Automatic irrigation system: what it is, types, how it works

Automatic irrigation systems greatly facilitate the cultivation of plants. The soil is irrigated evenly, it is easy to maintain the necessary level of humidity. At the same time, the use of the system is as simple and easy as possible. It is turned on through the control unit and it can be programmed to start and stop automatically. Let's consider what an automatic irrigation system is, its types and principle of operation.

What is an automatic irrigation system

This is the equipment that is laid on the land plot for irrigation. The system includes such parts:

• A controller for programming the type of irrigation.
• Pumps that supply water to the system.
• Hoses to deliver water to the beds.
• Sprinklers through which water is sprayed over the plot.
• Valves that regulate the flow of liquid.

Equipment for automatic irrigation can accumulate water, heating it if necessary. Irrigation can be programmed to deliver water to the plants at a certain time and in a given amount.

How an automatic irrigation system works:

• A moisture sensor detects that the soil is dry or irrigation is activated at a preset time.
• The pump creates pressure and water flows into the pipes.
• The controller regulates the operation of valves that open water flows to sprayers or pipe openings.
• When it rains, the watering stops.

Types of automatic irrigation systems

The main difference between irrigation systems is how water is delivered to the soil or to the roots of plants. Types of automatic irrigation systems:

• A rainwatering system is a simulation of natural rainfall. Water is delivered to the beds through sprinkler nozzles. From such fountains, the liquid falls gently to the ground and does not traumatize the plants. The soil is moistened gradually and deeply. The disadvantage of the system is in the complexity of its construction. Pipes run along the site in rows, and the radius of irrigation is determined so that one zone overlapped with another.
• Drip root irrigation delivers water to the plants in the area of their roots. Narrow pipes are equipped with drip tapes through which moisture enters the ground. These systems are most suitable for irrigating shrubs, garden trees and plants with deep roots. Their advantages are that the moisture is supplied locally, and water portions can be metered. However, the system often clogs.
• Underground plant watering moistens the soil around the roots. The liquid is delivered in small portions through pipes laid in the ground. With this type of watering, water consumption is reduced by about half. However, this system is difficult to install and the pipes are difficult to access when repairs are needed.
• Irrigation through sprinklers - special sprinkler heads. They are connected to the piping and start automatically. The pipes run underground or are laid outside. They are compact devices that operate quietly.

Systems for irrigation are installed not only in vegetable gardens, where vegetables are grown. They are used in gardens, flower beds, greenhouses, greenhouses and lawns. Automatic irrigation systems are designed for different plot sizes - for a small front garden or a large agricultural field.