With all the rain and flooding we have been having you may be asking, why are you posting about drip irrigation? Well, spring is time for rain. Summer is time for sun. And come summer, many of you may be wishing you could have figured out how to save some of this rain!
Drip
irrigation is more efficient than conventional irrigation systems in that it is
measured in gallons per hour rather than in gallons per minute. Other
efficiency benefits include:
• Delivering water directly where it is needed reduces water evaporation and runoff
• Easy to install and maintain and can be used in rough terrains
• Can reduce pest, weed, and disease populations
• Water, energy, and money savings
• Delivering water directly where it is needed reduces water evaporation and runoff
• Easy to install and maintain and can be used in rough terrains
• Can reduce pest, weed, and disease populations
• Water, energy, and money savings
A
few disadvantages should be noted and include:
• Irrigation tubing and tape is susceptible to rodent damage
• Mowing and weed whacking around a system can be a challenge
• A filter is required to prevent clogging
• Leaks can be difficult to locate
• Management of plant water needs may increase
• Irrigation tubing and tape is susceptible to rodent damage
• Mowing and weed whacking around a system can be a challenge
• A filter is required to prevent clogging
• Leaks can be difficult to locate
• Management of plant water needs may increase
There
are several key components to consider in designing a drip system. First, it is
important to collect as much site information as you can. This not only
includes the location of the are(s) you are looking to irrigate, but also
looking at the location of any other existing features, the direction of any
slopes, and the soil type and condition. Designing a system will require all of
this to be mapped out. Second, it is important to locate all possible water
sources and to determine the type and size of the pipe of the water source as
it will help in sizing and figuring out flow rates for the drip system.
Next,
you will need to determine the flow rate. This can be done by timing how long
it takes to fill up a five-gallon bucket. Other components to consider in the
design include whether or not you are looking to install a timer as well as if
a backflow fixture is required by state or municipal plumbing codes.
Once
the system is installed and operating, it is important to follow all recommend
maintenance routines by the manufacturer. Many companies recommend flushing the
system regularly to remove sand and silt particles and mineral deposits,
cleaning the filters, as well as adding chlorine or other chemicals to the drip
line to prevent bacteria and algae from building up.
If
you are following the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations, it is
important to note:
205.601 Synthetic materials allowed for use in organic crop production states:
"In accordance with restrictions specified in this section, the following synthetic substances may be used in organic crop production: As algicide, disinfectants, and sanitizer, including irrigation system cleaning systems
(1) alcohols (i) Ethanol (ii) Isopropanol
(2) Chlorine materials—Except, That residual chlorine levels in the water shall not exceed the maximum residual disinfectant limit under the Safe Drinking Water Act [4 ppm]. (i) Calcium hypochlorite (ii) Chlorine dioxide (iii) Sodium hypochlorite
(3) Hydrogen peroxide
(4) Soap-based algicide/demisters"
205.601 Synthetic materials allowed for use in organic crop production states:
"In accordance with restrictions specified in this section, the following synthetic substances may be used in organic crop production: As algicide, disinfectants, and sanitizer, including irrigation system cleaning systems
(1) alcohols (i) Ethanol (ii) Isopropanol
(2) Chlorine materials—Except, That residual chlorine levels in the water shall not exceed the maximum residual disinfectant limit under the Safe Drinking Water Act [4 ppm]. (i) Calcium hypochlorite (ii) Chlorine dioxide (iii) Sodium hypochlorite
(3) Hydrogen peroxide
(4) Soap-based algicide/demisters"
Allowed
materials include anything else that is considered "natural,"
including acetic acid (vinegar) or citric acid, as long as they are in
compliance with the NOP regulations.
(From
ATTRA website)
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