Designing and Maintaining Your Edible Landscape Naturally by Robert Kourik

Author:Robert Kourik
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
ISBN: 9781603581158
Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing
Published: 2011-02-26T16:00:00+00:00

Figure 9.3 The major components of a drip irrigation system. There are many more types of emitters than the five pictured here. Check with a local supplier for the latest and most effective hardware for your situation.

Emitters

If you want to really experience confusion, survey the variety of emitters available. There are two basic types: compensating and non-compensating.

Non-compensating emitters have a simple orifice through which the water passes. While the hole is tiny, there is nothing to limit the water's flow at the lower and higher ranges of pressure. If the drip irrigation line changes elevation more than 15 feet, the emitters at the end and top of the line will pass less water than those at the beginning and low points, making it difficult to provide a consistent amount of water to each plant.

Pressure-compensating emitters are designed to adapt to pressure differences, regulating themselves to deliver the same amount of water regardless of elevation, pressure differences, and the length of the line. Of course, there are operating limits to the design of each emitter. Your local supplier can tell you the efficiency of compensation and the range of pressures at which the compensation is effective. These emitters are usually a little more costly than the non-compensating emitters, but worth the money. You can relax, assured that each plant is getting the amount of water it needs.

When you write down prices, make sure to note also the gph for each style of emitter. This figure is essential for designing your system and for determining how long it will take to fully irrigate each type of plant.

There are a variety of emitters that have advantages in special situations: in-line emitters, sometimes called tortuous path emitters, have a laminar flow and are not easily clogged; low-volume micro-sprinklers slowly water a large surface area; micro-spray heads have a fixed spray in a variety of patterns; bubble heads gently fill containers or planting basins; and many more. It is beyond the scope of this book to fully explain the pluses and minuses of each. Seek out your local retail store or an irrigation consultant for the details.

The details of sizing the emitters to your edible landscape and the layout of the system will depend on the kind of hardware you purchase and the local soil and climate. Installation of a drip system is almost as easy and fun as playing with Lincoln LogsTM or LegosTM Your local drip irrigation supplier will provide the required pointers to get you started. Some suppliers give lectures if the ones in your area do not, encourage them to provide this service. If you don't have time for the project, hire a skilled landscaper the cost will be higher, but the savings in time and water will soon compensate for it.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind . . . A Map for Future Reference

Whether you install your own system or not, once buried, it's hard to recall the precise location of all the hoses. Be sure to mark on the

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