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Drip irrigation of potatoes is an effective and economical method that has many advantages. The crop requires moisture several times during the moderate rainy season, and twice a week during drought and heat. Drip irrigation completely satisfies the water needs of potatoes.
Potato drip irrigation technology
Drip irrigation of potatoes in the garden involves supplying water directly to the root zone. Moisture comes in small portions. Their regulation is ensured by special dispensers-droppers (emitters). In this case, water flows to the potato roots with virtually no loss, when with other irrigation options it actively evaporates and enters the deep layers of the soil.
Drip irrigation is suitable for growing crops both in open and protected ground. It allows you to regulate the time and intensity of water supply. The drip irrigation system can be tape or tubular depending on the method of supplying liquid and includes:
- water tank (intake unit);
- mesh filter;
- distribution pipeline;
- drip lines (hoses or tapes);
- fitting;
- flow and water pressure regulators.
You can buy a ready-made drip irrigation system or make it yourself
Pros and cons of drip irrigation for potatoes
Drip irrigation attracts minimal water losses - only 5%, when for conventional methods of humidification this figure is ten times higher. The method has other advantages:
- moisture supply directly to the roots of the crop;
- uniform irrigation of plantings even on slopes;
- optimal water temperature for irrigation (heated in the tank), so there is no shock drop;
- the possibility of combining with fertilizing with minerals that dissolve in water (fertilizer consumption is reduced);
- versatility - the method is suitable for both open and protected ground;
- absence of shock changes for plants from waterlogging to drying out;
- slowing down the growth of weeds due to minimal ingress of water and nutrients into the rows;
- absence of a continuous crust, maintaining soil looseness, unhindered access of oxygen to the roots;
- reduction of time and labor for watering;
- increasing productivity;
- reducing the risk of sunburn;
- Possibility of irrigation automation (requires installation of a controller).
Drip irrigation of potatoes also has disadvantages:
- purchase costs;
- short service life (on average two years);
- droppers periodically become clogged;
- risk of damage to pipes (bands) by pets and rodents;
- the need for dismantling for the winter.
The problem of clogging of the drip irrigation system is partially solved by installing a filter, but it requires periodic cleaning
DIY drip irrigation of potatoes
Drip irrigation systems for potatoes and other crops can be purchased. Ready-made kits and individual components are available for sale. Another option is to do everything yourself. Sometimes improvised materials are enough for this.
From plastic bottles
A simple option is to organize drip irrigation for potatoes using bottles. In addition to them, small diameter tubes are needed. A part of a medical dropper or an empty pen refill will do (the contents can be removed with acetone or gasoline). The manufacturing algorithm is simple:
- Trim the rod or tube so that the length is no more than 10 cm.
- Close one end with a plug or seal it with a lighter.
- Pierce the tube with a needle 5 mm from the blind end.
- Pierce the bottle with an awl 2-2.5 cm from the bottom.
- Insert the tube into the bottle with the open end, secure if necessary.
The bottles are placed next to the bushes so that the water from the tube drips next to the stem and moisturizes the roots. Containers must be refilled regularly and the lid must be screwed on each time to prevent evaporation.
Bottles for drip irrigation of potatoes can be installed with the neck down. Then they are buried up to the shoulders, and the bottom is cut off. It is not thrown away, but used as a lid to prevent water from evaporating from the container. The hole in the inverted bottle is made 1 cm above the hanger.
Drip irrigation of potatoes from bottles requires regular replenishment of containers with water. This is the main drawback of the system. Because of this, it is convenient in small areas, but its maintenance is labor-intensive in large areas. You need to adapt to it - determine the required frequency of replenishing containers.
When using bottles for watering potatoes in open ground, it is important to install them securely
From PVC pipes
Drip irrigation of potatoes from PVC pipes is more difficult to organize and install than using bottles, but it is easier to use. You will need the following components:
- PVC pipe, diameter ¾”, length across the width of the garden;
- PVC pipe, diameter ½" - the total length is calculated by multiplying the length of the beds by the number of row spacings;
- plastic container with a capacity of 200 l;
- fitting, external thread ¾";
- tap, internal thread ¾";
- futorka;
- adapter for PVC pipe;
- mesh filter;
- 1 plug ¾";
- plugs ½" - the number is equal to the number of beds;
- tees without thread - the quantity is calculated according to the number of beds;
- self-tapping screws of different diameters.
To create pressure, a container with water for irrigation is placed at an elevation (at least 1 m above the ground). It can be made from bricks or boards. Further installation is as follows:
- Insert a fitting 10 cm from the bottom of the container.
- Connect the tap with adapter and filter. To seal the joints, use FUM tape or tow.
- Connect a larger diameter PVC pipe to the adapter.
- Cut pipes of smaller diameter according to the length of the beds.
- Close the blanks on one side with plugs.
- Make holes in each pipe, the optimal diameter is 1/8″, the pitch corresponds to the interval between the bushes.
- Insert self-tapping screws into the holes so that the maximum diameter rods are at the plug.
- Place a larger diameter pipe at the end of the beds, forming a right angle to them. This is the main line.
- Cut it between rows and connect with tees.
- Place sections of pipes of smaller diameter between the rows, connecting them through a tee to the main line. The parts with the plugs should end up at the ends of the beds.
- To ensure a tight seal, treat all joints with mastic; be sure to let it dry completely.
- Connect the system to the water supply.
After installing drip irrigation, you need to adjust the size of the holes. This is necessary because as you move away from the main line, the pressure in the pipes decreases.
Sand and other mechanical particles will accumulate at the bottom of the watering container. Regular cleaning of the tank is necessary. It is recommended to do it at least once a week.
The potato drip irrigation system made from PVC pipes is durable, but in winter they can crack, so dismantling is required in the fall
Using special tapes
Such tapes can be purchased. They are made of polyethylene, inside there are droppers, which are located at a certain pitch (usually 10-30 cm). Water is released from them under pressure, its flow rate is measured in liters per hour.
Drip irrigation tapes come in slot and emitter types. The last ones are considered the best. They have flat droppers that are built in along the entire length with the same pitch. The jet pressure is adjustable, and a special device ensures self-cleaning from various impurities.
Uncompensated emitter tapes are usually cheaper. With a compensated system, water consumption is less dependent on the length of the line and the slope of the site.
Slotted drip tape is called because of the shape of the holes, which are made with a laser. Inside there is a flexible labyrinth that slows down the speed of water, so irrigation is uniform.The main disadvantage of the design is clogging of narrow cracks. To keep the water clean, you need to install a filter.
Installation is identical to the option with PVC pipes, only tapes are run between the rows. They should also be removed for the winter to preserve them until the next season.
Tapes for drip irrigation of potatoes are attractive due to the uniformity of irrigation, ease of installation and dismantling for the winter
What is better to choose
It is appropriate to organize drip watering of potatoes from bottles in small areas or in a small greenhouse, since water must be added regularly. This method is also attractive due to the lack of costs - scrap materials are used.
In other cases, it is better to choose PVC pipes or tapes. In terms of installation, the latter option is more attractive, since part of the system is already ready, it only needs to be connected. The main advantages of construction with PVC pipes over tapes are strength and durability.
Scheme of planting potatoes under drip irrigation
When planting potatoes under drip irrigation, the interval between bushes is made standard, focusing on the characteristics of the variety. To save pipes or tapes, double beds are effective - the structure will run through their center. The rows are arranged in increments of 30-40 cm. Potato bushes are planted in a checkerboard pattern. The optimal row spacing is 0.9-1.2 m.
Conclusion
Drip irrigation of potatoes provides many benefits for the crop itself and people. The consumption of water and time is reduced, moisture goes directly to the roots, irrigation can be combined with fertilizing.Drip irrigation is organized with your own hands from plastic bottles, PVC pipes or special tapes.
