Drip irrigation from a greenhouse barrel: a guarantee of a good harvest for many years

For the correct development of plants in the greenhouse and guaranteed obtaining a good harvest, the irrigation system must be properly organized. Drip irrigation from a greenhouse barrel is the most acceptable option. The device can be purchased as a set or made independently from ready-made components. Recommendations for the selection of the constituent elements of the system and the sequence of its installation are described in detail in this article.

Drip irrigation is the most efficient and economical for greenhouse irrigation

Drip irrigation from a greenhouse barrel: the principle of the system

Drip irrigation was first used in 1950 in Israel. This area was characterized by a shortage of water, so scientists tried to find a way to irrigate plants with minimal consumption of water resources. As practice has shown, this irrigation option allowed saving not only water, but also labor resources, and also contributed to an increase in yield by 30-40%.

The principle of operation of drip irrigation is based on the supply of water in small quantities directly to the root system of the plant.

For greenhouses, it is most advisable to organize a drip irrigation system from a barrel. It consists of a storage tank, a main pipeline and outlet hoses with droppers. All elements are connected using shaped components: angles, tees, connections with a tap, repair fittings.

Useful advice! The fewer fittings used in the system, the higher the water pressure.

The principle of operation of such irrigation is as follows. A line is diverted from the storage tank through a filter, to which branch pipelines are connected, located along the entire length of the beds. Holes with a diameter of 3-8 mm for droppers are evenly made in them along the entire product, through which the liquid seeps to the roots of plants.To create a pressure, the container should be located at a certain height of 0.5-3 m. This ensures gravity watering. If the pressure is not enough, then a submersible pump for drip irrigation from a barrel should be installed.

To create a water pressure in the main pipe of the system, it is necessary to install containers at a low height or use a pump

The system can be automated by installing a controller that will allow watering at a certain time with the required intensity. In addition, setting several timers on some parts of the network will allow you to create a specific irrigation mode individually for each group of plants.

Advantages of a drip irrigation system in a greenhouse

Regular surface irrigation allows you to quickly saturate the soil with moisture no more than 10 cm deep. However, after some time, the surface layer of the earth dries up and becomes knocked down, which prevents the free flow of oxygen to the roots of plants. Drip irrigation gradually saturates the root system with moisture. This promotes root growth and the maximum possible extraction of nutrients from the ground.

The rest of the soil near the plant remains dry, which eliminates the likelihood of waterlogging and waterlogging of the soil. This has a beneficial effect on the health of green spaces, since diseases such as gray and white rot, powdery mildew, bacterial spot and blackleg, which can kill plants, develop in a waterlogged environment.

Drip irrigation acts pointwise at the planting site, leaving the rest of the garden dry, so the risk of waterlogging is excluded

Do-it-yourself drip irrigation of the greenhouse reduces the likelihood of plant burns that occur when moisture gets on the leaves. Small drops in such cases act as lenses through which the sun's rays can leave burns on the surface of the leaves. Since irrigation is directed exclusively to the root zone, weeds will not receive the proper amount of moisture, which will impair their development. In addition, this system prevents soil erosion.

As numerous reviews prove, drip irrigation from a greenhouse barrel allows you to provide an adequate supply of water, which makes it possible to irrigate in the absence of electricity for several days. Such a system can be used to apply top dressing directly under the root of plants, and this will save on fertilization.

In the barrel, the water is heated to ambient temperature. Therefore, plants will not experience stress when irrigated with cold water, which significantly slows down the growth of green spaces.

Watering from a barrel provides constant moisture, you just need to monitor the filling of the tank

Disadvantages of the drip irrigation system for greenhouses

When organizing a drip irrigation system in a greenhouse, it will be necessary to pay due attention to the implementation of constant monitoring. An excess of moisture resulting from an incorrect calculation will contribute to a significant waste of water and become detrimental to plants. The barrel should be checked regularly and refilled on time.

The disadvantages of the system also include the need for periodic cleaning of the holes, since, having a small diameter, they quickly become clogged. This is especially true for underground pipe laying. To clean the holes, flush and purge the system with a compressor. It is not recommended to increase the diameter of the holes, as water will pour out at the beginning of the system and will not reach the last nozzle holes.

Useful advice! To protect the drip irrigation system from contamination, a filter should be installed at the outlet of the barrel or a piece of foam rubber should be used instead.

To achieve the best effect, it is necessary to carefully calculate the amount of water supplied to the system and the dosage for each plant.

Recommendations for choosing a barrel for drip irrigation

Since a barrel was chosen as the source of water supply for the greenhouse irrigation system, it must be of high quality and designed for a certain volume of water. The size of the tank directly depends on the total area of ​​the greenhouse. Mainly for small greenhouses, a 200 l container is sufficient to provide the necessary supply of liquid.

The tank can be made of plastic, stainless steel or carbon steel. Plastic drums are available in various configurations and sizes. Such products are lightweight, have sufficient strength, are not prone to corrosion, are easy to install and operate. Stainless steel containers are durable (over 30 years) and are highly resistant to corrosion. The material is not afraid of mechanical and aggressive influences. The main disadvantage of stainless steel tanks is the high cost of products.

Plastic water barrels are the most profitable and convenient to use, moreover, they can serve for many years

Carbon steel tanks are the cheapest, but less durable. The products are heavy and require painting. The surface can corrode, which shortens the life of the tank.
The volume of the barrel is selected based on the one-time consumption of water required for irrigation of green spaces. For cucumbers, you will need 2 liters / hour per bush, for tomatoes - 1.5 liters / hour with an interval of 1 time per 4 days. For cabbage and potatoes, 2.5 liters per plant per day will be enough. Based on the experience of the greenhouse owners, we can conclude that an average of 20 liters will be needed to irrigate 1 m² of the territory.

To create sufficient pressure in the system (at least 0.3 atm.), The barrel must be located at a certain height. The optimal distance is considered to be from 1 to 2 m. For this purpose, a support from a steel profile or a wooden beam should be provided for it. The most common option is a tripod welded from metal pipes. A powerful and stable stool can be built from wood.

Important! It should be remembered that as the container is emptied, the pressure in the network decreases.

Several barrels will need to be installed to ensure sufficient water supply

Choosing a dropper type for a greenhouse irrigation system

Drippers are devices with small tubes at the end of the items. They cut into holes in a pipe or hose and regulate the amount of water supplied. There are several varieties of products, which are selected based on the type of crop grown, the size of the greenhouse and the material condition of its owner.

Droppers can be compensated and uncompensated. The first version is equipped with a valve and a membrane, due to which water is supplied to the plant in a metered dose at different pressures. The devices are equipped with an anti-drainage system, as a result of which, when the water supply is turned off, the pressure in them does not drop to zero. When the system is turned on again, it does not take additional time to purge air from it. This option is considered the most suitable for areas with elevation differences. The volume of water supplied by uncompensated devices at the beginning of the row will be greater than at the end.

The choice of suitable drippers for irrigation depends on the characteristics of the irrigation system

Drippers are available with manual adjustment or a fixed volume of water supply, which is indicated on the package. This value is in the range of 1-3 l / h. There are also models of the "spider" type with dispensers that allow watering several plants at once. Such devices are distinguished by the highest cost. They are located at a great distance from each other. This system is advisable to use for watering perennial plants.

Useful advice! When choosing droppers, you should pay attention to the possibility of disassembling the structure.The cover should be easily removable so that the inside of the device can be cleaned.

Drippers are most often placed at a distance of 25-30 cm from each other. This is the preferred step for most plants. However, for irrigation of root crops, the distance between droppers should be 20 cm, for melons - 1 m.

Installing a controller will automate the drip irrigation system

Automatic system of micro-drip irrigation for greenhouses "AquaDusya"

The Belarusian watering system "AquaDusya" is designed for watering 50-60 plants. Mechanical, semi-automatic and automatic models are available. The system is connected to a water supply system or tank, on which the cost of the set will depend. The set of drip irrigation for the greenhouse from the AquaDusya barrel includes hoses, external pencil droppers, drip tapes and connecting elements. The set can be completed with a pump, water tank and controller. Auto irrigation does not need to be connected to the mains, but operates on 8 batteries, which can last for several months without requiring replacement.

Related article:

Do-it-yourself drip irrigation for a summer residence without costs: do it yourself easily and simply
How to equip do-it-yourself drip irrigation from ready-made components or scrap materials. Features of installation. The choice of the constituent elements of the system.

The AquaDusya Avtomat system irrigates plants in the evening. During the day, the water in the tank is heated under the rays of the sun to the desired temperature, and then flows to the roots of the plantings. After 2 liters of liquid are poured under each bush, irrigation is automatically turned off. The system can be programmed to supply water to different plants in different doses, taking into account the weather conditions. The barrel is automatically filled with water when it is emptied. You can buy drip irrigation for a greenhouse from a barrel for an average of 5500 rubles.

Drip irrigation system "AquaDusya" is designed for 60 plants

The semi-automatic model of the irrigation system, the price of which is 3500 rubles, is programmed to turn on and off the irrigation process every day. However, there is no automatic filling function. This process will have to be performed manually as the tank is empty. Here it is necessary to independently turn on and off irrigation, as well as monitor the condition of the water in the tank. The cost of the kit is 1900 rubles.

Model "Beetle": drip irrigation system for the greenhouse

The drip irrigation system for the greenhouse from the barrel "Zhuk" of the Russian manufacturer received such a characteristic name due to its unusual appearance. Branch pipes extend from the line in the form of spider legs. This device has a lightweight design and is quite easy to install in greenhouses and greenhouses. There are various models that differ in the set of components and, accordingly, in the way of water supply.

Drip irrigation in a greenhouse from a barrel "Beetle"

For greenhouses, the "Zhuk" irrigation system for 60 bushes is selected, designed for an area of ​​18 m², and for greenhouses - for 30 plants or an area of ​​6 m². There are models for which the source of water supply is a centralized water supply. They are additionally equipped with an electric timer. This watering option can be used for carrots, radishes, or beans that are immune to cold water. Systems that are connected to a water tank have special fittings.

The main advantages of the Zhuk drip irrigation system are its affordable cost, which averages 4500 rubles, reliability and a long period of operation. The kit includes all the necessary accessories, including mounting brackets. The set of the system with the tank must have a level tube, thanks to which the water level in the tank is controlled. There are also models with filter and timer.The system can be supplemented by purchasing an additional set for 20 plantings.

Automatic watering for the greenhouse "Clip-36"

A pulse-local hydro-automatic drip-irrigation system works on the principle of supplying water in small portions of 1.5-2 minutes duration at long intervals throughout the day. Irrigation is fully automated, but there is no automation, which ensures reliable and long-term operation of the device.

Installation diagram of the drip irrigation system Clip-36

The system is designed to irrigate an area of ​​36 m². The set includes a 16-liter water meter that can be connected to a tap or barrel. It is equipped with a siphon that cuts off the water supply when it is filled. The water is heated and supplied to the plants. Excess fluid flows back into the distribution network. Thanks to the cyclic system, you can adjust the flow rate of 16 liters of warm water after 1-7 hours, depending on the needs of the plant.

Automatic watering of greenhouses does not need to be connected to the mains or use batteries. The system can be installed at any phase of crop growth. The polycarbonate branching irrigation pipes included in the kit can be shortened to accommodate any garden bed length. They have special holes, water outlets, thanks to which a one-step and uniform irrigation process is carried out.

The presence of a small container allows you to apply fertilizers at the same time as watering. The system does not require linkage of waterways to plant placement. It is characterized by reduced contamination, which is associated with an increased flow area of ​​holes, due to which it is characterized by a long period of operation.

For a large number of plants in the greenhouse, it is better to install an automatic or semi-automatic irrigation system.

The daily water supply can be regulated within the range of 0.5-20 l / m². When the system is connected to the water supply, it becomes fully automatic. A capacity of 200 liters will be enough for seven days of watering, so that the greenhouse can be left unattended. The peculiarities of the installation of the system can be seen in the video "Drip irrigation for a greenhouse from a barrel" Clip-36 ".
Pulse-local irrigation has a short duration of impact on the soil and intensity, as a result of which the moisture content of the earth remains at the level of 85%, which is optimal for plants. The cost of the kit is on average 7,500 rubles.

Greenhouse automatic irrigation system "Signor Tomato"

This system is fully automated and powered by the supplied solar panel. Thanks to this, such irrigation is completely autonomous, does not require an electrical network and constant battery change. The device is also equipped with a water meter, a submersible pump, a controller, a system of flexible hoses that can be located in problem areas, and connecting elements.

Fully automated drip irrigation system "Signor Tomato" is powered by a solar battery, which is included in the kit

Irrigation is controlled using a remote control, through which the necessary parameters are set, including the amount of liquid, the frequency and duration of irrigation during the day. The pump starts working on time and turns off after a certain period of time, which is enough to water the plantings.

The system is designed to supply 60 plants with water. Each requires about 3.5 liters of water per day. An optional 20-plant kit can be purchased to expand the system. Due to the presence of a pumping unit, there is no need to install the barrel on a hill and make a hole for connecting a crane.The pump supplies the required amount of water to the system and monitors the pressure in the network. You can buy drip irrigation in a greenhouse from 5500 rubles.

Diy drip irrigation device in the greenhouse

Despite the numerous advantages of ready-made kits, many summer residents strive to independently assemble a drip irrigation system for a greenhouse. This solution will reduce financial costs and adjust the system to fit your needs and requirements.

Arranging a do-it-yourself drip irrigation system will significantly save

Before making drip irrigation in the greenhouse, a competent and rational scheme is being built, which is the key to effective water consumption and eliminates the likelihood of premature equipment failure. On the site plan, all objects and the trajectory of the territory should be plotted, indicating the elevation differences. The irrigation scheme will depend on the type of plant, the size of the row spacing, the number and height of the rows. Based on the plan, the total length of the drip tape is calculated, the number of droppers, L and T-shaped branches, plugs and fittings.

Useful advice! After calculating the necessary system components, the amount of drip tape and consumables should be increased by 15-20%.

For the correct arrangement of irrigation elements, it is necessary to determine how the plants will be placed that have different needs for liquid. In this case, installation can take place in separate zones.
When installing the barrel, you should take into account the source of its filling, which should be located nearby. Also, in the case of organizing self-watering of the greenhouse with your own hands, operating from the network, you need to worry about the proximity of the device to the source of electricity.

The device of an automatic drip irrigation system from a container

Useful advice! It is possible to create a system to replenish the water meter with rainwater from the roofs of buildings on the territory, which will save on water resources.

DIY accessories for drip irrigation in the greenhouse

Before watering in the greenhouse, you should prepare all the components of the system. Their purchase is carried out on the basis of calculations, which are carried out according to the drawn irrigation scheme.
The main elements of the do-it-yourself drip irrigation system in greenhouses are hoses or PVC pipes, the diameter of which should be 10-16 mm, which will ensure a slow flow of moisture to the plants. It is better to choose products that are opaque, since algae can grow in them as a result of exposure to sunlight.

It is not recommended to use metal elements for this irrigation option, since small particles of rust will clog the dropper nozzles, which will disable the system. Fittings should be made only of primary polyethylene, this is the key to quality products. Recycled material will be susceptible to UV radiation and other corrosive factors.

Convenient arrangement of the container - right in the greenhouse

Adjustable droppers are mounted on the outlet pipes. The tightening tightness can be varied using the compression spring. The water flow is regulated by means of the top cap. If there is a large slope in the greenhouse, a compensating drip type should be used.

You can purchase polyethylene drip tapes with built-in labyrinth-like drippers that guide water to the root system of the plant. The belts are produced with a thickness of 0.127-0.381 mm. Their service life may not exceed one season. Such belts are usually used for irrigating vegetables with a short growing season. For ordinary soils, products with a thickness of 0.2 mm are sufficient, and for stony soils it is better to purchase tapes with a thickness of at least 0.25 mm.

Drip pipes with external drippers are more durable and stronger. The wall thickness varies from 0.9 to 1.2 mm. Such products can withstand a pressure of 6 bar. For installation of droppers in pipes, holes must be made with a step of 30 cm.

Connecting the outlet pipes to the system main hose

In addition to irrigation and distribution pipes, you should purchase a tank with a capacity of at least 200 liters, a pump with a filter, stands for dosing droppers, taps for adjusting the flow rate and shutting off the system in certain areas, tow or fum tape for sealing connections, adapters, tees, couplings, plugs. To equip autowatering, you need a controller or timer.

DIY installation of a drip irrigation system for a greenhouse

Do-it-yourself drip irrigation device in a greenhouse begins with the installation of a barrel. It should be placed at a height of at least 1.5 m. This requires a metal or wooden stand. If the container has a lid, it is necessary to provide mini-openings in it for the supply of oxygen. If the lid is missing, the tank can be covered with gauze.

The water in the container can be heated in two ways: under the influence of direct sunlight and using a heating element located in the barrel. The latter option is used if the process of pumping water into the reservoir occurs from a well or well.

If you install a container of a sufficiently large volume, you can water not only the greenhouse, but also other beds from it.

A hole is made in the tank for the installation of a ball valve, which is mounted using a coupling and a seal. A coarse filter is installed after the tap to protect the system from clogging. Next, it is necessary to connect the main pipeline by means of branching fittings. With the help of tees, PVC outlet pipes of a smaller diameter than the main one are mounted. In them, first, using an awl or a nail, holes should be made for installing droppers, which are inserted through a rubber seal.

If drip tapes are used, then holes are made in the main pipeline for their connection using starter fittings. There is a line on the tape that indicates the location of the sprinklers, so the system is laid with the colored line up. A plug is installed at the end of each branch. For reliable sealing of all joints, use fum tape or tow. The installation sequence can be viewed on the do-it-yourself drip irrigation video in the greenhouse.

Useful advice! When organizing a drip irrigation system, factory external drippers can be replaced with medical ones.

A set of necessary accessories for the installation of a drip irrigation system

The final step is to check the system. After the water supply, it is necessary to ensure that it flows evenly to each dropper, which will contribute to uniform soil moisture.
When installing an irrigation system in a greenhouse with your own hands, you can provide a feeding unit, which consists of an injector, a hose and a filter. Such an installation is extremely necessary for feeding plants in a greenhouse. This device can be purchased in a store or made by hand. The principle of the mechanism is based on mixing fertilizer with water.

Automatic drip irrigation for greenhouse from a barrel

Using automation, you can install greenhouse watering without your participation, which implies uninterrupted water supply at a specified time, a certain duration and at the required interval. After the container and filter are installed, the feeding unit is completed, they begin to install the automation.

Automatic greenhouse watering involves the use of a timer or controller.The device runs on batteries and controls the irrigation system, which involves starting and stopping the irrigation process according to the selected program. For large greenhouses, highly automated assembly of structures is carried out. Such devices control the ambient temperature, soil moisture. The controller can be equipped with a function for measuring the amount of liquid that has passed through it.

The use of automation for irrigation will greatly facilitate the life of the greenhouse owner.

For drip irrigation from a greenhouse barrel, you can buy a mechanical or electronic timer. The first type, working on a spring, creates a continuous supply of water for up to 24 hours. All indicators are entered manually for some time. Electronic timers allow you to fully automate the irrigation system. The mode is programmed for an indefinite time. The latest timer model is equipped with 16 commands, which allows you to create an individual watering regime for several categories of plants.

Useful tips for long-term operation of drip irrigation in a greenhouse

Despite the fact that the drip irrigation system is simple in design, it needs proper care, which is the key to durability. Periodically, the outlet lines with droppers should be cleaned from clogging. It is better to choose a plastic product for the main pipeline, since the material does not corrode, leading to the appearance of small rust particles in the system, which will cause clogging of the drip holes. The same applies to the metal barrel.

The system must be equipped with a filter, which is purchased with the kit. As a last resort, you can use a piece of foam rubber by inserting it into the pipe coming out of the barrel. It is recommended to clean the filter once a week. The drum must have a lid to prevent various debris from entering the water, which can cause a decrease in the pressure in the system.

For high-quality operation of the irrigation system, it is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the pipes and install a filter

Despite the fact that the drip irrigation system involves the introduction of fertilizers for plants, they must first be dissolved in water. After feeding, it is recommended to flush the system with clean water for 15 minutes.

In autumn, the water is drained from the pipes. The system is disassembled and stored in a storage room. Otherwise, the nozzles will be completely clogged with dirt during the autumn-winter period, which will require laborious cleaning in the spring.

Installing a drip irrigation system in a greenhouse from a barrel not only has a beneficial effect on the growth and development of plants. This design reduces water and labor costs associated with maintaining the greenhouse. You can not only buy, but also do homemade drip irrigation with your own hands in a greenhouse. To do this, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of the system and the rules for its installation.

How to do drip irrigation in a greenhouse with your own hands: video plot