Drip irrigation is a technique where water is evenly and slowly dripped into the soil near the plant roots through drip heads installed on capillary tubes. With the assistance of soil capillary forces, water permeates and diffuses in the soil, providing the plant roots with moisture for absorption and utilization. This keeps the soil in a non-saturated state, promoting soil aeration and aiding in plant growth. The principle of using soft tube drip irrigation is to water frequently but in small amounts, with a recommended irrigation volume of 7 to 15 cubic meters per acre.
Specific Methods:
When irrigating with clean water, first close the suction tube valve of the fertilizer applicator, then open the valve to the maximum, and connect to a pressurized water source to start irrigation.
When applying fertilizer, close the valve, open the switch of the fertilizer applicator’s suction tube, fix the filter at the bottom of the fertilizer solution tank, and connect to the water source for fertilization. After fertilization, close the switch on the suction tube and open the valve to continue irrigation to flush out any residual fertilizer in the tube.
Precautions:
When installing the drip irrigation system, ensure that the control area of each main pipe segment does not exceed half an acre, and ensure that the ground in contact with each soft tube is leveled to ensure smooth water flow.
The holes in the drip tape are usually laid upwards and covered with plastic film during use. If not covered with plastic film, the holes in the drip tape can be laid downwards.
Use clean water sources; water should not contain suspended particles larger than 0.8 millimeters. If necessary, use mesh filters to purify the water. Tap water and well water usually do not require filtration.
During installation and field operations, take care to avoid scratching or puncturing the drip tape or main pipe.
After fertilization, continue irrigating with clean water for a period to prevent chemical substances from accumulating and blocking the drip holes.
To prevent the accumulation of impurities such as sediment in the pipes and causing blockages, release the tails of the drip tape and main pipe one by one and increase the flow rate for flushing.
When changing crops, dismantle the equipment and store it properly in a cool place.
