Drip Irrigation systems

DRIP IRRIGATIONS SYSTEMS by Owen E. Dell

WHAT'S A DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM?A drip irrigation system applies water slowly to the specific root zone of plants. This is accomplished with emitters that are placed at each plant and apply water drop by drop, allowing it to soak in to the soil rather than running off or blowing away. Black polyethylene tubing, placed above ground, carries the water from plant to plant. A valve, automatic or manual, controls the system. A backflow prevention device prevents water from flowing back into the pressure main and contaminating the potable water supply. A filter strains the junk out of the water so it doesn't plug the emitters. A pressure regulator reduces the pressure to prevent the system from blowing apart. A valve (manual or automatic) controls the operation of the system. A pressure main supplies water to the system. If the system is automatic, a controller turns the valves on and off.WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A DRIP SYSTEM?

1. Saves water
2. Reduces weed growth
3. Prevents runoff, puddling
4. Encourages deep root system
5. May be cheaper to install

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?

1. Not applicable to certain plantings (turf, ground covers)
2. Fragile, easy to damage, subject to vandalism & rodent damage
3. Requires frequent checking
4. Emitters can plug up (bacterial iron)

DESIGNING A DRIP SYSTEM

1. Evaluate the landscaping (kinds of plants, water needs, soil type, sun and shade areas, slopes and level changes)
2. Evaluate the supply (well or meter, clean or dirty, pressure, volume)
3. Locate point of connection, backflow location and type
4. Lay system out in zones (sun & shade, high & low water-use plants, soil differences, slopes)
5. Calculate the number of emitters needed per plant, per zone
6. Determine whether to use drip tubing only or pipe manifolds
7. Determine location of valves and pressure mains.
8. Determine location and type of controller.

THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR

1. Emitters need to be spaced more closely in sandy soils.
2. Filters are essential to preventing plugging of emitters.
3. Slopes present special design problems due to pressure changes.
4. Water in parts of Hope Ranch are not suitable for drip systems.
5. In most cases, backflow devices need to be higher than the emitters.

INSTALLING A NEW SYSTEM

1. Install pressure mains and control wires.
2. Install backflow devices, regulator, control valves.
3. Install controller.
4. Connect controller and valves to wires.
5. Connect pressure main to water supply.
6. Pressurize system and test for leaks.
7. Backfill and compact trenches.
8. Install plants.
9. Install drip tubing and emitters.
10. Flush lines and install end caps.
11. Test system.
12. Program controller.

RETROFITTING AN EXISTING SPRINKLER SYSTEM

1. Remove all sprinkler heads.
2. Cap all risers or disconnect the pipe at the valve.
3. Install a filter and a regulator at the valve.
4. Run drip tubing from the valve or connect to the old sprinkler pipe in the area to be watered.
5. Install emitters.
6. Reprogram the controller. (Install new controller if necessary)

Favourite Plant Today: Common name Feather Reed Grass Latin name Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' Type Ornamental grass Height 60" Spread 36" Light & Water Full sun: Part sun: Zone 3 Bloom month June Bloom colour Pale pink/cream Foliage colour Green Features

Deer resistant
Fall colour
Food for birds
Winter interest

Notes Excellent early grass in the garden in pots and mass planted. Very vertical in winter and good for watching wind motion.
zone 4

Health Tip:

Heavy Metals originate within the Earth. Mercury is one toxic heavy metal found in amalgam fillings, some of the fish we eat, and in the air in some parts of the country. Mercury is the second most toxic substance found on the earth. Some of the effects of exposure to heavy metals like mercury include: memory loss, fatigue, autoimmune disease, premature aging, speech disorders, cancer, depression, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal issues and chronic disease. Our bodies handle being exposed to heavy metals like mercury and lead by expelling it from the body. When toxins and heavy metals build up in the body symptoms and diseases start to grow. The only way to make sure your body is not toxic with heavy metal is to be tested. The most important tests are computerized scans of the nervous system. The nervous system controls all detoxification and healing in the body. When heavy metals like mercury and lead accumulate in the body the brain is responsible for expelling the toxins. Interference to the bodies nervous system when present blocks the brains ability to control detoxification and normal function. Interference to the nervous system must be removed immediately to restore health and vitality to the body.

By Jamie Pal

"Improving the world we live in"

Drip Irrigation systems

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