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LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION. IRRIGATION IN A WATER SCARCE ENVIRONMENT. 1. How much water is enough? 2. Irrigation Design 3. Irrigation Products 4. Controllers 5. Scheduling equipment 6. What to do/use to save water. HOW MUCH WATER DO A PLANT NEED?.
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IRRIGATION IN A WATER SCARCE ENVIRONMENT 1. How much water is enough? 2. Irrigation Design 3. Irrigation Products 4. Controllers 5. Scheduling equipment 6. What to do/use to save water
HOW MUCH WATER DO A PLANT NEED? 1.All plants need a certain amount of water to survive LIA (Landscaping Irrigation Association) Norms 25mm – Summer 17mm – Autumn 7mm – Winter 17mm – Spring Can a plant survive on 5mm??? 1.1 There is a difference between survival and full growth This will be determent by the type of plants Indigenous Foreign Soil type Irrigation frequency How long
IRRIGATION DESIGN 2.The importance of your irrigation system design can’t be too exaggerated. A good irrigation system design allows for proper coverage, easy maintenance, and ensures water is conserved. 2.1 Proper system planning: Management: The irrigator and planner must collaborate to develop best plan. Identify areas – Full sun, partial sun and full shade 2.2 Water: The source, whether surface or ground, and the quantity, quality, availability, and flow rate, are needed to determine the type of system. Know your irrigation precipitation rate and match your watering system to the plant need 2.3 Soil: Soil qualities are important when planning a irrigation system 2.4 Crops: Selection of crops (plants) can be limited due to water quality and quantity Other important considerations should include growing season and location.
IRRIGATION PRODUCTS 3. Drip versus micro/sprinklers. (Proposed default system Efficiency) 3.1 Drip – 90 - 95% Micro – 80 - 85% Sprinklers (permanent) – 70 - 90% Drip uses less water because it is more efficient than other irrigation systems Delivers water directly to the root zone No water loss between emitter and ground, less runoff Less evaporation – wind and sun Pressure compensating, we can do a bigger area at once with same flowrate 3.2 Sprinklers Use high efficient nozzles (MPR – Rotary Nozzles) Use sprinklers with pressure regulators / Anti drain valves
ROTARY NOZZLES – KEY BENEFITS Bigger water droplets and lower trajectory make rotary nozzles great for slopes, hills, and wind Higher DU means up to 30% savings in water consumption and 60% less flow, allowing more heads per zone
FEATURES & BENEFITS OF PRESSURE REGULATION Benefits Features Delivers greener grass Provides optimal Rotator & Static Nozzle performance Maximizes efficiency of Rotary nozzles Ends misting and fogging Increases water efficiency Reduces water wastage Even distribution and constant performance Constant outlet pressure of 2.1 bar Constant outlet pressure of 3.1 Bar Eliminates high pressure Eliminates water loss from nozzles operating above 2.1 Bar Restricts water loss by 70% if nozzle is removed/damaged
EFFECTS OF PRESSURE REGULATION Without PRS With PRS
CONTROLLERS 4. What is a “Smart Irrigation” Controller Controller has built-in water saving features including a sensor to adjust the optimal sprinkler run time based on local weather conditions 4.1 Smart controllers with solar sync Advanced weather sensor that calculates evapotranspiration, and adjust the controller daily based on local weather conditions. 4.2 Water Budget Easy to adjust all station / monthly percentages of set run-times 4.3 Rain & Soil Sensor Install rain or soil Sensors to provide quick response in shutting down your irrigation system during rainy conditions. Controllers are part of a properly designed system to apply the correct amount of water to the landscape area. Water in the morning, evaporation is less when it’s cool.
SCHEDULING EQUIPMENT 5. There are a lot of scheduling equipment on the market: 5.1 Tensiometers A Tensiometer is an instrument used for measuring the moisture content of soil 5.2 Water Budget Climatic parameters: temperature, radiation, wind, humidity and expected rainfall 5.3 Probes Probes have been used extensively to determine soil moisture. “AS JY NIE MEET NIE, SAL JY NIE WEET NIE”
MULCHING 6.“Mulching” is a long-time practice of landscapers to preserve soil moisture, prevent evaporation and improve the environment for root growth. Keep down weeds that compete for moisture with your plants. Mulch is any type of material that is spread or laid over the surface of the soil as a covering – Organic mulches also help improve the soil’s fertility, as they decompose. OUR ONGOING DROUGHT AND GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE HAS DEMANDED A RE-EVALUATION OF HOW WE USE ONE OF OUR PLANET’S MOST VALUABLE RESOURCES. TAKE CARE TO FINE TUNE YOUR IRRIGATION SYSTEM FOR EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION. THANK YOU.