When it comes to garden irrigation, there are a variety of options available to homeowners. From surface irrigation to sprinkler systems, each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we'll explore the different types of landscape sprinkler systems and how they can be used to optimize your garden's irrigation efforts. Surface irrigation is the most popular garden irrigation method for smaller properties.
This involves applying water to the soil surface and allowing it to drip onto the soil and root systems. This can be done with a hose, shower, or hose and sprayer attachment. While this is an easy and cost-effective method, it's incredibly inefficient and labor intensive. Water is often unevenly distributed, which can cause plants to dry out or become waterlogged.
Drip irrigation is a great option for landscapes that are on uneven terrain, in windy areas, or that have groups of plants everywhere. This system uses a series of pipes and tubes to supply water directly to plant bases, reducing water waste due to evapoperspiration and wind dispersion. It can be connected to an irrigation controller or an intelligent irrigation controller for greater ease of use and energy and water efficiency. Underground sprinkler irrigation is another popular garden irrigation method.
This system uses a series of pipes and sprinkler heads that supply water to plants by spraying water from the air above them. Sprinkler heads can be retracted and raised during irrigation, or they can always be above the ground. Intelligent irrigation controllers can help reduce water waste due to evapoperspiration by taking into account weather reports when activating the sprinkler system. A mixed irrigation system combines drip and sprinkler irrigation for use in different areas of the landscape.
Lawn sprinklers are ideal for use on grassy lawns, while drip irrigation systems are better suited for shrubs, trees, and flowers. An intelligent controller can coordinate and program irrigation times and durations for different areas, taking into account weather and rain forecasts. Bubble irrigation is a more localized form of irrigation than traditional sprinklers. Instead of spraying water into the air, bubbling systems introduce water directly to ground level.
The intention of bubble irrigation is to “pool” water in a specific area for deep soaking. Bubblers are also commonly used to replace certain spray heads in an area where there are grass and trees (or special plants). When using any type of garden irrigation system, it's important to consider the optimal time for watering with a sprayer or sprinkler system. During the summer months, it's best to use these systems early in the morning or later at night, close to dusk.
This will reduce water waste due to evapoperspiration and ensure that your plants get the hydration they need without being over-watered.
