Pumps and Irrigation

Water and its storage

Water is becoming scarcer, so storing it is in order. And why not make full use of such a barrel or tank? Today, the range includes flexible tanks with a tap and quick connector, from a capacity of 25L up to 1000L, as well as plastic barrels and IBC containers. Then all you need to do is add a water filter against impurities, a timer to control the irrigation interval, and assemble the distribution according to a pre-prepared plan.

If you are considering irrigation for your garden from a tank or barrel, the first decision is how you will deliver water to your plants. In addition to a watering can, you can irrigate using a pump or, nowadays very popular, by gravity feed. We will look at the individual options in the following text.

 Circulation pumps and submersible pumps

If you have decided to irrigate using a pump, then the following lines are mainly for you. First, we will look at how to work with pressure and head, and what to consider when choosing a pump.

If you need to know the main value, this basic conversion will be useful: Head 10 m = pressure 1 bar

It is also necessary to know that pressure loss occurs over a certain pipe length. The following guide may be useful:

- Pressure losses in vertical lines are calculated as follows: 1 m of vertical line = 1 m from the maximum head = 0.1 bar
- Pressure losses in horizontal lines are calculated as follows: 10 m of horizontal lines = 1 m from the pump head = 0.1 bar
- Additional losses may arise from the installation of a filter, elbows and a non-return valve. A loss of 0.5 bar must be allowed for.

Example of pump head calculation:

Example of a pump configuration without regulation and filter:

- Well depth: 30 - pressure loss of 30 m from the pump head = 3 bar

- vertical lines above the well: 5 m - pressure loss from the pump head 5 m = 0.5 bar

- horizontal lines 60 m - pressure loss from the pump head 6 m = 0.6 bar

- required pressure at the furthest and highest draw-off point: 3.5 bar = 35 m from the pump head

3 bar + 0.5 bar + 0.6 bar + 3.5 bar = 7.6 bar * 10 = pump head 76 m

A. Variable water level is already counted as part of the vertical distance

B. Vertical distance

C. Horizontal distance

Gravity feed

Do you not have a socket on the balcony or electricity at the cottage? Gravity-feed irrigation is just for you. The basis is to place the tank as high as possible so that sufficient pressure is created. An IBC tank with a volume of 1000L at a height of 1 m above the ground has a pressure of 0.1 bar. Ideal placement is 1-2 m. For such pressure, a distribution hose with a diameter of 16-20 mm and a maximum length of 30 m is suitable. We can use branching whether with installed drippers at constant intervals or by using branching with drip hose without drippers, which we then install ourselves at the required distances and flow rates. As the conditions show, sloping plots have a significant advantage when solving gravity-feed drip irrigation.

 Solar irrigation

If you do not have the option of gravity feed thanks to an elevated tank and you do not have electricity available either, then solar irrigation is suitable for you. The automatic solar irrigation SOL- C12 is ideal for balconies, gardens and plots. It serves wherever there is no pressurised water or mains connection. Compared with irrigation timers, it waters plants according to need. It therefore does not happen that they are watered either too little or too much. A 200 l barrel usually lasts up to 14 days. The more sunshine there is, the more IRRIGATIA waters. At night, the system switches off.

Capacity: 12x20l pot or 12x tomato or 24x pepper or 36x strawberry or 12 m bed

The set includes:

• solar panel
• pump
• 15 m irrigation hose
• 12 drippers
• T connectors
• irrigation needles
• 3x rechargeable AAA batteries

We also offer solar irrigation for 24 m bed SOL-C24, for 60 m bed SOL-C60 and for passionate growers we offer SOL-C120, which can irrigate up to 2 beds of 60 m.

                                                    Water distribution

Storing water does not only mean retaining it in tanks and barrels, but above all saving it and handling it sensibly. Regulating watering is therefore not only effective for plants, but also beneficial for you. Drip irrigation is very popular and its implementation is easier than it seems. Using irrigation needles, you get water exactly where it is needed. When choosing components, it is always essential to stick to the dimensions. So if you are creating a main distribution pipe with a diameter of 16mm, and branching with a diameter of 6mm, it is essential to choose connectors, elbows and taps for the main distribution in 16mm size and all components in the branching in 6mm size. We definitely recommend measuring everything carefully and deciding on the layout. This will save you time and money. More about how to assemble your own irrigation can be found in the article Hydroponics made easy: Drip irrigation.

Irrigation timing

Whether you irrigate using a pump or by gravity feed, you will need to control the irrigation. A flow timer can help with this, and ideally also a pump switching timer. Set irrigation ideally for early morning or evening, when the sun is already setting, but you can also water in the morning and evening. During the flowering period, especially with cucurbit plants, it is suitable to irrigate in the morning so that there is no risk of mould overnight. There is a wide selection of irrigation timers. Digital, analogue, pressure, non-pressure... We have the best experience with the PLANT!T Water timer- Valve with irrigation timer. Intuitive settings and accessories in the package, including a filter, make it a ''Plug'n'Play'' product. Switching clocks suitable for pumps are for example

Do not hesitate to ask us any