We make drip irrigation from improvised means with our own hands. Do-it-yourself drip irrigation from improvised materials Garden and garden drip irrigation with your own hands

To obtain high and high-quality yields of both fruit and vegetable crops, a considerable amount of water is required. But in summer, at the height of fruiting, and especially in dry years, the amount of natural precipitation is clearly not enough. And greenhouses and greenhouses are completely devoid of them.

Therefore, many gardeners and gardeners are puzzled by watering issues. Someone decides to water them manually, and someone - from a hose.

But what to do when the site has a considerable area and such irrigation methods are physically difficult, and even not effective, and if you need to apply liquid fertilizers, what to do with plants that do not tolerate drops on the leaves?

This is where drip irrigation comes in. This method of watering will be discussed further.

What is a drip irrigation system?

She is a branched system of water conduits, with the help of which fluid is supplied to the root region of plants. The essence of functioning is extremely simple. Water first enters the storage tank from the water supply or is pumped from a well, then through main pipes, and then it is transported directly to the plantings through drip pipes.

Anyone, even a novice gardener, can provide simple drip irrigation with his own hands.

Of course, some of the components will need to be purchased at a specialized outlet. When selecting pipes for wiring, determining their length and diameter, it is necessary to focus on the planned water consumption and the required irrigation scheme. But, you need to make the wiring as simple as possible - with a small number of connecting components used. Because every fitting that goes into a drip irrigation system will be a blocking zone. And this, in turn, can accumulate dirt.

Do not create an overly complex plumbing system in your own area, because movement will be difficult, and the need for repairs will often arise.

Irrigation in closed ground

The drip irrigation system is aimed at the most rational supply of water, in the moments when a person is absent from his garden plot. And, above all, it is in demand in greenhouses and greenhouses, which are not provided with precipitation, and a lack of moisture can lead to the death of cultivated plants.

Do-it-yourself drip irrigation of greenhouses and greenhouses, most likely, will be a significant help to the summer resident. It significantly increases the yield, minimizes the incidence of late blight, increases the presentation of cultivated crops and allows you to save water. Thanks to this method of irrigation, the surface layer of the soil is not waterlogged, while the deeper layers receive the necessary water rate. This makes it possible to keep the capillary moisture capacity of the soil within the normal range.

Drip irrigation does not favor the growth of weeds and creates comfortable conditions for the maintenance of greenhouse crops. The passages between plantings are dry, and the plants themselves are not polluted. With an automated drip irrigation system, irrigation is carried out with minimal human intervention. Water enters the soil only in places where the root system lies, it evenly and constantly applied to each plant in the amount he needs.

In addition, thanks to such a system, the soil can be loosened less often, moisture immediately enters it to the required depth. Compared to conventional irrigation, when using drip irrigation, the natural structure of the soil is not disturbed. In strong sunlight plants do not burn, which is observed when drops fall on the leaves.

Drip irrigation scheme

As already mentioned, for the installation of the system, you will need to buy some parts, since it is difficult to build individual droppers, a drip hose, a start connector, various filters and pipes of the main line on your own.

The basic scheme of drip irrigation, which is created by one's own hands, implies a certain stationarity and a small number of branches. In order for water to be supplied naturally from a water tank, there will be one main pipe is enough from which drip tubes depart. To give the system more functionality, you can mount a special fluid pressure regulator and an irrigation shutdown sensor.

Basic components of an irrigation system:

1. Water main pipe (optimally plastic);
2. Water purification filters and plugs;
3. Drip hose and droppers;
4. Start connector and tee;
5. Ball valve and polyethylene pipes;
6. Plastic nuts.

For the construction of a drip irrigation system, it is required to clarify the plan of the site where the system will be located.

Land plan

In order to mount drip irrigation yourself, you will need to draw a plan for the location of the planned plantations that need irrigation. It is necessary to consider where the pipes of the system will be laid, stop valves, as well as drip pipes and autonomous droppers. When the site is a gentle slope, it will be correct arrange drip hoses at a certain slope and lay the pipe horizontally.

After marking all the places of future connections in the pipes. All this will be required to calculate the number of necessary components of the drip irrigation system.

Selection of components and material

Before you build drip irrigation yourself, you need to select the appropriate components for the future system. For main pipe it is better to buy pipes made of plastic, as they are lightweight, relatively inexpensive and do not corrode.

It is also necessary to consider the supply of water to the drip irrigation system of the site. If there is no running water, a rational solution in such a situation would be to install a container filled with water at a height of about two meters. Recommended isolate water from direct sunlight, to avoid the development of algae.

The laying of pipes and hoses is at the discretion of the gardener: they can be placed directly on the ground, hung on supports or buried. Most often they stop at the first option, since it is quite simple and inexpensive. But in that case opaque pipes are required to avoid blooming water. For laying underground pipelines, material with strong, thicker walls is used.

Creating drip irrigation with your own hands will require the mandatory use of filters for water purification. It is thanks to them that the likelihood of clogging and damage to drip hoses is reduced. Also, in addition to the specified, you need to choose the type and number of start connectors that will be mounted.

After the beds are demarcated, it is already possible to begin the direct installation of the system. Before starting the system, it must be flushed.

Having removed the plugs and let the water run until the dirty water is completely drained. It must be remembered that drip irrigation will require periodic cleaning of all filters. This possible to do it yourself without resorting to qualified professionals.

Drip irrigation system installation process

The main parts of the system are plastic tapes with holes and main, distributing pipes. First of all, the main pipes are laid - they are displayed along the tracks. Distribution pipes are laid on both sides of them.

The main pipes are joined to the water supply system with detachable connections. After that, drip irrigation tapes are mounted to the distribution pipes, they pass through the distribution valve along the entire required perimeter.

Do-it-yourself installation of a drip irrigation system is carried out using distribution pipes, which can serve as polyethylene irrigation pipe of the required length, with a diameter of about 4 cm. Of course, you can use a product of a different diameter, but this diameter is best for installing a start connector with a tap.

Cut off the pipe of the required length, on the one hand, a plug is attached, and on the other hand, with the help of a tap, you need to make the transition to the water supply. Holes with a diameter of 14 mm are made around the entire perimeter of the pipe (this is the most optimal diameter for securely fastening the connector). The segments between the connectors must match the intervals between plantings. A sealing gasket is installed in the dispensing tap, after which the start connector is mounted. Experts advise soak it in a soap solution or silicone grease, for a better connection. The connector with a tap provides adjustment of the water supply in the irrigation system, built by oneself on the treated area.

Distribution pipes and detachable fasteners

Connection to the pipeline is most often carried out using polyethylene pipes. Initially, bends are laid in both directions, additionally one more, for connecting a hose. A ball valve is soldered to the outlet, which is connected to the water supply, the task of which is to stop the circulation of water in the sleeve. After that, an adapter is mounted on the distributing pipe, which must correspond to the diameter of the water pipe. Between tap and conductive pipes connector is inserted, which makes it easy to detach the entire system structure at the end of the season.

The distribution pipe is connected to the water supply system after the installation of the dispensing connector equipped with a tap. For this purpose, a detachable connection is established. After the irrigation tape of the section of the required length is rolled out, the edges of the sleeves are connected to the dispensing taps of the main pipes. For this purpose drip tape mounted on the faucet and secured with a plastic nut. At the very end, the edges of the sleeves are closed - soldered or plugged in, this is at your discretion.

Do-it-yourself drip irrigation of gardens or vegetable gardens is a universal system. It is used in places where it is difficult to use other irrigation methods:

• In areas where there is a significant slope or problematic terrain.
• In areas with difficult water supply.
• In areas with extreme climates.
• On soils with a high or low degree of hygroscopicity.

Automated drip irrigation

Having made a system for automated watering of vegetable and fruit crops with your own hands, you can greatly simplify your work in the garden. Such a system makes it possible to evenly distribute water and stimulate the development of cultivated crops.

Automated drip irrigation is used to replace hose irrigation. It is quite convenient and provides a number of advantages:

1. It allows you to set the daily irrigation of plants at a certain time. With this method of watering, the soil does not compact, forming a crust;
2. It is possible to set the interval according to which watering will start and turn off, as well as the amount of pressure;
3. If the system is correctly mounted, then it irrigates even the most remote areas with high quality;
4. Automated irrigation reduces water consumption.

To save such a system, it is quite possible to do it yourself.

Watering strawberry plantations

Many summer residents cultivate strawberries on their own land plots (which, most often, are incorrectly called strawberries, since the most common in culture is garden strawberries, or pineapple strawberries, and strawberries, which are a completely different biological species, are grown extremely rarely). This culture needs serious care. A significant role is played by high-quality watering of strawberries. The development of plants and what the crop will be depends on its quality. Water for strawberries is extremely important, since the root system of this crop is located in the surface layer and is not able to provide water to the plant from the underlying soil layers.

There are two main types of irrigation: sprinkler and drip. For strawberries, it is recommended to use combined watering.

At the beginning of development, the most common sprinkling is used to remove pollution from the leaves. For subsequent phases of plant development, drip irrigation is used. Its main difference from other methods is that liquid directly enters the root area, the plant uses the required amount of water, which, in turn, avoids waterlogging of the soil. Thus, it is possible to grow crops of this berry on your site, no worse than industrial ones.

System Design

Do-it-yourself drip irrigation of strawberries can be mounted on a summer cottage, it will be a good help for gardeners.

The design is not too complicated:

The central pipeline is a polyethylene pipe. On the one hand, it is connected to a water source, and on the other hand, it is blocked by a plug.

The pump for the drip irrigation design must be selected based on the type of water source. The three most common types of pumps are:

1. Submersible (well and borehole). They are used when pumping water from a considerable depth.
2. Surface (centrifugal and vortex). They pump water from shallow depths.
3. Pump stations.

Tapes, for the construction of drip irrigation with your own hands, are best selected with pressure compensation - they do not flood at the end of large runs.

There are 2 types of filters:

• Fine cleaning. Mostly disk designs are used.
• Rough cleaning. Brass structures are common.

Fittings for drip irrigation systems are most often used simple, as well as with a tap. For selective irrigation of the site, mini-cranes are used.

An injector is a mechanism that is used to add fertilizer dissolved in water to the root zone using a drip system.

The design of a do-it-yourself drip irrigation system allows you to perform not only watering, but also mineral plant nutrition. This process is called fertigation. It is a method of feeding plants with complex fertilizers that are dissolved in water. They reach the roots through a hose, using a pump.

Using a drip system can also be irrigated indoors, since manual watering can only harm plants. Water entering between rows of cultivated plants can stimulate the growth of weeds.

As follows from the above, creating drip irrigation with your own hands is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance.

In order for vegetation to grow and develop normally, it needs moisture. However, weather conditions often do not please with their surprises - scorching sunny days are replaced by heavy rains. Do-it-yourself drip irrigation is one of the best options for organizing an irrigation system in a suburban area.

This is a solution with numerous advantages. Do-it-yourself drip irrigation for a summer residence does not need the regular presence of a person, which is very important for those who travel out of town exclusively for the weekend. Therefore, many owners of suburban areas are interested in the question of how to make it?

A person who does not have special knowledge and experience can create drip irrigation with his own hands for a summer residence. This system is very economical, and has earned a lot of positive feedback due to its undeniable advantages:

• water is not overused, as the plants are irrigated locally;
• the level of moisture in the soil can be adjusted;
• the number of weeds is reduced;
• the balance of air and water is maintained in the soil;
• the root system is fed and watered synchronously;
• no need for constant monitoring;
• minimum energy consumption;
• gives plants resistance to fungal processes;
• much easier to grow garden plants.

After the drip irrigation system was invented, it gained great popularity. At first, the greenhouse industry was the main industry of its application, and then open soil, where vegetables and fruits are grown. This system is also used in viticulture.

A modern drip irrigation device is a flexible hose in which droppers are mounted. Droppers help to equalize the supply of moisture around the entire perimeter. This hose is installed on the surface of the earth. In some cases, it is buried in the soil along the entire required irrigation perimeter. Today, drip systems are presented on the market with a wide range.

It will not be a problem to create drip irrigation with your own hands for a summer residence. However, the drip irrigation device, despite the differences in various models, does not have fundamental differences. It consists of the following mandatory elements:

• node that collects water. Its role can be played by a different container, which rises to a height of one to two meters. Water supply occurs either independently, or a suitable pump is used for this purpose. Water can come from a river, a pond, a well, a well, a lake, or an aqueduct. It all depends on your desires and capabilities;
• the filtration unit is one of the most important elements of the system, which determines its performance indicators and the duration of its operation. It is designed to purify water and protect droppers from clogging;
• main type pipeline - its task is performed by pipes made of polyethylene or PVC, having at least 32 mm diameter. This is where the fittings for the drip tape or tubing are mounted. When creating drip irrigation with your own hands, you can use the simplest option, like a regular garden hose, with which a garden is watered. The only condition is that it should not let in light so that algae do not grow inside;
• distribution type pipeline - is a line-tube into which droppers are mounted. They can have a different shape - flat or cylindrical, a certain gap must be observed between them, ranging in size from 10 centimeters to one meter;
• fittings and fittings - connect all of the above elements, creating a single system. It is possible to use in this capacity both threaded connections and adapters. To connect the system to a water source, a variety of elements are used in the beds, such as tees, corners, transitions, couplings, plugs and fittings. The latter can be with or without a faucet. Taps allow you to water crops that require different amounts of water. When creating drip irrigation with your own hands, it should be borne in mind that the use of fittings made from ferrous metal alloys is prohibited. This material is not resistant to corrosive processes, and rust subsequently clogs the system.

Drip irrigation scheme

Drip irrigation scheme is an extensive water supply network that brings moisture to the root systems of plants. The drip irrigation scheme is very simple - first, from a well, lake, water supply or other source of water, it is supplied to the water intake unit, and then, through the main pipes and drip tubes, it moves directly to the roots of the plants. Drip irrigation, compared to conventional irrigation, does not violate the natural structure of the soil. Plants will not get burned even with excessive sun activity, which leads to moisture on the leaves.

You can create a similar scheme both in the greenhouse and in the open field. Do-it-yourself drip irrigation in a greenhouse should be done in order to provide plants that are not provided with precipitation with the necessary amount of moisture. Lack of water will lead to their death. Do-it-yourself drip irrigation in a greenhouse is a significant help for a person who does not have the opportunity to constantly care for cultivated plants.

After you create drip irrigation in the greenhouse with your own hands, you will notice a significant increase in plant productivity, the incidence of plants will decrease, and their appearance will improve. This will provide you with economical water consumption. In this case, excessive moistening of the surface layer of the soil will not occur, with normal moistening of the deeper layers. Each plant will receive water in the required amount.

The scheme of a modern drip system can be automatic - this allows you to determine the exact dosage for each plant, and will contribute to the organization of fractional watering. The circuit can be equipped with connected rain sensors - if there is enough rain, water will not be supplied.

Automatic elements allow you to determine convenient conditions for turning on irrigation, for example, at night, when a sufficient amount of water is collected in a water supply system or a well. The rather high price of automatic elements is justified by the numerous advantages of such a scheme - it absolutely does not require human participation, so you can leave the dacha for a fairly long period of time.

How to make drip irrigation with your own hands

Even a novice summer resident can create drip irrigation himself. Some constituent elements should be bought in specialized shopping centers. When choosing pipes of a distributing type, you first need to determine their exact suitable length and diameter. This should be decided based on the planned water flow and a suitable irrigation scheme.

However, when doing drip irrigation yourself, it is better to choose the simplest possible scheme, with a minimum number of branches and components. Since each element that enters this system is a kind of blockage zone, which leads to the accumulation of dirt.

Creating drip irrigation yourself is a fairly simple task. It is enough to create a simple plumbing system, since its excessive complexity will lead to difficult movement of water, and will require frequent repairs.

In various shopping centers and stores, you can purchase all the necessary elements to create such a design. They have a wide price range. The cost of a particular component is determined by its quality, materials used to create it, operational and technical characteristics.

How to make drip irrigation with your own hands from improvised materials? It is possible to use various plastic pipes or flexible hoses, however, certain conditions must be met:

• water should be supplied in the same volume through which it exits through the holes so that it evenly irrigates all plants;
• droppers should not be too narrow to prevent clogging.

To create a reliable, convenient and efficient drip irrigation system, flexible soft medical hoses are suitable. The diameter of the main hose should be 1-2 centimeters. It is also possible to use used medical systems with thick needles as hoses (for solution containers). Half-meter-sized tubes that are put on needles are also useful. Needles are stuck diagonally into the main hose - and the irrigation system is ready.

Clogging of such droppers is quite rare, and it is very convenient to clean them. Such a system has the only drawback - the rapid growth of algae, subject to direct sunlight. However, this drawback is easily corrected - the structure can be covered with a black material that does not let the sun's rays through.

Before starting installation, you should mark out the planting plan, determining the duration of each bed and the gap between them. If all the plants on the site are evenly distributed, you can create a structure, focusing on the finished plantings and the gap between them. The tubes are cut into pieces of suitable length, and connected into a single system. It is better to place the tubes with a slight slope, giving structural strength through pegs.

The length of the line should not be too long, and be approximately 6-8 meters. Holes are punched in suitable places where tubes and needles are inserted. After the installation is completed, the operation of the system should be checked under high pressure conditions. You also need to check how quickly the water flows out. The speed is adjusted by changing the inclination of the hoses.

To prevent frequent clogging, a filter should be placed on the hose. In its role, you can use foam rubber, which is easily removed and washed. To prevent direct sunlight from leading to algae growth, the lid covers the water tank, and the foil covers the tubes.

DIY drip irrigation system

Do-it-yourself drip irrigation system is represented by two main varieties. The most popular do-it-yourself drip irrigation system, the basis for which are drip tubes, or drip tapes. The drip tube is made of polyethylene, its diameter can reach 20 millimeters, and the wall can be two millimeters thick. The droppers are connected to the tubes externally or internally.

The material for the manufacture of drip tapes is also polyethylene. They are folded into a tube and connected under the influence of temperature. The role of droppers is played by miniature holes that remain after connection, or make their way on the outside. These tapes are up to 300 microns thick. A suitable do-it-yourself drip irrigation system is selected based on individual preferences, capabilities and requirements, the size of the irrigated area and types of crops.

The drip tube system is designed for high pressure and continuous use. Similar systems are used to irrigate orchards and vineyards, as well as in landscape design. They allow you to supply water over considerable distances, and are capable of supplying up to 2 liters of water within an hour. For the winter, such a structure can be disassembled and reassembled in the spring.

Drip tape systems are designed for use in low pressure conditions and are used to water vegetable crops in vegetable beds. Such a system consumes water according to certain standards. Some models have adjustable water flow rate.

Drip irrigation from a barrel

Drip irrigation from a barrel supplies water in a gravitational way - a water intake tank supplies it by gravity. Instead of a barrel, you can use any type of container filled with a mains water supply system, or a natural source of water. Drip irrigation from a barrel can also be provided by rainwater.

Drip irrigation from a barrel can clog algae, plankton or suspended particles, as well as the result of corrosive processes. Therefore, the barrel material must be a material that is not affected by corrosive or destructive processes. It can be a material of synthetic origin, plastic, galvanized iron. The barrel must be covered so that leaves, debris or dust do not get into it.

The volume of the barrel should be chosen based on individual requirements and the general need of the vegetation of the site for water. So that the system was able to irrigate the garden, and there was no need to constantly replenish moisture reserves. The flow of water must be continuous.

It is best to place the barrel 1 to 2 meters above the ground to ensure proper pressure. Water should be as clean as possible. The drain hole should be approximately 10 cm from the bottom to prevent accumulated sediment from entering the hose. For this design, any type of filter element is suitable. The filter must be washed regularly. Droppers designed for use in low pressure environments should be used. Drip irrigation for a greenhouse from a barrel is the best option.

When creating drip irrigation for a greenhouse from a barrel, you should start by installing a submersible pump, with a capacity that can provide water supply around the entire perimeter of the site. To remove the tube, you can drill a special hole in the lid or in the bottom of the barrel. This is where the gasket and sealant comes in. The main pipe along the perimeter of the greenhouse is bred with a fitting. Each pipe or hose is equipped with a plug. The design can be supplemented with various automatic, electronic or mechanical elements, such as a timer.

Do-it-yourself drip irrigation from plastic bottles

Do-it-yourself drip irrigation from plastic bottles is a solution that is very popular due to its many advantages. One of its main advantages is a simple device - a bottle made of plastic is dug around each plant. Small holes are made in it. The bottle is filled with water, it gradually seeps through the holes made. Thus, the root system of plants is evenly fed with moisture.

Creating drip irrigation from plastic bottles with your own hands requires minimal financial costs, since empty plastic bottles can be bought for a completely symbolic price, or found at home or in your neighbors. Also, its arrangement is simple. This does not require special knowledge or skills. Do-it-yourself drip irrigation from bottles can be created by everyone. Its creation will greatly simplify the care of plants in the greenhouse. You can safely leave the site for quite a long time.

Another advantage of the decision to make drip irrigation from bottles with your own hands is the autonomous operation of the system. Unlike other systems, it does not require a water tank - just fill the bottles with water. Thus, the question of how to make drip irrigation in a greenhouse is solved very quickly and simply.

In addition, plants are irrigated with water corresponding to the temperature of the air in the greenhouse. This helps to improve the condition and increase the yield of various crops. If any element of the system fails, it is very easy to replace it with a new one - you just need to dig out the bottle and replace it with a new one.

Do-it-yourself drip irrigation from polypropylene pipes

Compared to using conventional metal pipes, do-it-yourself drip irrigation from polypropylene pipes has numerous advantages. They are light in weight. Such drip irrigation can be done with minimal financial costs.

On the inner walls of such pipes, various deposits are almost completely absent. Pipes made of polypropylene can last more than half a century. They are suitable for constant intensive use, and are resistant to condensation. The installation of such a system is simple.

Drip Irrigation Design Mistakes

When looking for an answer to the question of how to make drip irrigation in a greenhouse, people often make mistakes at the design stage, as well as during operation:

• excessive water savings, and low moisture supply. Since the drip system leads to higher yields and growth, the root system requires more moisture. The drip system is able to rationalize the flow of water. However, water should be provided in the right amount for the plants to avoid the exact opposite of the desired result. Therefore, the container should be selected in accordance with the needs of the crops grown;
• choosing the wrong drip irrigation system. The choice of system should be based on the conditions of a particular site. A pipeline with a too small diameter is not suitable for a large area. You should also pay attention to the pressure level of the system;
• choosing a dripper with the wrong flow rate - it may not be suitable for the type of soil. A properly selected dropper turns the earth into an even, wet strip;
• mistakes made during installation. When installing the irrigation system, you should strictly follow the instructions.

To understand how to make drip irrigation in a greenhouse as efficient as possible, the following tips will help you:

• before installation, draw a detailed diagram of the room, indicating its size and location of plants;
• choose the right type of hose;
• consider how the water tanks will be located. What volume will be optimal for your site, how the container will be filled, how pipelines will be laid, and where the fittings will be located;
• if possible, it is best to use rainwater for irrigation;
• the water tank must have at least a hundred-liter volume, regardless of the size of the greenhouse;
• calculate what spare parts and system elements you will need, and in what quantity.

How to make drip irrigation with your own hands. Video.

The drip irrigation system made a splash among gardeners a few years ago. Of course, not only do you no longer have to stand for hours with a hose or carry heavy buckets, but also significant water savings, which means that the utility bill pleases. In addition, plants receive the necessary amount of water and do not suffer from drought even on the hottest days. Everything is fine. Only now the price of the finished system is quite high and not everyone is ready to spend this amount to purchase it. Yes, and no need. We will tell you how to make drip irrigation on your site with your own hands and from the items at your disposal.

What is drip irrigation

The idea of ​​​​creating drip irrigation belongs to the inhabitants of Israel. It was they who in the 70s of the twentieth century noticed that the water coming to the roots gives more sense than "sprinkling". Today, everywhere they talk about watering only with settled water and exclusively at the root, and 3-5 years ago this was not even mentioned, and gardeners, picking up hoses, went around their plots, irrigating plantings on top. Today, this method also remains one of the most common, because in addition to watering the soil, the tops of the plants also receive moisture, and if you irrigate by sprinkling in the evening, then twice as much dew that is useful for plants is formed overnight.

But still, no matter how much you irrigate the plantings, many need a sufficient supply of moisture precisely to the roots. And here are two options. Either water with watering cans and buckets, or use a drip system.

So, drip irrigation is a method of introducing water, in which moisture enters exactly under the root of a tree or a cultivated crop, providing the maximum possible result with minimal water consumption.

Benefits of drip irrigation

The main advantages of the irrigation system are:

• significant savings in water and electricity (if a pump is used for irrigation);
• clear and regular distribution of moisture, even if the bed is not located on a flat surface, but in difficult areas;
• lack of waterlogging of the soil, which helps to maintain the maximum amount of oxygen in the soil and maintain its friability;
• improving the development of the root system and increasing the absorption of nutrients by it;
• paying attention to each plant;

• reducing the number of weeds that simply cannot develop due to insufficient moisture for them;
• reduce the risk of diseases (due to the fact that the leaves remain dry, there is no humid microclimate that fungi and bacteria love);
• earlier ripening and long fruiting;
• a significant increase in yields;
• the ability to use any source of water (well, well, water supply or even a barrel).

It should also be noted a decrease in physical activity on the owner of the garden. After all, it is enough to turn on the system and you can go to work or go about your business, knowing that watering will be carried out on time and with high quality.

How to make drip irrigation with your own hands without high costs

For a small greenhouse or garden bed, you can buy a ready-made system. But if we are talking about large areas, then the amount can be calculated not in thousands, but in tens of thousands. And no matter how the sellers convince the potential buyer that this is a reasonable investment and it will pay off if you can do it yourself, so why not save money?

Even if you buy the necessary material in the store, it will still come out cheaper. The main thing is to correctly calculate exactly how much you need it, and for this you need to make a site plan.

The easiest option, if you buy an inexpensive hose-tape, connect it to a water supply, lay it out along the beds, and make small holes in places where moisture should come to the root. So, when turned on, water will flow to a clearly indicated place. This method has a lot of advantages. This is the ease of manufacture, and the minimum cost, and the possibility of self-assembly. But there is also a downside. It consists in the fact that next year you will either have to plant, focusing on the holes in the hose from where watering will be carried out, or buy a new tape.

Drip Irrigation Options

There are also more reliable drip irrigation designs. It is necessary to work hard on their creation, but on the other hand, they will last for a longer period. So study and choose which one suits you best.

Traditional design

Drip irrigation in the traditional sense consists of:

• source of water supply;
• main branch;
• main crane;
• plastic pipes;
• additional taps;
• fittings.

Initially, you need to think about where the water will come from. As experience shows, it is most convenient to use a barrel or a large tank. Firstly, the water in such a container can settle and heat up, and secondly, when it enters the pipes, there will be no pressure and it will flow out exactly as much as necessary. When using a water supply system or a well, water enters the pipes under pressure, which is good when irrigating with “sprinkling” type, but when dripping, it can create inconvenience.

Advice! When choosing the volume of the barrel, be guided by the fact that 10 meters of drip irrigation tape uses approximately 75 liters of water.

A tie-in is made into the barrel and the main outlet is introduced into it, the water supply through which is regulated by the main tap.

This is followed by a layer of tapes, which may already be with holes, or they can be done after. If the site is small, one main tap is enough, but if you are the owner of a large estate and watering will be carried out by sectors, then it is more convenient to install your own tap on each.

Tapes are laid out along the beds and fixed at the end with fittings.

Important! If you want the drip irrigation system to work smoothly for many years, do not be too lazy to install a water filter. It will help to avoid clogging of hoses and significantly extend the life of the entire structure.

Do-it-yourself drip irrigation from plastic bottles

The main difficulty of this method is to stock up on a sufficient number of bottles. If we assume that they will be placed near tomatoes or cucumbers, two plants need one bottle with a capacity of 2-2.5 liters. Filling one is enough for 4-5 days of watering.

In the bottle at the bottom on the sides and in the bottom, you need to make holes and dig it into the ground about halfway, in the middle between the bushes.

Advice! Do not use scissors or a knife to pierce. Enough gypsy needle. The liquid should not flow out of the bottle very quickly.

The second option is to hang bottles with holes over the beds. To do this, pegs are driven in on the sides, a cord is attached to them, and containers with water are tied. They should be arranged in such a way that water does not fall on the top, but falls directly into the ground, that is, the bottom should be no higher than 5-7 cm from the soil.

The third, rather professional way to use drip bottles involves the additional use of special cones. The bottom of the bottle is cut off, the lid is unscrewed, a cone is put on the neck, and the whole structure is stuck into the ground near the plant. Then everything is simple. Water is filled through the cut bottom, and enters through the neck and cone.

Watering with medical droppers

Great replacement for more expensive hoses. The principle of installation is similar to the traditional one. Droppers are laid out along the beds, connected to a water supply source. Holes are made in the necessary places through which moisture will flow to the plants. The amount of water supply is regulated by a special wheel.

If this material is available, then why not use it. Just remember that thin plastic is short-lived and it is quite possible that next year you will have to redo everything again.

Important! Drip irrigation from medical droppers requires mandatory dismantling after harvesting and storage in a warm room. The fact is that at low temperatures, the tubes can burst.

Drip irrigation from polypropylene pipes

This option of drip irrigation is very similar to the traditional one, only polypropylene pipes are used instead of ribbon hoses. They have a lot of advantages, among which in the first place:

• low cost;
• light weight;
• service life of more than 50 years;
• ease of installation.

Note! Even when using a drip irrigation system made of polypropylene pipes for many years, plaque will not form on the inside.

The system is installed like a traditional one. A large water tank is installed, the main outlet cuts into it, a crane is installed. Along the beds there are pipes with holes, if necessary, a separate tap is also installed on each.

Unlike the traditional version, several layers of thin plastic tubes can be made from each hole in a polypropylene pipe. This allows you to lay out pipes 2-3 times less often than hoses, and watering is more accurate and of high quality.

Underground drip irrigation

This irrigation system appeared relatively recently, but we have already managed to test it, identify all the errors and eliminate them. The most important advantage of such a system is the possibility of many years of use without problems in cultivating the soil, even with the help of agricultural machinery (the above-ground structure causes difficulties when digging and often requires dismantling), and in addition:

• there is no evaporation from the soil surface, which means that water savings are even greater;
• moisture goes directly to the roots;
• the optimal level of soil moisture is maintained;
• significantly increased productivity;
• reduces the risk of infection by fungi and viruses.

Also, the service life is significantly extended compared to above-ground structures, because the hose is not subjected to mechanical stress and does not suffer from the influence of negative environmental factors.

However, the underground drip irrigation system also has disadvantages:

• it is much more expensive;
• requires complex installation;
• clogging often occurs with plant residues, silt or water sediment.

If the site is large, we recommend that you seek the help of specialists who will develop a plan for the location of the underground drip irrigation system, install it and, if necessary, carry out maintenance, cleaning and repairs. If you have a small garden, then you can handle it yourself.

Required Tools

For self-conducting an underground drip irrigation system, you will need:

• shovel;
• drainage;
• polyethylene;
• pipes with a diameter of 0.5-0.7 mm;
• source of water supply.

One of the main problems with this irrigation system is often clogged pipes, so take care of reliable filtration, at least from the outside.

Manufacturing and installation process

The first thing to do before starting work is to determine where the water will be supplied to the system. It is best to use a barrel for this, but ordinary plumbing may also work. The main thing is that you can regulate the pressure of water.

Advice! If possible, position the barrel in such a way that it can collect rainwater.

It is necessary to dig a trench 30-70 cm deep, depending on which plants will be grown and how deep their root system is.

The bottom should be covered with a film, drainage should be poured on top (fine gravel is optimal) and pipes with holes already made should be laid out. Pour another layer of drainage on top, bury with earth, but do not tamp.

Water supply for underground irrigation should be carried out in a dosed manner.

If you don't feel like working with your hands

Do not want to deal with the creation of a drip irrigation system yourself? Welcome to any nearest farm or household store. Here you will find a lot of offers, you just need to decide in advance on your needs in order to make the right choice.

Choosing a drip irrigation system

A beginner can be confused by names, imaginary promotions that offer a big discount, and other offers whose goal is to quickly sell the product that is in stock. Therefore, when going shopping, remember that the irrigation system consists of a main hose and drippers with irrigation dispensers. Also, the kit should include adapters, bayonets, plugs and clamps.

Advice! When buying a ready-made drip irrigation system, choose one that has a built-in filter. It will cost a little more, but will last several times longer.

The included pegs will also be a plus, which will secure the hose to the ground. Some modern offerings have a built-in timer. This is very convenient, because allows you to set the irrigation schedule.

And in other moments, the differences are only in price and name.

Installation of the system in a greenhouse or vegetable garden

Start with careful planning. First, draw up a site plan, determine where the irrigation system will be located. When in doubt, start with a small bed, then see how it turns out, and continue.

Mark the location of the water container. Remember that it is desirable to arrange it in such a way that it is possible to collect rainwater.

Then mark out how the hoses will be routed, where the taps will be, where the plugs, etc. Calculate how far apart the plants will be. It depends on the variety and type of crop. There are located at a distance of up to 30 cm, and there are up to 1.5 meters. This must be calculated in order to correctly make holes in the hose.

After unfolding the tape along the beds, it is necessary to press it to the ground, attach one edge to the main hose, and fix the second with a plug.

All! It remains to fill the container with water, open the main tap and check how everything is done correctly.

Advice! Before the first use, thoroughly rinse the hoses, but not in the beds. Inside there may be unnecessary residues that should not fall on fertile soil.

How to automate the process: do-it-yourself "smart drip irrigation"

The automatic drip irrigation system is optimal for working gardeners or for those who equip it in the country and do not have the opportunity to come there regularly. Making it yourself is quite easy. To do this, you need a special pump. It is with his help that the schedule will be displayed.

Holes also matter. Punctures should be done in the direction from right to left, and then from top to bottom. This will help ensure an uninterrupted supply of water, even if a blockage suddenly forms and the owner is not around to clean it.

Advice! It does not hurt to put dostochki under the hoses. This will help further protect the holes from plant blockages.

It remains only to connect the water and that's it. Watering will be carried out according to the established schedule.

You can use for watering and ordinary plastic bottles. We have described the method above. Only if you are going to leave for a long time, stock up not with two-, but with five-liter containers. For a week -10 days, there is enough water in them for sure.

They say that in the first year of using drip irrigation, the yield increases three times. You still have time to check it out. Choose the most suitable method for you and check the result!

The main guarantee that there will be high yields of fruits, berries, vegetables and the rapid growth of flowers in a summer cottage, vegetable garden or garden can be safely called high-quality watering. Among the common irrigation options, one of the first places is the drip or spot irrigation system. Its main advantages include accessibility and cost-effectiveness.

Plus, compared to traditional irrigation methods using hoses and sprayers, drip irrigation provides half the water consumption. Note that modern technologies make it possible to make the water supply system fully automated. To do this, it is enough to enter the required time parameters and the period of water supply into the program of the irrigation control unit.

It is possible to equip drip irrigation in your garden with your own hands even without special knowledge. It is only necessary to understand the principle of operation of the structure using the diagrams and photos of this article. Read also:

Varieties of drip irrigation

There are various drip irrigation systems, while among several options, three of the most popular can be distinguished:

1. Drip hose. The basic component is a pipe with thick walls, most often polyethylene. Such pipes are designed for pressure up to 3 atmospheres, which makes it possible to supply water hundreds of meters. In the wall of the hose with the same period, emitters or droppers are located with the expectation of a specific water flow. As a rule, it ranges from 1 to 2 liters per hour. To install such a system, plastic fitting elements are used. It also provides for the possibility of dismantling the structure for the winter season.
2. Drip tape. A flexible tube with thin walls, the thickness of which is 0.12-0.6 mm, is connected directly to the main hose. Its inner diameter in most cases is 16 or 22mm. Installation and installation is carried out using fittings and connectors with standard sizes 1/2 and 3/4 inches. Such belts can reach hundreds of meters in length and are capable of passing up to 500 liters per hour.
3. External micro-droppers with a specific water flow. They can be nozzles and sprinklers of various models. They provide watering in the form of drops or microjets. In some designs, adjustment of the intensity of irrigation is provided. The location of the droppers is the outer side of the pipes or on tubular branches. It is also possible to mount on a regular hose, on which droppers with self-piercing fittings can be placed in the required places.

Drip irrigation by gravity without a pump

The supply of water under the action of gravity without a pump is one of the options for implementing drip irrigation. Such a system provides for the presence of storage capacity. It can be an ordinary barrel or another tank. The reservoir is filled with tap water or from a natural reservoir. Sometimes settled rainwater is used.

A feature of the drip irrigation system is that it can be clogged by living organisms and small vegetation of water bodies and debris.

Thus, water is far from suitable from any reservoir, and the surface of the tank must be resistant to corrosion and destruction. A barrel made of plastic, synthetics or galvanized iron are the most suitable options for water intake tanks. To prevent leaves or debris from getting into the barrel, it must have a lid.

The dimensions of the barrel depend on the consumption of water resources. The volume must be sufficient to provide the necessary watering. According to consumption standards, cabbage requires 2.5 liters per day, potatoes - 2 liters, and a tomato bush - 1.5 liters. As a result, the owner of a dacha or garden needs to individually calculate the daily consumption, in accordance with the number of seedling bushes and trees. Knowledge of these data is also useful when choosing an irrigation system.

To ensure the water pressure in the system is 0.1-0.2 atmospheres, the tank must be arranged at a height of 1-2 meters above the ground. It is important to monitor the purity of the water coming from the barrel. In order to prevent accumulated debris from entering the hose, the drain hole should be placed 100mm above the bottom of the tank. In this design, a mesh or other filter is also needed. Gravity irrigation systems are designed for low pressure, as a result of which only non-compensated drippers are suitable for them, since compensated ones maintain the pressure of the water stream constant at excess pressure.

If it is planned to use herbicides and fertilizers, it is worth providing a separate fertigation unit in the system for diluting liquid forms of preparations. After each procedure, the irrigation system requires cleaning. To do this, it is necessary that the system filled with clean water work for several minutes. The filter also needs periodic cleaning. It needs to be done weekly.

Rules for installing and maintaining a drip irrigation system

The assembly of the irrigation system in the country or in the garden should be done in a certain sequence, observing a number of simple rules:

1. They begin to mount the irrigation system from the water intake unit. Food can be supplied from a water supply system, a reservoir, a well, a well or a special reservoir. When installing the water tank, you will need a tap with an external thread and a tap with a 3/4 inch internal thread.
2. If the water contains impurities and large particles, a mesh or disc filter should be provided.
3. Next, the mixing unit is installed. It saturates the water with chemicals and fertilizers or supplies nutrients. The fertigation unit is a tank where the appropriate preparations are diluted, which is connected to the irrigation system using a tube with a dispenser in the required place.
4. For the installation of the main pipeline, HDPE plastic pipes with a diameter starting from 32 mm or polypropylene pipes are used. In principle, any pipes that meet the requirements of the system are suitable.
5. The next stage is the installation of the distribution network. Microtubes or irrigation drip tapes are laid out on irrigated areas.

During installation, fittings are required: connectors and fittings, tees and angles.

When creating a drip irrigation system with your own hands, it is worth considering some of the nuances:

1. The main pipe should be laid at an angle of 90 degrees to the rows of beds. This will make it convenient to connect branches.
2. A plug installed at the end of the pipe of the pipeline itself will help to avoid contamination of the irrigation system. It must be removed in the process of cleaning the irrigation line.
3. Having drilled holes in the pipe of the tape structure, first you need to wind the start - the corrector, on which to put the tape tightly. The tape itself must be plugged at the opposite end in order to achieve tightness and be able to rinse and blow through its clogged areas. This can be done with the help of a 1 cm wide ring cut off from the ribbon, which will fit snugly on its tucked end.

The use of polypropylene pipes

Nothing prevents you from building drip irrigation with your own hands from polypropylene pipes. This option of drip irrigation from plastic pipes has a lot of advantages. These pipes are strong, flexible and characterized by low density. Polypropylene pipes are sufficiently resistant to hydraulic shocks and temperature changes.

Modern additives allow the walls of polypropylene pipes to remain intact under the influence of ultraviolet rays. The pipe is not damaged if water is frozen in the system, except when it is completely filled. In addition, a do-it-yourself drip irrigation device from polypropylene pipes will cost less than from HDPE, since the cost of components for welding is lower than prefabricated threaded structures.

Pipes made of this material are suitable for creating a main pipeline and for a distribution network with droppers. In the latter case, holes can be drilled in the right places. The diameter is selected in practice with a fully assembled system.

Of course, when working with plastic pipes, there are also disadvantages:

1. Using a special soldering iron.
2. The system cannot be dismantled for the winter or for cleaning.
3. Compared to HDPE, polypropylene pipes are less resistant to water freezing in the structure. For this reason, the entire system must be purged with a compressor before winter.

Varieties of drip tapes

As soon as we undertook to build drip irrigation with our own hands in the country or garden, it is necessary to choose the right watering tape. The choice of the type of tape device is determined by the specific conditions at your site. There are three main types of tapes:

• with a labyrinth
• slot type;
• emitter.

In the first case, there is a built-in element on the surface of the tube - a labyrinth. This structural feature allows you to slow down the water flow in the tape shaft and streamline the flow of water through the holes. Unfortunately, the external location of the labyrinth leads to the fact that during the laying of the tape there is a great danger of damaging it.

Holes in slot-type tapes for water to flow out are made using a laser with an interval of 20 to 100 cm. Inside, along its entire length, a labyrinth is built in to prevent turbulence in the movement of water. The tape must be installed with the labyrinth up. This contributes to a uniform exit of water through the holes. This is the easiest option to organize watering, which does not require significant expenses. The only thing to keep in mind when choosing a slotted type is the need for high-quality filtration.

A distinctive feature of the emitter type is the presence of additional holes embedded with flat droppers that face inward. The point is that the droppers are located on the inner, and not the outer surface of the wall, as a result of which turbulent movement of water occurs inside the tape. Thanks to him, self-cleaning of droppers occurs.

Also, when choosing a tape, the wall thickness is important. If laying underground is planned, then the thickness of the tape should be 0.2 mm. In the case of arranging drip irrigation on the surface of the earth, a tube with a smaller wall thickness is suitable.

Self-installation of the drip system

Below is a diagram of how to independently collect drip irrigation on a personal plot at home. An example would be the irrigation of a 150m2 plot with 10 rows of planted strawberries, the length of which is 12 meters.

For a homemade system, you will need a drip tape 110-140m long. With the location of the emitters or perforation through 30 cm, the throughput of the system will be about 4 liters per hour. Approximate pressure without using a pump is 0.1 atmosphere, to maintain which the irrigation system tank must be placed 1 meter above the ground. It is impossible to create a water pressure of 1 atmosphere, since in this case it would be necessary to raise the water tank to a height of ten meters. As a result of insufficient pressure, the throughput drops three times - to 1.3 liters per hour. As a result, watering time is tripled.

A sequential scheme of actions for creating drip irrigation with your own hands:

1. Connect the tap to the tank fitting, then put the filter.
2. With the help of a coupling, a distribution pipe is connected and laid perpendicular to the beds for irrigation. If the area is less than 300m2, a 32mm pipe will do. The pipe itself must be laid parallel to the horizon, and the irrigation tapes must be laid with a slope. The end of the pipe on the opposite side of the site must be closed with a removable plug or a valve should be installed to facilitate preventive flushing.
3. Opposite the strawberry beds, you need to drill a pipe, screw fittings with gaskets or install taps. The latter will provide separate shutdown of each irrigation branch if necessary. It is also possible to connect pipes originally equipped with start connectors.
4. Lay emitter tapes along the entire strawberry bed. One end of the tube should be put on the fitting, and the other should be plugged.
5. When using a common dropper for watering several bushes, minifold splitters in the form of tubes should be attached to it and laid near the roots of the plantations.

An example of installing drip irrigation from a central water supply system

Before arranging drip irrigation from the central water supply network, you should choose the method of how the structure will be connected to the water supply. Direct connection to a valve or connection via a storage tank is possible.

The pressure in the municipal water supply system is normally 4 atmospheres, but, taking into account its jumps and water hammer, this figure can range from 2 to 7.5. Considering the fact that tapes with low operating pressure (about 0.2-1.5 atmospheres) are usually used for drip irrigation, in order to avoid rupture of the system due to strong water pressure, a reducer is placed between the tap and the central pipe, which lowers the pressure.

Another way to reduce the pressure to the desired numbers is to use a storage tank that has a bypass valve. It is filled with water to a specific level, which controls the valve, regulating the water supply. From there, water enters the system by gravity through a fitting at the bottom of the tank. In the case of creating a do-it-yourself irrigation system, you can use a standard valve from a toilet bowl as a bypass valve.

Step-by-step instructions for one of the simple options for laying drip irrigation in a country house or garden:

1. Collection of the filtration node. It consists of 2 filters, namely: a dirt filter and a fine filter. The filters are connected to each other by a coupling, connectors are screwed onto them, after which the entire assembly is connected to the main hose.
2. A hose with a diameter of 20 mm is laid along the central track. Near all the beds, it must be cut, so a sequence of individual segments is formed.
3. The resulting pieces of hose must be connected to each other through tees with one 15mm outlet for further wiring.
4. Drip tapes are attached to the tees, which can be fixed with metal clamps. The free ends of the tapes must be twisted and fixed with plastic clamps, and the hose must be connected using an adapter 20-15.

Installation of a drip system using a pump

The pump can be used in a drip irrigation system either to fill the irrigation tank or to increase the pressure in the system itself. In the first case, the scheme of work is almost the same as that described above for irrigation from a water supply system. This will require a water level sensor in the tank, which will turn off the pump as it is filled.

The sensor can be made by hand by connecting the limit switch to the valve from the toilet bowl. However, the pump will not turn on and off at the same time as a result of the "bounce" of the switch contacts, which can damage the pump. The control circuit will have to be supplemented with a timer, which is sold in an electrical store. All issues are resolved simply if you purchase a ready-made pumping station.

If a pump is used to raise the pressure in a drip irrigation system with a large flow rate, it is possible to use a reducer or special compensated droppers in conjunction with a pipeline that can withstand the pressure created by the pump. It is very important to choose a pump that will provide the necessary water flow with some margin. Read also.

Good watering in a summer cottage is a guarantee of high yields of vegetable and fruit crops, accelerated flower growth. What caring gardener doesn't dream of having the most efficient, low-cost irrigation system to install?

Drip irrigation systems are widely available and inexpensive means of reclamation. The use of drip irrigation systems makes it possible to achieve early growth and ripening of plant fruits, to increase the yield of seeds, seedlings, planting material or trees by 2-2.5 times. Thanks to spot watering of the root system, the growth of weeds is slowed down, the spread of pests of cultivated plants and diseases is prevented.

As an alternative to traditional watering equipment, hoses and sprinklers, drip irrigation in the country reduces water consumption by half during irrigation. For those who want to automate the process of water supply, there are modern innovative developments. They allow you to program in the given parameters the operation of drip irrigation in time with the required sequence of functions. Arrange drip irrigation in the country or make drip irrigation in the garden under the power of any home master who does not have special knowledge of hydraulic engineering. It is enough to understand the principle of operation of the system under consideration and to have the initial skills of designing pipelines from plastic materials.

Drip irrigation system in the country. Photo

Types of drip irrigation

To arrange drip irrigation, you must first choose one of the most suitable types for irrigation:

The main element of this design is a thick-walled pipe. It is made, as a rule, of polyethylene and withstands pressure up to 3 atm. This allows water supply over a distance of hundreds of meters. At regular intervals, emitters or droppers are mounted in the hose sheath. They are designed for a certain flow of water. Usually it makes 1-2 l/hour. The system is mounted using plastic fittings. The system is convenient for use on the ground in private household plots. It is possible to dismantle the system in winter for closed storage until the next watering season.

Connected to the main hose. It is a thin-walled (0.12-0.6 mm) flexible tube with an internal diameter, most often OE16 or OE22 mm. It is sold in a folded state in the form of coils or small windings. Fittings and connectors of standard diameters 1/2 and 3/4 inches are suitable for such tapes. The length of the irrigation line from the tape can reach 400-450 m. The throughput of the tapes is up to 500 l / h.

With help external microdroppers(nozzles or various models of sprinklers) with a certain standard of water consumption. They provide irrigation with drops or micro-streams, the intensity of which, in some models, is adjustable. Droppers are placed on the outside of plastic pipes or attached tubular branches. They can be installed on a non-perforated (without holes) hose at any distance using self-piercing fittings.

How does gravity drip irrigation work?

Drip irrigation in the country can be carried out by gravity type of supply by gravity from the water tank. You can arrange drip irrigation using a barrel, tank or other reservoir filled from a network water supply, natural water intake or settled rainwater. Drip irrigation systems are susceptible to clogging by algae, zooplankton and particulate matter, including rust. Therefore, you can use water not from every open reservoir, but choose a container from a material that is not subject to corrosion or destruction. It can be a used barrel or tank made of synthetic material, plastic, galvanized iron, covered from the ingress of leaves, debris or dust, with a lid. The volume of the barrel is selected according to the needs in order to ensure sufficient watering without constant replenishment of moisture reserves. Water must flow continuously from the tank. The required flow rate for watering each suburban area is individual, but each summer resident must know the required daily water consumption in his garden, garden or greenhouse. Based on the consumption standard, 1 tomato bush needs 1.5 l of water, cucumbers and potatoes 2 l, cabbage 2.5 l daily, etc. Knowing the number of seedling bushes / tree trunks of growing crops, you can calculate the total water requirement. This will also be required in order to correctly select the appropriate model of the drip irrigation system in relation to a particular summer cottage.

It is better to place the tank at a height of 1.0-2.0 m from the ground in order to ensure the water pressure in the water supply network is 0.1-0.2 atm. From the tank, water should flow as clean as possible. It is better to cut a drain hole at a height of 10 cm from the bottom so that the accumulated sediment does not get into the hose. Such a home-made water intake unit should be equipped with a mesh, or other design, filter. When using herbicides and fertilizers, it is allowed to dilute liquid forms of preparations in a special fertigation unit. After fertigation, the irrigation system must be filled with clean water and allowed to run for a few minutes to clear it. The condition of the filter should be monitored, it should be cleaned and washed once a week. Gravity systems, due to low pressure, have a limitation - only non-compensated droppers can be used in them. Compensated drippers that maintain constant water pressure are not used due to low pressure.

Drip irrigation on a small area with your own hands. Video

Recommendations for installation and maintenance of the drip irrigation system

Any drip irrigation systems consist of components and components, without which the normal functioning of irrigation devices is impossible. When constructing a drip irrigation system for a summer residence, they are sequentially assembled and mounted:

• Water intake unit from a water supply system, tank, well / well. OE 3/4" components are required for assembly and connection to the water tank: male tap and tap with female thread.
• Filter mesh / disc, if the water contains hydrobionts or impurities with a particle size of more than 0.13 mm.
• Water saturation fertigation unit treaters and fertilizers or supplying nutrient solutions for hydroponics. Represents the container in which drugs are diluted. It is connected in the right place to the irrigation system through a tube with a dispenser - injector.
• Main distribution pipeline from a pipe of plastic polyethylene HDPE OE from 32 mm or other durable material that meets the requirements for the system.
• Distribution network from lines - microtubules or tapes with droppers / without droppers.

• A wide variety of accessories are additionally used as fasteners for connecting linear sections during the installation of a drip irrigation system. These are fittings - adapters or start - connectors for drip tape, corners and spurs. In more complex systems, tees, splitters or "spiders", as they are commonly called, minifolds are used. When laying drip irrigation with your own hands, important points should be considered:
• The main HDPE pipe is laid perpendicular to the rows of beds for the convenience of connecting branches.
• To make the drip irrigation system resistant to contamination, a plug is installed at the end of the HDPE pipe of the irrigation pipeline, which is removed when flushing / purging the main line.
• When using a tape design, a start-connector is first screwed into the drilled holes of the pipe, and then the tape itself is tightly put on it. From the opposite end, it is muffled. To do this, a strip in the form of a ring 1 cm wide is cut off from the tape. The end of the tape is tucked up and this removable ring is tightly put on it. This is done for the same reason - sealing with the possibility of washing or purging clogged sections of the tapes.

Choosing a Tape for Drip Irrigation

When choosing a tape to make drip irrigation in the garden, one must take into account the features inherent in different types of tape devices.

So, a feature of tapes like " labyrinth"is the presence on the surface of the material of a built-in structural element - a labyrinth. It slows down the movement of water in the tape barrel and streamlines its outflow through the outlet holes. However, this manufacturing technology with an external location of the labyrinth has a significant drawback. There is a high probability of damage to the labyrinth when laying the tape.

In tapes slot type Holes for water seepage are cut out by laser on the walls every 20-100 cm. A labyrinth is integrated along the entire length of the tape to eliminate the turbulence of the moving water flow. When unwinding, the tape is installed "labyrinth up" to ensure uniform outflow of water through the water outlets. These tapes provide the easiest and most inexpensive way to water. Please note that slotted tapes require good filtration up to 0.08 mm.

emitter type tapes are distinguished by the additional equipment of the holes with built-in flat droppers, "facing inward". This is a feature of this type: droppers are not located outside, but are placed on the inner surface of the wall of the tape conduit. The eddy turbulent flow of water inside the tape that occurs with this design contributes to the self-cleaning of droppers.

Tape conduits with a wall thickness of up to 0.16-0.2 mm are used when drip irrigation is required on the soil surface. For underground laying, tapes with a sheath thickness of more than 0.2 mm are used.

DIY drip irrigation system

Consider, using the example of a plot of 1.5 acres, the installation of a do-it-yourself drip irrigation design. It has 8 rows of planted plants 15 meters long. It will take 120-130 m of drip tape with a perforation / emitter pitch of 0.3 m, providing a throughput of 3.8 l / h. It should be noted that this water flow parameter corresponds to a pressure of 1 atm, which is unrealistic to create using a water tank in the country. It would be necessary to raise the container to a height of 10 m. Therefore, we focus on the pressure in the irrigation system of 0.1 atm, provided by installing the tank at a height of one meter. The spillway due to the low pressure will decrease three times and amount to 1.2 l / h. This will require an increase in watering time by 3 times. To make drip irrigation, we perform the following steps in sequence:

1. To the hose coming out of the tank, we connect a fitting with an external thread 3/4 ".
2. We connect in series a tap with a 3/4" internal thread, then a filter. We use, if necessary, a fitting to switch from an internal to an external thread.
3. We connect the main pipe through the PE coupling and lay it perpendicular to the irrigation strips. For an irrigated area up to 3 acres, an OE pipe diameter of 32 mm is sufficient. Usually it is laid along the fence or next to the wall of the greenhouse. We pay attention to the features of the relief: the main pipe is laid horizontally, and the drip tapes are sloped. We plug the end of the pipe at the other end of the land plot with a PE end cap with a handle or install a valve for preventive flushing.
4. We drill holes in the pipe at each of the 8 beds, screw fittings with rubber gaskets. Instead of fittings, it is recommended to use taps that allow you to turn off any irrigation line. When making drip irrigation with your own hands, you can avoid this operation. In the assortment of trade there are models of pipes for drip irrigation, already equipped with start-connectors.
5. We cut off segments from the emitter tape and lay them along the length of the beds. One end of the line is put on the fitting, the other is muffled by the previously discussed method.
6. To use one dropper for watering several bushes, we attach the minifold pipe splitters to the dropper and lay the tubes in the root zone of the plants.

Drip irrigation with your own hands. Assembly: video

Drip irrigation in a greenhouse

A feature of greenhouses is the cultivation of crops with a higher planting density: parsley, celery, dill and other herbs. And a denser way of sowing or planting vegetables compared to growing in open ground. Greenhouse cultivation, often, is distinguished by a small distance between plantings in the ridges and a narrow row spacing. Plants in greenhouses grow much faster, bushier and produce more shoots. It is important that some types of crops bring 2-4 crops per year. Therefore, drip irrigation should be laid taking into account the increased water consumption per m? glaze. It is required to adhere to the required dosage of water and the supply schedule, which varies greatly during the growing season and is individual for each of the crops.

When constructing drip irrigation with your own hands in a greenhouse, it is recommended:

• Decrease step connection of external droppers. If you cannot find a pipe with a standard 15 or 30 cm emitter arrangement, you can purchase a "blind" drip hose. It is used as a watering main, there are no water outlets on it, droppers can be inserted anywhere.
• Apply droppers, the design of which is designed for watering, at the same time, 2-4 consumers. To do this, you need to connect segments of tubes to each outlet and bring them to the plant boles. More often use tees and minifolds to feed several plants at once from droppers designed for watering one bush.
• Apply special pegs- holders or needles with tubes that are stuck in the right place and supply water to the substrate. Set water shutdown timers after a specified period of time or equip with automation systems.

How to organize a drip poly in a greenhouse. Video

How to organize automatic drip irrigation

Drip irrigation systems have become popular among summer residents not only due to the recognition by the owners of the irrigation method as a method of intensive farming. Or the general availability of systems - the ability to make a drip irrigation system with your own hands, especially without spending money on the purchase of components. They have also become a civilized part of the agrarian culture, due to being equipped with automation tools.

The control system using a pressure gauge and a reduction gear allows you to protect the irrigation structure from pressure surges when connected to the water supply network. Since the beginning of popularization, it has become an indisputable rule to complete models of drip systems with timers. First, mechanical, and then electronic timers with valves and valves were used. This allowed the summer resident, for example, to set the watering time for several hours and go about his business. The system automatically turned off after a specified period of time. The presence of a controller in modern programmable systems allows you to change the intensity and time of water supply according to a complex algorithm. Convenience lies in the non-interference of a person in the process of functioning for a long period, the possibility, for example, to go on vacation. More complex automation systems are equipped with sensors and allow you to control the flow of water along the lines, to heat irrigation, to test soil moisture, to turn off the system during rain. To organize automatic irrigation, it is required to ensure the autonomy of the system as much as possible: connect it to the water supply network or supplement it with a well with a centrifugal pump for uninterrupted supply. After installing the drip irrigation system, the timer, controller and electrical devices must be powered from autonomous batteries or backup / uninterruptible power sources.

Drip irrigation in a greenhouse from a central water supply system: installation example

When powered from a drip irrigation water supply, it is necessary to choose a method of connecting to the water supply network. The system can be connected directly to a valve cock or via a storage tank. The standard pressure in the central water supply network is 4 atm. And in fact, taking into account pressure surges and water hammer, it can be 2-7.5 atm. However, low-pressure drip tapes of 0.2-1.5 atm are used in mass application. To prevent water under such pressure from breaking the drip irrigation system, a reducing pressure reducer is installed between the tap and the main pipe. A way to reduce the pressure for drip irrigation from the water supply to working values ​​can be to connect the system through a storage tank equipped with a bypass valve. Water from the water supply fills the tank to a certain level, the float valve is activated and shuts off the mains supply. Water from a filled tank located on a hill at any time flows by gravity through the water outlet into the drip irrigation system. Consider the simplest design for giving. Drip irrigation should be laid in the following sequence:

1. We assemble a filtration unit from 2 filters: a mud filter and a fine filter. We connect the filters with couplings and wind the connectors, connect the device to the main hose.
2. An OE20 mm hose is laid along the central path of the site. Next to each bed, it is cut, you get a series of separate segments.
3. The segments are connected to each other in a pipeline in series by tees having one OE15 mm outlet each.
4. Drip irrigation tapes are put on these outlets and fixed with metal clamps. The far end of the hose is also connected with a 20/15 connector. The open ends of the tapes are twisted and fixed with plastic clamps.

How to make drip irrigation in the garden: making droppers with your own hands

The design of home-made drip irrigation in the garden may include elements that are not directly intended for irrigation, but successfully replace components specially designed for it. First of all, these are disposable medical droppers designed for dosed supply of infusion solutions. They have a significant advantage. By means of a roller clip it is possible to regulate pouring speed - from drop to jet. Used for drip irrigation systems serving crops that differ in dosage and irrigation schedule. In the garden, they are suspended from portable pegs in a vertical position, water enters the soil through pipes.

Drip irrigation from bottles. Video