.
Installation of autowatering 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: 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 there will be an automatic irrigation of the site with water, a temperature comfortable for the plants (for some crops, the irrigation temperature is of great 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 simpler 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 water in the right amount.
Important! The main plastic pipes are more resistant to the influence of various substances and do not rust for a long time.
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. All you need to do is set the irrigation time 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:
- free the container from 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 compressor, twist and put in a container, limiting the access of rodents.
Important! If during the operation of the system there remain pools, it means that the tightness is broken.
The reason for the improper operation of the automatic irrigation system may 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 irrigation 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 lawn, garden beds, and the greenhouse with automatic irrigation. And they can enjoy the view of the green lawn and lush flowerbed without much hassle.