Do you planning to have a greenhouse? If yes, choosing the right irrigation system is essential.
Greenhouses rely on irrigation systems throughout the year, as rainwater cannot be a dependable source. However, selecting an irrigation system that suits your plants and farming techniques can be challenging.
But don’t worry! In this post, we’ll explore various irrigation techniques for greenhouses, along with their pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision.
Drip Irrigation
The Drip Irrigation technique is the most popular irrigation technique that can be used in any size of the greenhouse.
In drip irrigation, a long hose with numerous emitters or drippers is used to deliver water.
You can install this system above the ground or below the soil surface.
Drip irrigation is renowned for its ability to save water by releasing water at regular intervals, which can be customized using the drippers.
Despite receiving many positive praises, drip irrigation has its own pros and cons for greenhouse use.
Pros
Minimizing the water waste.
Can be adjusted to different types or sizes of the greenhouse.
No moisture on the plant leaves.
Allows for rainwater collection, treatment, and utilization.
Cons
It’s a bit expensive to set up if you have a large greenhouse.
Drippers emitters can be clogged.
Difficult to clean and maintain.
Relies on electricity or solar energy for water pumping.
Over Head Sprinkler
Using a sprinkler system in a greenhouse is uncommon, as many greenhouse crops are sensitive to excessive water and can suffer from foliage damage.
However, if your plants require more water even inside the greenhouse, installing an overhead sprinkler system might be necessary.
While sprinkler irrigation can be arranged at ground level, it is easy to set up sprinklers on the roof of a greenhouse. However, setting up sprinklers and choosing the right sprinkler nozzles can be a difficult task.
Pros
It is easy and cost effective to set up.
Can be automated easily.
Cons
Requires regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning.
The sprinkler irrigation system uses more water because it sprays water everywhere and not just on the plants. This causes water loss in the form of evaporation.
Only suitable for the plant requires large quantities of water during each irrigation cycle.
Hand Watering
Hand Watering is an effective method of greenhouse irrigation.
When you finish setting up the greenhouse, immediate watering is necessary, and Hand Watering is the best available option for instant use.
It is also an excellent choice if you have a small number of plants or different plant varieties that require varying moisture levels.
Pros
Effective technique initially when setting up a greenhouse.
Minimum loss of water.
Cons
No automation available. You have to give water using fine rose spray or a breaker at the end of the pipe.
Not scalable or not suitable for the big greenhouse.
Misting System
The misting system or spraying system releases small water droplets at frequent intervals.
Misting system is more suitable for the arid climate and the greenhouses where seed planting and humidity loving plants are grown.
This irrigation system is similar to a sprinkler system, but misting only occurs within the greenhouse ceiling, releasing water droplets over longer periods at set intervals.
Pros
Misting is popular among the growers because it reduces the temperature drastically within the greenhouse, which is useful in a hot region.
It can be automated to function according to your needs and hence should be managed with care to minimize water wastage.
Cons
Misting systems are expensive to set up and maintain.
Controlling the amount of water used in misting is challenging due to the small size of water droplets, which can easily evaporate. Close monitoring of water levels is crucial.
Because of the humid environment greenhouse use misting, which can promote the growth of mold and mildew.
Soaker Hoses
The irrigation technique of soaker hoses is similar to drip irrigation, but with a key difference: you don’t need to puncture holes in the hose or install emitters or drippers.
Instead of having a hole, the entire hose is porous, allowing the water to slowly and directly reach the roots of plants.
This method is highly efficient because you don’t need to plan nozzle placement based on plant distances. Simply install the hose in the soil, and you’re good to go.
Pros
Easy to install and an inexpensive method of irrigation.
It is very efficient and prevents runoff.
Helps to conserve water.
Cons
Not suitable for the large greenhouses.
Adjusting water pressure can be challenging.
They can be difficult to clean.
Difficult to adjust water amounts for specific areas, making it more suitable for raised beds than individual pots.
Subirrigation Method
The sub-irrigation method, particularly Ebb and Flow, is a zero-runoff method for growing plants.
In this method, the water is not run or moved; instead, the plants are grown in the water filled reservoir using plots with drainage holes.
Nutrients and water are supplied to the plants through capillary action, facilitated by the holes in the bottom.
This method is highly effective for greenhouse cultivation of crops in plots or flats.
Pros
It is a very efficient and less wasteful way to give water and nutrients to the plants.
Subirrigation is also a very low-maintenance method of growing plants, as there is no need to water the plants manually.
Uniformity of water is achieved very effectively. And also, you can easily change the pots size and placement.
Cons
The initial setup costs can be high, as you will need to purchase a reservoir, pumps, and other equipment.
It is difficult to set up in a small greenhouse.
The water pumps used in this method make it a bit noisy and as the pumps will need to be turned on and off periodically.
Boom Watering System.
The Boom watering system is similar to the overhead sprinkler system, but the difference here is the whole system moves as they spray water.
Nozzles and pipes are installed on the greenhouse roof, which means you either need to construct a greenhouse specifically for this system, modify an existing one, or utilize trolleys that move along the aisles while the nozzles oscillate over the plants and spray water.
Pros
This system of irrigation is best suitable for large greenhouses.
Boom Watering systems can be used to apply fertilizer and pesticides along with the water.
Cons
Boom irrigation technique is not everyone’s cup of tea, as it is expensive and requires special greenhouses for installation.
To move back and forth, it uses electricity or at least batteries. So everyday usage is expensive.
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
NFT is a hydroponic growing method in which plants are cultivated in a shallow stream of nutrient-rich water.
Channels or troughs are used to provide a continuous flow of water. The plants are grown in net pots or other containers suspended above the channel, allowing their roots to hang down into the nutrient solution and absorb the required nutrients.
Due to the continuous water flow, lightweight vegetables like lettuce are ideal choices. You can even grow heavier veggies, such as tomatoes, but you’ll need something to support its weight as the plant grows.
The irrigation system resembles the subirrigation method, but the key difference is the constant movement of water, eliminating the need for capillary action.
Pros
Water is always moving, which improves oxygenation and uses less water and nutrients than traditional soil-based growing methods.
NFT is a good method to grow plants in areas with limited water resources.
NFT requires less space, as the plants can be grown vertically.
Cons
Not every type of plant is suitable for the NFT method.
Diseases can easily be spread.
For consistent streaming of water, a pump is required so that the pump stops plant root dehydration.
Plant extensive root systems can block the channel.
Conclusion
Many different types of irrigation systems can be used in greenhouses. The ideal system for a specific greenhouse depends on factors such as size, shape, plant variety, climate, and budget.
Regardless of the chosen irrigation system, proper maintenance is crucial. This involves regular checks for leaks and ensuring appropriate water pressure. By effectively maintaining the irrigation system, plants receive the necessary water for optimal growth.
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