How to make drip irrigation yourself - secrets from professionals. Do-it-yourself drip irrigation Do-it-yourself drip irrigation of the garden
Drip irrigation is considered one of the most modern methods of moistening beds in greenhouses and open ground. How to make a drip irrigation system with your own hands is of interest to many greenhouse owners, because this method of watering plants is cost-effective and convenient. This is explained by the fact that plants receive the necessary moisture with virtually no human intervention.
Methods for installing a drip irrigation system and DIY options are described in this article.
How to make a drip irrigation system with your own hands
You can do such irrigation with your own hands, but it is much faster and more convenient to buy a ready-made structure and assemble it on site.
How to assemble the structure with your own hands will be described below, but first we will try to figure out what preparatory work needs to be done in order for it to function without failures.
Preparing the area
Before you do such irrigation, you need to prepare the site. In our case, we are considering the installation of irrigation in a greenhouse, so we will take the structure of closed ground as an example (Figure 1).
Automatic irrigation involves installing a reservoir to store water and distribute tapes across the beds. It is important that the structure must be installed immediately on the finished beds, and it is not recommended to change their location in the future. Of course, you can increase or decrease the number and size of the beds, but in this case you will need to reassemble.
Figure 1. Preparing the room for installation of an irrigation system The tapes are laid out in the beds so that the droppers are located near the main plants. Plugs are installed at the ends of the pipes to prevent water loss. They must be removable so that water can be quickly drained when cleaning the system.
Installing the container
The water storage tank should be located at the beginning of the building. It must be placed at a height (about 2 meters above the ground surface) so that water flows into the pipes under the influence of gravity (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Installing a water storage tank If there is not enough space in the room for the tank, it can also be installed outside the structure by laying pipes on the ground. But in this case, the water must be drained during the winter so that it does not damage the tank when it freezes.
Starter installation
In ready-made kits, all necessary elements (except for the tank) are provided as a set. On site, you only need to connect the hose to the tank, install the starter on the tank and program it to turn on and off automatically using a sensor.
The starter is connected to the tank by drilling a hole with a diameter of approximately 14 mm in the main pipe. It is this device that starts the water and stops it if necessary. If you are not buying a finished product, but only parts of it, choose your starter carefully. It must be powerful enough to provide water to all the plants, so when purchasing, be sure to take into account the number of beds and the area of the room itself.
How to calculate drip irrigation for your plot
To ensure that the soil moistening structure exactly matches the size of your greenhouse, you need to accurately calculate the length of the tapes and their number.
To do this, you need to measure the length of the beds. For example, if you have 10 beds 15 meters long, you need to buy a little more than 150 meters of tape. The reserve is necessary in order to eliminate possible losses during installation. Plugs must be installed at the end of each tape, and fine filters must be installed near the water tank so that the hoses do not become clogged with debris, sand or plant debris.
How to make your own drip irrigation
The tips below will tell you how to make drip irrigation in a greenhouse yourself without large financial costs.
From bottles
For small buildings, homemade structures made from plastic bottles are perfect.
To water your dacha or greenhouse yourself using this method, you need to use the following step-by-step instructions (Figure 3):
- A hose is laid out along the beds and holes are drilled in it. The hose can be laid out both on the surface of the earth and underground. The latter method is more acceptable for closed ground structures.
- A plastic bottle with holes in the bottom is placed near each plant.
- A medical dropper is inserted into the neck of each bottle and connected to a hose.
Figure 3. Installation of bottle irrigation This design will ensure a constant supply of moisture directly to the roots of the plant. But for this it is necessary that there is stable water pressure in it, the container is installed on an elevation, and the main pipe is equipped with a starter.
The video shows how to make a similar design from plastic bottles.
From medical droppers
You can do this kind of watering in a greenhouse yourself using medical droppers. The principle remains the same as when installing a structure made of bottles (Figure 4).
A flexible hose is laid out along the entire length of the beds, which is connected to the main pipe and a water storage tank. Holes are drilled in the hose into which droppers with special valves are inserted, through which water will flow to the plants.
Figure 4. Installation diagram of irrigation from medical droppers The main difference of such a system is that water does not flow to the roots, but to the surface of the soil, and the number of droppers can be any.
Automatic drip irrigation
Automation of moisture application greatly facilitates plant care, since the soil is saturated with moisture practically without human intervention.
To install such a structure, a controller running on an autonomous battery is installed on the water tank. The tank, in turn, is connected to the water supply, and when it is empty, it is automatically refilled. Automation also involves installing sensors that will start and stop soil moisture based on time.
How to make drip irrigation in a greenhouse yourself
Assembling a point irrigation system yourself is a completely feasible task. To do this, you need to buy a ready-made kit and simply install it on site.
Note: At the moment, the most popular products are Dusya and AquaDusya. The latter is fully automated, while the former is considered simple and suitable even for small greenhouses.
To carry out installation correctly, you need to follow some recommendations:
- Make an installation plan and schematically draw the location of hoses and droppers;
- Install a water container above the ground surface to maintain stable pressure in the pipes;
- Place pipes or flexible hoses to supply water over the beds;
- Install a starter and electronic sensors on the main pipe and water tank to automate watering.
At the final stage, the finished structure is necessarily tested to check whether water flows normally and whether the hoses are leaking.
From the central water supply system
If your site has running water, automatic watering in the greenhouse will not be difficult. To do this, just connect the water storage tank to the central water supply and install a special sensor that will fill the tank.
This design makes it possible to almost completely automate watering, but it should be remembered that in the winter all its elements are dried and removed.
How does a drip irrigation system work for a greenhouse?
The operating principle of such structures in a greenhouse is quite simple. Water is constantly stored in a special tank and enters pipes or hoses under pressure.
Holes are made in all hoses into which droppers are inserted. Through them, water seeps in small drops and enters the soil. This method of providing moisture is considered the most convenient, since all plants, without exception, receive the right amount of water. However, the irrigation structure cannot be left without attention either: valves, hoses and drippers must be checked periodically in order to eliminate the blockage or malfunction in time.
In greenhouses, not only vegetables, fruits and herbs are often grown, but also indoor plants in pots, which also require high-quality watering (Figure 5).
Figure 5. Diagram and example of installation of an irrigation structure for closed beds and indoor plants In this case, the system will be beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it can be installed not only on the ground, but also on vertical racks. Secondly, the design allows you to connect tubes to each pot and plant.
How to choose drip irrigation for a greenhouse
The success of soil moistening largely depends on the quality of the chosen system. To buy a truly good product, pay attention to several important parameters (Figure 6):
- Pump power and its functions: in high-quality products, it not only starts the system itself, but also creates the required level of pressure.
- The walls of the hoses must be strong so that water does not break through them during operation.
- Sensors must be easy to operate: ease of use will depend on this.
Figure 6. Tools for assembling the system yourself As a rule, high-quality products are more expensive, but since their operation lasts for years, it is not worth saving on such a purchase.
How to choose drip tape for irrigation
A key role in the use of such irrigation is played by the tape - a flexible hose that is laid out over the beds and brought to the plants.
When purchasing, carefully inspect the tape. It must be strong enough, but at the same time flexible, so that creases form on it, which could cause the entire system to fail in the future.
The technology for assembling such irrigation structures is shown in the video.
Water dissolves the nutrients and trace elements contained in the soil and fertilizers and makes them available to the plant root system in the form of a soil solution. Moisture is part of plant tissue: many crops consist of 95-97% water.
When gardening, you cannot rely only on precipitation, especially if it is not regular. A prolonged lack of moisture suppresses plant growth, provokes diseases, and leads to death. The lack of natural moisture must be compensated for by regular watering.
Industrial technologies are good in large greenhouses. There, automation allows you to continuously control temperature, humidity, duration of watering, illumination, application of fertilizers and nutrients.
liquids. At a summer cottage, you have to do all this work yourself. And a summer resident is quite capable of facilitating such a task with the help of a drip irrigation system.
To organize drip irrigation, you need to create a branched line from special hoses equipped with drippers. Drippers have a fixed capacity, which allows you to maintain the necessary soil moisture and at the same time save water.
DRIP IRRIGATION FROM A BOX
A simple drip irrigation system can be easily and quickly installed with your own hands.
To understand the principle of operation and feel the intricacies of installation and configuration, you can start with assembly
WATERING
ready-made systems. Today it can be purchased in almost all stores selling garden supplies or in online stores.
A basic set for watering an area of up to 25 m2 costs approximately 900 rubles, 50 m2 - 1300 rubles, 100 m2 -1600 rubles.
The main elements of a drip irrigation system are a water source, special droppers and hoses transporting water. Auxiliary elements include all kinds of plugs, controllers, adapters, tees, hydrants, sensors, taps, etc.
Drip irrigation device
DRIP HOSE
To supply water to the beds, you can use metal or plastic pipes, and then use adapters to create
a line of hoses with built-in droppers. Our kit uses 0 16 mm drip tape. The droppers are located in increments of 15-30 cm, which depend on the type of tape. The wall thickness of drip tapes varies from 0.125 to 0.4 mm.
Tapes can be seamless or glued. Glued tapes are a cheap option and usually last for one season, while seamless tapes, although more expensive, have a long service life.
Light-stabilizing additives used in the manufacture of the tape not only protect it from ultraviolet radiation, but
and make it resistant to the chemical effects of pesticides and various fertilizers used in the process of growing plants, increasing their service life.
INSTALLATION OF PLANT DRIPPING WATERING SYSTEM
With a certain amount of skill, you can assemble a finished system on a pre-prepared site in an hour.
First you need to decide on the size of the bed and draw a diagram of the location of the HDPE tube and drip lines.
The HDPE tube and drip tape must be unwound and left in a straightened position. This must be done carefully to prevent damage, and during installation to avoid kinks and ensure effective watering.
To prevent foreign particles from entering the tube, when installing the system on a garden bed, it is recommended to plug all holes. This can be done with a thin plastic film, securing it with rubber bands. These temporary plugs should be removed immediately before installing the drip tapes and hose.
Drip tapes are not a closed circuit, so a plug must be installed at the end of the watering line.
WATERING FROM A BARREL
The recommended pressure in the system is no more than 1.5 bar (1.5 kg/cm2). To ensure normal and trouble-free operation of the irrigation system from the water supply, a water pressure regulator must be installed at the inlet of the irrigation system.
To supply water to the site, it is better to use plastic pipes, since metal ones quickly rust from the inside, which is bad for drippers, which fail when clogged. In addition, plastic pipes have less weight and price, and are more technologically advanced during installation.
Our drip tape has a pitch of 30 cm, pouring 1.2-1.6 l/h per dropper. You can use a suitable container as a source of water. For example, a 100-liter barrel will be enough for an hour of watering, if you take 25 m of drip tapes on which 80 droppers are located.
The water reservoir should be located on a hill, for this you can create an artificial hill or a structure from improvised means.
To prevent water from blooming, it is necessary to cover the container and choose opaque hoses for installing the system: in transparent ones, water quickly blooms.
FIRST WATERING OF PLANTS
Before starting operation, you must completely flush the watering line. To do this, remove the plugs from the drip tapes and supply water into the main, preferably under pressure. Then you need to plug the ends of the drip tapes - and you can start drip watering the plants.
Experienced gardeners advise cleaning the highways at least once a season, and in the event that any section of the highway had to be repaired.
CARE OF YOUR DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM
The weak point of the drip irrigation system for drip plants is that they must be protected from clogging: mechanical, biological and chemical.
To prevent mechanical clogging from suspended particles in the water (sand, dirt, rust, scale, small insects, etc.), mechanical cleaning filters are used, the condition of which must be monitored.
Biological clogging occurs as a result of water algae, when algae, mucus and other biological debris form, clogging the drippers. Regular washing of barrels, drip irrigation systems and a high-quality filter at its inlet will prevent biological clogging.
Chemical clogging is caused by adding fertilizer to water (fertigation), as well as if the water itself is hard. In this case, special additives are used to purify water to regulate the acidity of the water.
AUTOMATION
A drip irrigation system is easy to automate. It is enough to install weather sensors that respond to the temperature and humidity of the air, soil, as well as general weather conditions, and the automation will independently regulate the watering process. You can limit yourself to a programmable timer, which will, at the owner’s request, allow and prohibit the supply of water to the system. The price of such a timer is almost twice the cost of the entire irrigation system for beds for 25 m 2.
Therefore, if the financial issue is important, then it is quite possible to engage in this creative process yourself, turning the watering on and off with the tap.
Water can be taken from the water supply or pumped into tanks from a well or well with a pump.
SYSTEM CARE
To determine the effectiveness of irrigation, it is necessary to estimate the size of the water spot created by the dripper. If the spot has a diameter of less than 30 cm, it means that the dropper is clogged and it (or the entire line) needs to be cleaned or replaced. If instead of a stain, puddles form from mechanical damage to the droppers or the tape itself, then you can replace part of the tape. In this case, it is necessary to turn off the water, cut the tape at the point of damage and connect it with a special bidirectional connecting element.
In the fall, the drip irrigation system for plants must be dismantled. The system is washed with clean water, disassembled and stored. Sensors, timers and controllers must be disconnected and stored in a room with above-zero temperatures.
Expert advice:
Install taps on each branch of the irrigation main, which will allow you to repair the damaged area without interference and turn off the desired branch during agricultural work or after harvesting.
You can make a stand yourself by securing a plastic holder for pipes 0 16 mm with a screw on a wooden peg. If the wood is treated with a protective antiseptic or used machine oil, then such a stand will last for more than one season. It will turn out cheaper, and you can choose the height of the belt suspension and the depth of the peg yourself, based on the properties of the soil.
Assembling drip irrigation with your own hands - step-by-step photos
A set of materials for assembling a drip irrigation system in a garden plot is packaged in a convenient cardboard suitcase.
Inside the drip tapes there is a turbulent flow emitter, which, according to the manufacturers of the product, creates a more accurate dosage of watering, protects the drippers from clogging and facilitates the supply of water over long distances.
Each dripper in the drip tape has two watering holes.
HDPE tube coil (low-density polyethylene)
Using a 3.5 mm drill or an awl, we make holes in the HDPE tube at a pre-selected distance between the drip lines.
We install plastic plugs at the ends of the HDPE pipe.
We insert the start connectors into the holes with force.
We install a 16 x 19 x 16 mm tee into the gap in the HDPE pipe to connect the water supply hose.
The 6 mm starter connector for 16 mm tape is a simple but reliable fitting for connecting a drip irrigation hose up to 12 m long.
To plug the line, we fold the end of the tape three times and fasten it with a screw with a wide flat head to a wooden or plastic side of the bed or a peg.
We put a drip tape on the fitting of the start connector and fix it by turning the nut. The reverse operation will allow you to remove the tape from the fitting without extra effort.
In order for plants to thrive in the garden or greenhouse, they need to be provided with good lighting and proper, even watering. Therefore, every gardener tries to create the most comfortable conditions for all representatives of the flora that grow on the site. And if everything is more or less clear, then what about watering? You've probably heard more than once that simply pouring water from a hose is harmful to plants. That is why many people are thinking about a more gentle type of moisture supply to crops. A do-it-yourself drip irrigation system is quite simple to make, but there are a huge number of advantages from using it.
What is drip irrigation, how to turn it into a “system” and what advantages can it have? Before we answer these questions, let’s figure out why heavy watering with a hose is so harmful to plants. Most people are even willing to water the plantings manually from jars rather than use a hose.
And all because:
- the pressure of the jet from the hose erodes the soil around the stem and roots of plants, which crops really don’t like;
- the soil around the plants receives too much water, which negatively affects the process of natural aeration - the air that the roots need is simply pushed out of the soil by water;
- If you water the garden with a hose, the water consumption will be very high; this indicator is extremely important for those garden plots where water is brought by water tankers, but for some reason there is no water supply system and wells;
- Because of excess moisture in the soil, plants begin to grow poorly, become sick, their roots rot, and eventually the plantings die.
These are the main reasons why many gardeners are increasingly thinking about installing a drip irrigation system in their summer cottage. Drip irrigation is truly a win-win option for both greenhouses and open ground. It is a system of water hoses, which are connected at one end to a reservoir of water, and with many other ends of the branches dug into the ground right next to the root system of each plant individually. That is, many thin hoses are necessarily diverted from the main, main one, and each goes to a separate plant.
On a note! Such a system can be equipped for absolutely any crop. But most often, summer residents provide drip irrigation for peppers and other, more capricious plants.
As a rule, such a system cannot be universal for every garden. Typically, a separate drip irrigation plan is drawn up for each site. It will indicate all the plantings that need a gentle supply of water, and all hoses will be laid in accordance with this plan. This is probably the main drawback of the drip irrigation system - you can’t just go to the store and buy the first kit you come across for installing this device. By the way, that’s why many people do everything with their own hands.
Benefits of drip irrigation
- Water is supplied directly to the root of the plant without affecting the stem, which means it does not expose the crop to the risk of plant diseases associated with excessive moisture.
On a note! It was with the help of the drip irrigation system that it was once possible to turn dried-up Israel into a blooming oasis, in which gardening is now widely developed. So drip irrigation is time-tested.
Most likely, after reading the beginning of the article, you are inspired and are already thinking about going to the store for a drip irrigation system. But don’t rush: first, first you need to draw up an irrigation plan and use it to calculate how many meters of hoses you will need. And secondly, drip irrigation is faster and easier to do with your own hands.
Prices for drip irrigation systems
drip irrigation system
What can drip irrigation be made from?
Knowing the basic principle of operation of a drip irrigation system, it will not be difficult for an imaginative gardener to come up with what this device can be made of. The system typically consists of a large water tank mounted on an elevated surface. A long main hose is connected to it in the lower part using taps, to which, in accordance with the irrigation scheme, hoses with a smaller cross-section are connected through fittings. And the ends of small water conduits are dug directly under the root of each plant or fixed so that the moisture from them drips directly along the stem onto the ground.
On a note! It’s good if you take care of the presence of a filter in the irrigation system. The fact is that various debris can get into the water (if the tank is open), which will quickly render the hoses unusable by clogging them. Everything will have to be redone to make the system work again.
This is what a drip irrigation system looks like. It can be complicated and equipped with a controller, or, conversely, simplified.
Table. Ideas for a DIY Drip Irrigation System.
| Material | Description |
|---|---|
| The most familiar and understandable way. You will need a thick watering hose and thin water conduits with a diameter approximately the same as the air supply hose of a conventional pump for wheels and balls. The entire system is connected, as in the case of industrial installation, using fittings. |
| There can be two scenarios here - the bottles can be hung near the plants or dug into the ground. In the first case, they are equipped with droppers, in the second, a lot of holes are made in them, and the upper part is cut off. The system is inconvenient because you have to add water to the bottles. |
| It is very easy to make drip irrigation from this material. Droppers are an affordable material; they can be purchased at a pharmacy or asked from a medical professional you know. |
The device looks like this: a plastic bottle with small diameter holes is dug in near each individual plant in the greenhouse. The bottle is filled with water, which seeps through small holes and nourishes the roots of the plants.
There are also many modifications of the listed ideas that can be improved or, conversely, simplified. Let's consider creating a drip irrigation system from conventional medical droppers.
Materials for a dripper irrigation system
Where does the installation of an irrigation system begin? And it begins with developing an irrigation scheme and acquiring the necessary materials. The plan should reflect the complete layout of your site, and not just show the location of the house and greenhouse, but also show all the garden plantings. But this is the case if you decide to equip your entire garden with a drip irrigation system. To equip an irrigation system for a small plot - for example, three strawberry beds - it will be enough to draw up a detailed diagram of these same beds. The diagram also indicates the location where the water tank will be installed.
On a note! Try to transfer the most accurate dimensions to the drawing - this will simplify the calculation of the amount of materials needed. Measure everything with a tape measure.
Materials needed to make a drip irrigation system:
- water tank- as a rule, this is a large plastic tank; It is better not to use metal, as it will begin to rust over time, and rust particles will clog thin hoses, which will lead to damage to the entire system; in this case, the tank must be opaque, otherwise the water will quickly bloom;
- main pipe- it is best to use plastic, as it will last longer; the tube will be connected to a water tank, you can also use a hose;
- medical droppers in an amount equal to the number of bushes that need watering;
- ball valve, opening the flow of water;
- filter, ensuring the purity of the water entering the droppers;
- fitting for branching hoses;
- stub for main hose.
On a note! The water tank must be located at a certain height, so you should immediately take care of the presence of a stand for it. The optimal height for raising the tank is 2-2.5 meters.
Installation of a dripper irrigation system
So, the materials have been purchased, plans have been drawn up - it’s time to start making a drip irrigation system from drippers.
Step 1. It is necessary to make a hole for water outlet in the tank. To do this, cut a hole for the ball valve a few centimeters from the bottom of the tank and install the latter using seals and a coupling so that water does not leak out.
On a note! If you plan to install a filter in your system, it is best to install it at the water outlet from the tank so that all debris that gets into the water does not clog the tap and hoses. Instead of a filter, you can use a piece of foam rubber, but it will need to be changed regularly.
Step 2. In the hoses that will be located between the bushes, we make holes of such a diameter that the ends of the droppers will be held inside. The number of holes will be equal to the number of plants being watered.
Step 3. We connect the main main hose to the tap, to which, according to the diagram, we also connect those that will be located between the rows of bushes. The connection is made using splitter fittings.
Step 4. We stretch the hose system and lay it between the rows.
Step 5. We close the ends of the main hoses with plugs to prevent water from spilling out.
Step 6. We remove the needles from medical droppers, leaving the rubber tips in place.
Step 9 Open the tap and allow water to enter the system.
Step 10 Using a regulator with a wheel on the droppers, we control the flow of water, adjusting the intensity.
On a note! Be sure to cover the water tank with something from the sun's rays to prevent the water from blooming. Otherwise, microalgae will grow in the tank, which will quickly contaminate the filter.
Video - Installation of drip irrigation from drippers
You are convinced that making a drip irrigation system yourself is not difficult. How much cheaper it is than buying a ready-made one remains an open question. This will be easy for those who have medical workers in the family or people who can buy IVs at a discounted or wholesale price. Otherwise, the system may turn out to be quite expensive.
And finally, I would like to give some tips on using drip irrigation that will extend its service life and make it easier for you to use.
- The reservoir should only be filled with clean water to keep the filter clean for as long as possible.
- By the way, you need to clean the filter weekly even if you fill it with clean water.
- Before you first start using your drip irrigation system for its intended purpose, flush it and see if everything is working correctly. It is better to eliminate shortcomings immediately, if any.
Now you fully understand what drip irrigation is, why it is needed, and how to assemble it from ordinary droppers. The system is not complicated, but very functional. That is why do not waste your time now, so as not to run around with buckets later.
Video - How drip irrigation from drippers works
Today, the most popular irrigation option in a summer cottage is drip irrigation. Water falls directly under the roots of plants, so this system allows you to save on water resource consumption, facilitate the labor-intensive process of watering and increase productivity. This irrigation option can be purchased as a ready-made kit or made independently. Do-it-yourself drip irrigation for your dacha at no cost: make your own system from scrap materials.
Drip irrigation is a system of regular and uniform provision of moisture to the root system of plants, which helps moisten the soil directly under the planting. This type of irrigation can significantly save water. The soil does not become excessively waterlogged and does not become waterlogged between rows, as happens with other water supply options. This promotes the active supply of oxygen to the root system, which has a beneficial effect on plant growth, thereby increasing productivity.
The drip irrigation system allows you to reduce the labor intensity of caring for green crops. And with an automated process, you can leave the area unattended for several days without worrying about the plants being left without water.
The equipment can be very diverse. But any system includes main pipelines for supplying and distributing water and outlet branches that supply water directly to the root system of each green space. The system is connected to a centralized water supply, storage tank (gravity-flow option) or to a pumping station. It can be equipped with automation, sometimes it is controlled manually. Depending on these criteria, system components are selected.
Components of an irrigation system and their characteristics
The main element of the system is the water supply source. It can be represented by a water supply system, a well or a water-measuring tank, which is installed at a height of at least 1.5 m. The next required element is a filter for drip irrigation with your own hands, thanks to which the system will not become clogged with various small debris.
The device can be vortex, disk or mesh. The latter option is considered more popular, which is due to its low cost. The vortex filter is used for irrigation systems of large areas. The disk element is characterized by excellent performance characteristics and high cost, which is not at all justified for small summer cottages.
If the source of water supply is a well or well, the system must be equipped with a pumping unit. The most appropriate option is considered to be a centrifugal type of device. The DIY drip irrigation distribution network consists of pipelines and hoses. For the main trunk network, metal or plastic pipes can be used. Metal products are strong, reliable and durable. However, the material is subject to corrosion, which will result in damage to the system.
Polyethylene or polypropylene pipelines are a more acceptable option. The products are characterized by strength, a smooth inner wall, which eliminates the possibility of deposits forming inside the system. Plastic pipes can withstand temperature fluctuations and the negative effects of aggressive substances.
DIY drip tapes for irrigation system
To organize outlets for each row, drip tapes in the form of a flat thin-walled tube, which has special devices for supplying water, are mainly used when arranging an irrigation system with your own hands. The tape is designed for pressure up to 1 bar. If it increases, the product may rupture. The maximum length of the tape is 100 m.
You can buy slotted or emitter drip tape. In the first option, there is a labyrinth along the entire length of the product, which distributes water evenly. At certain distances there are holes in it to release water. This type of belt is prone to clogging, so it requires the installation of a good filter.
Inside the emitter tape there are flat droppers equipped with a labyrinth system, thanks to which water is supplied to the plants. Emitters can be located at different distances in the range of 10-35 cm, which is determined by the type of crops being watered. The lower this value, the higher the cost of the product. Emitter tape is more reliable than slotted tape, and this is reflected in the cost of the product.
When choosing a tape, you should pay attention to its thickness, which affects the strength and durability of the product. The thinnest element will last no more than one season and is suitable exclusively for greenhouses.
Features of using drip tubes with external droppers
The drip tube is made of HDPE and is rigid and durable. It is produced without holes and is intended for self-installation of external drippers. The wall thickness of the product is 0.9-1.2 mm. The material is resistant to UV rays. The drip tube can withstand pressure up to 6 bar.
External drippers are used when organizing drip irrigation at a dacha individually for each plant. To ensure normal operation of the system, it is necessary to have high pressure in the network. These devices can be connected through thin hoses or connected directly to the drip pipe.
There are several types of external IVs. Compensated ones are used for uniform irrigation with a very long drip tape, as well as in areas with a slope. They operate exclusively from a pressure system. Less prone to contamination by small debris. Uncompensated devices are used with a short length of drip pipe and on flat areas. This option is used for gravity flow systems from a tank. They can operate at low network pressure. There are also dropper pegs that are used for spot watering. The product is installed in the root zone of the planting.
Helpful advice! For drip irrigation of tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants and peppers, it is advisable to use drip tubes with external droppers.
The advantage of such pipes is that you can independently choose the installation step and regulate the volume of water released. The disadvantages include the high cost of the product (compared to drip tapes), the labor-intensive and time-consuming process of cleaning the droppers.
How to choose the right timers for drip irrigation
When installing automatic drip irrigation, you should set a timer. It performs the following functions:
- controls the irrigation system;
- controls the operation of the pump motor;
- starts and stops water supply;
- ensures the operation of several lines simultaneously.
The timer runs on batteries. When you change them, all programs on it are saved. The device may be equipped with a function. There are mechanical and electronic timers. The first option operates on a spring, providing continuous watering for up to 24 hours. Mode adjustments are made manually. Any action cannot be programmed for an indefinite time. Such a device can be used for small areas where the irrigation process is constantly controlled by the owner.
An electronic timer allows you to program the process. The device has mechanical or software control. The first option is set for one week with a watering duration of no more than 2 hours. The innovative device is a program-controlled timer with 16 commands. It can be used to irrigate crops that have different watering regimes. The equipment is equipped with an air humidity sensor. This expensive option (in comparison with other devices) is recommended to be installed for watering large areas, as well as in greenhouses.
If the system is connected to a centralized water supply or pump, you should choose a device with a solenoid valve, and for watering from a barrel by gravity - with a ball valve.
How to make drip irrigation with your own hands from plastic pipes and hoses
When arranging a drip irrigation system from ready-made components, it is necessary to opt exclusively for high-quality products so that it lasts for many years and money is not wasted. The irrigation scheme should be quite simple, with a minimum number of connectors. At the junctions of elements, the pressure weakens, which contributes to the accumulation of small particles of debris.
Installation of the system is preceded by the creation of a layout diagram of all its component elements, and this, in turn, depends on the layout of the site and the location of the beds. The diagram should indicate the source of water supply, the main pipe and outlet hoses so that you can calculate the amount of materials needed. It is better to use a plastic barrel as a source of water supply for drip irrigation. This material does not corrode, which will not only increase the service life of the product, but also eliminate the possibility of clogging the system with rust particles.
A main pipeline, which can be made of metal or plastic, is connected to the water supply source. A more preferable option is to lay polypropylene drip irrigation pipes with your own hands. The main branch is located perpendicular to the beds and has a larger diameter than the outlet pipelines. All do-it-yourself drip irrigation elements made from plastic pipes are connected with compression fittings. After the shut-off valve of the water supply, a coarse filter is installed on the main line.
If drip tapes are used as outlet pipelines, then holes are drilled in the line for their fastening using starting fittings. The hoses are placed as close to the row of plants as possible. A plug is installed at the end of each tape. Next, the system is checked for functionality.
If you plan to lay the system underground, you need to dig a trench 30-70 cm deep under the pipelines. You need to fill the bottom with a layer of crushed stone and lay the assembled system. Next, it is tested, after which it is backfilled with soil. You can study the installation process in detail in the video of drip irrigation at the dacha.
Important! Drip irrigation pipelines laid underground are highly susceptible to clogging.
Drip irrigation from plastic bottles: features of the irrigation option
From plastic bottles and canisters you can make not only decorative elements for beautifying the territory. Of these, a full-fledged drip irrigation system is organized at the dacha site, which allows the soil to be moistened for 3-4 days.
Based on numerous reviews, it is advisable to perform drip irrigation from plastic bottles from containers with a volume of up to 2.5 liters. The saturation of water in the soil depends on the type of soil; this determines the number of holes in the container, thanks to which sufficient moisture will be ensured, which will eliminate the possibility of overfilling or underfilling. For example, sandy soils absorb moisture well. In this case, 1-2 holes in the bottle will be enough, and for heavy soils a larger number should be provided. Bottles with a capacity of 1 liter provide drip irrigation of cucumbers and tomatoes for 4-5 days, 3 liters for 10 days, 6 liters for 14-15 days.
It is advisable to organize drip irrigation using plastic containers in small areas. For large areas, it will take too much effort and time to refill the container with water.
Helpful advice! The plastic system can be used to feed and fertilize various crops.
The main advantages of creating drip irrigation from plastic containers:
- significant water savings;
- minimal financial costs for organizing the system;
- individual approach to each green space;
- simple installation, operation and maintenance;
- targeted supply of moisture and fertilizing.
Related article:
Selection of pipe material for watering and irrigation. Key points for installing the system yourself.
The disadvantages of the system include the following:
- frequent clogging of the system due to the inability to install a filter;
- unaesthetic appearance of the site;
- constant manual replenishment of water;
- on the hot days of hot summer, the plastic system may not be able to adequately supply the plants with water.
Helpful advice! You can create a filter for each bottle by using nylon tights.
DIY methods for organizing drip irrigation from plastic bottles
There are several ways to create drip irrigation from plastic containers. The system can carry out surface and subsurface irrigation.
Underground homemade drip irrigation of roots using plastic bottles can be done in several ways. The most popular option is to dig containers between adjacent bushes to a depth of 10-15 cm, bottom down. Along the entire bottle, before it begins to narrow towards the neck, holes should be made using a gypsy needle or awl, 3 cm away from the bottom of the container. The average number of holes is 10-12 pcs. for containers of 2 liters. A container wrapped in thin fabric is dug into a previously prepared hole, filled with water and closed with a lid.
As the container is emptied, which occurs under the pressure of the earth, it may become deformed. To avoid this, you should pierce a hole in the lid to equalize the pressure, and you should also replenish water supplies in a timely manner.
Another similar option is to place the container with the lid down. To use this method, you need to cut off the bottom of the bottle and screw the cap onto the neck. Holes are made throughout the entire area of the container, not reaching the top by 2-3 cm. The bottle, pre-wrapped in gauze, is placed in the hole and filled with water. To prevent debris from falling into the water, the container is covered on top with a previously cut bottom.
Do-it-yourself subsoil drip irrigation for your dacha can be organized using special oblong-shaped nozzles with holes. They can be bought in specialized stores for summer residents and gardeners. The nozzle is screwed onto the neck of the container instead of the lid. In this case, you should use bottles with a capacity of up to 2.5 liters, since there are no such devices for containers of 5-6 liters. The bottle, neck down, is inserted into the ground to the depth of the nozzle. The bottom of the container does not need to be cut off. After emptying the container, the tip is unscrewed, it is filled with water, and the manipulation is repeated.
Do-it-yourself root and surface drip irrigation from bottles
Using plastic containers, you can carry out root drip watering of the garden, directing drops of water directly under the root of each plant. For this method, it is better to choose a 1.5 liter container. A hole is made in the central part of the lid using a nail. Next, you should cut the bottom of the bottle at an angle of 30-40 degrees. The container itself will be located at the same inclination relative to the ground. The container is secured with several sticks and tape as close to the bush as possible, tilting the neck in such a way as to ensure that water gets directly under the rhizome.
Another option, often used in a greenhouse, involves watering the plant from a distance. To do this, take a small container and a regular ballpoint pen, previously cleaned of paste residues with gasoline or solvent. One end of it is tightly closed with a toothpick or match. The other is inserted into the opening of the bottle. It is better to seal the joint with plasticine.
From plastic bottles can be basal and superficial
It is necessary to make holes in the rod, the number and size of which will depend on the required intensity of moistening. It is directed under the root of the plant, depending on which the bottle is dug into the ground to the required depth. The container is filled with water and closed with a lid.
For a small area, you can make a hanging system. To do this, a support is built over the bushes, a metal rod or wire is stretched, from which the bottles will be suspended. A series of small holes should be made in the bottom or lid of the container, which depends on its location. The main advantage of this method is that the water will flow to the plant warm due to the fact that it is heated by the sun.
The container is hung above the bed at a height of 30-50 cm from ground level. The location of the bottle should be chosen based on the optimal contact of drops under the plant, and not on its leaves.
Helpful advice! You shouldn't make a lot of holes at once. They can be added as needed to increase water supply.
Do-it-yourself drip irrigation for your dacha at no cost: do it yourself from medical droppers
Another economical option is to install a drip irrigation system using medical droppers. It is rational to arrange it in areas with different varieties of crops, which should be watered in different quantities. This procedure is made possible due to the fact that the droppers are equipped with special control wheels that allow you to select the required intensity of liquid flow. The disadvantage of such a system is that the droppers quickly become clogged, which requires periodic flushing.
To create a drip irrigation system with your own hands, you should prepare:
- disposable medical droppers;
- hoses for distributing water over the beds;
- connecting and shut-off valves for droppers and hoses.
Helpful advice! It is recommended to choose all components in a dark color, which will prevent water from blooming in the system.
Before installing such a device, you should display on a piece of paper a drip irrigation scheme, which is carried out based on the location of the beds where irrigation should be provided. Based on this, surface distribution of supply pipes is carried out on the site. For this you can use polyethylene or rubber products. All elements are connected using tees. A plug must be installed at the end of each hose.
The system can be connected from a centralized water supply or from a storage tank located at a certain height. Also in this case, you can create it by installing a timer or controller at the beginning of the system. A hole is made in the distribution pipes opposite each plant into which the plastic end of the dropper is inserted. Tubes of elements are placed under each bush.
Helpful advice! In order for the drip irrigation system from medical droppers to last as long as possible, a fine filter should be installed at the very beginning (after the water supply source).
Review of ready-made drip irrigation systems, their characteristics
The Zhuk drip irrigation system from a domestic manufacturer is one of the most popular among gardeners. It can be connected to a centralized water supply or to a storage tank. If you use the latter option, the kit includes a level tube, through which you can control the amount of water remaining in the barrel. Manufacturers produce “Zhuk” drip irrigation systems for 60 plants and 30 plantings. Usually the device is equipped with a timer and a filter. You can additionally buy “Zhuk” drip irrigation, designed for 20 plants.
“Kaplya” irrigation kits are equipped with emitter tapes with dropper pitches of 0.3 m. Thanks to the complex labyrinth of channels inside the dropper, the possibility of clogging is eliminated. The system is designed for an area of 25 m2. Can be connected to both a water supply and a storage tank. The controller is not included in the set.
A more reliable analogue of the Zhuk irrigation system is the Water Strider model, which is designed for drip irrigation of small greenhouses. The set consists of a 12 m long hose, a controller, 40 drippers and connecting elements. The system is organized for watering exclusively from the container, since the operating pressure in the network should not exceed 1 bar. The barrel is most often located at a height of 50 m.
The Belarusian drip irrigation system “Akvadusya” has several varieties suitable for watering areas of different sizes. It can be equipped with or without a controller, connected to a water supply or storage tank.
Drip irrigation "Urozhay"-1 is also produced with long-length emitter tapes. The system can be additionally equipped with a filter and automation. Another budget option is the Pomodor drip irrigation system with drip tubes, external drippers and a timer. The kit also includes special splitters to facilitate installation of the system. The most expensive model contains a controller and a submersible pump.
The Istok irrigation system includes a 25 m drip tube with a pitch between droppers of 30 cm. The device is equipped with a filter and fittings necessary for connection to a storage tank. Some models are equipped with a controller and pump.
Today you can buy a drip irrigation system, which includes all possible elements. But such a solution requires significant financial costs. A more economical option is to create such a mechanism from ready-made components. In addition, you can make your own irrigation system for your dacha using scrap materials, such as plastic bottles and medical droppers. The choice depends on the nature of the territory, its area, the number and type of green spaces, personal preferences and financial capabilities of the owner.
Do-it-yourself drip irrigation at your dacha: video story
By installing drip irrigation with your own hands, you can significantly speed up ripening and get a wonderful harvest of vegetables, berries, fruits, and significantly save money. Every gardener knows the benefits of moisturizing the roots of a plant. A self-created drip irrigation system will ensure uniform distribution of water and fertilizer to all plantings on the site.
There are several types of self-assembly of this kind of structures. It is enough to familiarize yourself with them and make a choice of the appropriate option for a particular area.
For those who want to install drip irrigation on their own and want to save money, it will be enough to purchase only the necessary components or select analogues from improvised means, without spending a penny on parts, depending on the structure being installed, since there are several types of irrigation systems.
How to install an irrigation system in the form of drip irrigation in a summer cottage?
Before you begin to independently install a structure for drip humidification of something, you need to take into account the volume of water reserves in the bucket; it should be enough to fully charge the siphon.
The siphon is a vertical arc-shaped pipe installed in such a way that one end is open to transmit water and is immersed in a tank of water, and the other end is connected to the pipeline of this irrigation system. The height of the siphon depends on the volume of the tank and the water intended for watering the plants.
Through the siphon, water is driven by the last portion of liquid raised from the bucket to the upper level of the siphon.
The photo shows how the liquid from the tank flows through the irrigation water supply until the levels in the tank and at the end of the siphon are equal. You can regulate the speed of water supply to the tank using a tap.
From the tank, the liquid enters the distribution system, which consists of hoses, a watering pipeline with a certain size of holes for spraying water.
During the installation of drip irrigation, you can form different shapes, for example, ring shapes for irrigating shrubs or trees. Simple rectangular systems for watering beds are made from ordinary pipes.
To regulate watering, a special subsystem design is used, which consists of a rain valve, a lever, a pusher, a tank cover and a spring.
In order for the valve to work, it is necessary to carefully make a special recess on the tank lid, where rainwater will collect, which will act as a load at a certain moment.
To fit onto the pins of the tank cover, holes are drilled along its edges.
The recess on the lid should be of such a size that, on the one hand, the weight of the collected rainwater is sufficient to close the valve, and on the other hand, so that after the rain, when the water evaporates, which is about a day later, the lid can be lifted by a spring, and the valve was able to reopen.
In the process of installing a drip irrigation system, it is necessary to correctly attach the pusher, the upper end of which should be attached to the tank lid, and the lower end to the lever.
An emergency subsystem cup is installed on the pusher. The principle of creation and operation of a rain valve is similar to the function of a float valve in a sanitary cistern.
It is known that the rate of moisture extraction from the soil depends on the depth of the root system relative to the ground surface.
The deeper the roots are, the lower the rate of water being extracted. Experience shows that roots extract at least 40% of precious moisture from the upper layers of the soil.
Plants with the most developed surface roots may die during drought. The main number of roots are located in the soil layers at a depth of 20-25 cm.
When installing your own drip irrigation system design, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of planting and growth of the root systems of grown plants.
The emergency subsystem mechanism includes a cup and an emergency drain valve. After filling the tank with water, the glass is filled, which should close the valve, which in turn will block the flow of water into the tank.
The valve should open from water pressure after its level rises above the top edge of the glass.
When making calculations with your own hands, it is necessary to take into account the value of the given pressure, and with the help of a spring and a fitting, create a certain force in the rod. If the set pressure limit is exceeded, the rod moves to the right.
The operating principle is as follows:
At the moment when the ball retainer moves to the side up to the annular groove, the balls fall into this groove under the influence of the spring, thereby fixing the rod and opening the way for fluid to enter the distribution network through the valve.
In the video you can see the stages of installing drip irrigation for your dacha with your own hands.
Do-it-yourself automated watering system
You can create an automated drip irrigation system thanks to a simple scheme, with the help of which at a given time every day, without human intervention, the irrigation system will start and turn off.
In this drip irrigation design, a hose with through holes is connected to the pump. These holes in the hose can be made with a hot awl. Through such holes, water will be distributed freely and it will not be afraid of congestion. The distance between the holes should be within 30-35 cm of each other. A hose with holes made according to the design is laid across the area. To avoid clogging, it is necessary to place pieces of boards in several places.
To set the system startup time, the pump power must be taken into account. The data is recorded using a circuit to automatically start the pump. This type of drip irrigation system will allow the owner to visit the dacha only once a week, since the irrigation of the beds will be carried out independently by this design.
This drip irrigation option is beneficial for lawn grass. After all, its root system is located at a depth of about 15 cm and in the heat, constant watering of lawns is necessary, otherwise there is a possibility of rapid drying of the top layer of soil, which leads to the death of plants. And the costs of a new lawn are quite high. Using the example of lawn grass, which is most susceptible to the harmful effects of wind and sun, it is clear where the soil dries out most quickly, and the benefits of regular and systematic watering are visible.
What problems can arise in the operation of drip irrigation systems?
It is known from practice that with an economical supply, it may happen that all the water flows out in the first sections of the system, but may not reach the outer sections.
And in the case of strong pressure of water pumped from a well, there may be an overconsumption of it, and as a result, waterlogging of the soil. This problem can be solved by purchasing a special dispenser in the store or making a similar dispenser with your own hands from an ordinary plastic bottle, using the principle of the toilet flush system and connecting it at the junction of the distribution pipes with the liquid supply point. Using this device, you can regulate the rate of water supply both to the beds and to individual plants.
What materials can be used to make droppers?
An important role in the irrigation system is played by drippers that are installed on water supply pipes, since through them water is supplied to the root system of plants.
To save money when creating a drip irrigation system with your own hands, you can use plastic elements from medical blood transfusion systems as droppers for irrigation.
