1 / 18

Irrigation Concerns within High Tunnel Production Systems

mrinal
Download Presentation

Irrigation Concerns within High Tunnel Production Systems

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

    1. Irrigation Concerns within High Tunnel Production Systems Jerry Wright, Extension Engineer University of Minnesota Extension Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering Dept West Central Research & Outreach Center - Morris, MN High Tunnel Workshop – December 5, 2008 jwright@umn.edu or 320-589-1711

    2. Uniformity of Irrigation Water Application Irrigation Water Quality Sedimentation, algae Water chemistry – salinity, calcium, iron, pH Adequate filters after water source and fertigation system Water Compatibility with fertilizer

    4. Routine Line & Filter Flushing

    5. Uniformity of Irrigation Water Application Water Pressure Distribution Along header & lateral lines Adequate pipeline diameter to minimize friction losses Friction loss through filters, controllers and fertigation valves Pressure Regulator & Gages

    7. High Tunnel - Soil & Plant Water Management Irrigation timing and application depth Over watering leaches nutrients & reduces O2 Under watering affects fruit growth & quality Know your systems application rate Gallons per linear foot per hour Inches of water depth per hour

    8. Drip Irrigation System Water application rate!!!

    9. Know the soil texture and drip irrigation water movement wetted soil pattern - width & depth May need more than one drip line per row/bed Understand plants water needs: Increases with Plant density and foliage size Daily crop ET (.1 to .25 inches per day) .3 to .7 gallons per plant per day (research very limited) Different crops may need difference irrigation schedules Install small control valve on each irrigated row Plant same crop type and planting date in same row High Tunnel - Soil & Plant Water Management

    11. In-Field Soil Water Assessment

    12. SOIL WATER DEFICITS for Typical Soils & Soil Water Tensions Good Range for High Tunnels - 25 to 40 centibars

    13. Soil Water Monitoring Sensors

    15. High Tunnel - Soil & Plant Water Management Automation of irrigation system Manual On switch with timer shut-off Good for small - low flow systems Too much pressure loss for high flow rates Full timer 7day – 24 hour control Can control one valve or multiple valves Many sizes available & low friction loss

    16. Automatic Controllers

    17. Failed Irrigation with Automatic Timer

    18. Closing Comments Know your irrigation system Learn how water moves in your soil Do not over irrigate!!!! Automation requires a watchful eye

More Related