An efficient irrigation system is crucial in today’s agriculture, but it can be a daunting task to find the right one. Each crop is different and each requires the right amounts and compositions of water to reach optimal growth. Different soil compositions can also affect water retention and, by proxy, your return on investment as a greenhouse grower With so many options it can be hard to discern which is best for your greenhouse.
PARTNERING WITH PROS.
No matter the type of irrigation management, partnering with a water management pro that specializes in designing and installing these systems is crucial. Being able to talk with a specialist and hand off the design of these and other systems for containers, roller tables, fixed tables, and concrete floors is critical to getting a good return on your investment. So the first step is to connect and see what system is right for you and how it can accelerate your growth. Once you’ve connected with a water management partner, you can explore the different types of irrigation systems available. Here is a brief look at the different irrigation options and which may best serve your water management needs:
DRIP IRRIGATION
Drip Irrigation serves a dual purpose in the growth of crops. Beyond supplying the necessary water, it also plays a crucial role in delivering nutrients to the plants in a manner that mimics nature. There are various benefits to this type of irrigation.
Substrate cultivation requires precise delivery of water to plants, making drip irrigation an ideal solution. This method is also suitable for ground-based crops or container cultivation. There are various types of drippers to choose from, and each offer versatile options for your growing needs. Drip irrigation systems are usually very customized and can vary in cost, meaning the grower has greater choice in how to use it to optimize their crops’ growth.
EBB AND FLOOD
Ebb and flood floor systems distribute water from below, allowing the plants to periodically stand in water. This promotes downward root growth and enables all plants to absorb an adequate amount of water. After a designated time, the water will be drained. The rate of water inflow and drainage on the floor is also an important consideration in the design. Ebb and flood systems make sure that plants get the right amount of water to maximize their growth over time. This in turn can mean a greater return on investment for growers. Cost vary but can systems can be customized to find where there can be cost savings.
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Sprinkler systems are widely used for growing crops that are grown on the ground. These systems typically feature rotating sprinklers that ensure even water distribution. Sprinklers can be directly installed in PVC pipes or attached to PVC pipes through hoses in greenhouses with lighting, allowing for the sprinkler pipeline to be positioned under the lighting profile. Hanging nozzle assemblies are a budget-friendly option for introducing overhead irrigation to growing spaces and come in a variety of options, ranging from mist for seedling propagation to larger irrigation droplets.
WATERING BOOM SYSTEMS
Watering booms are ideal for efficiently and uniformly watering low-growing crops, such as potted plants, leaf vegetables and can also be used for propagation purposes. These booms can be provided in either manual or fully automated versions. Watering boom systems can be particularly useful when other irrigation systems are not feasible, and uniformity is crucial. Mobile spray irrigation systems, such as boom sprayer installations, are ideal examples of this type of watering solution. The most technologically advanced solutions in this category also include the potential for adding walking spraying robots to the boom system that can navigate autonomously throughout the greenhouse zones. The cost for such as system is understandably greater than most other systems, but the return over time may be considerable due to force multiplication of utilizing a highly automated process to render one’s greenhouse water management frictionless.
NEXT STEPS
As you can see, the choices are plentiful on how you can manage your water for your greenhouse. Since there is a wide variety of choice the key is to choose what’s best for you and for your greenhouse’s growth. For more about how to choose the best irrigation for your greenhouse in North America, contact us at Dordt Water Management and find out how we can make your water management a net positive gain both in the ground, and your pocketbook.