Having decided to install automatic watering on the site, every gardener is faced with the need to choose. The market offers many systems for irrigation of the garden; the most popular are drip irrigation and sprinkling. To make the right choice, it is necessary to study the characteristics and differences of the systems in question.
Advantages and disadvantages of drip irrigation
Drip irrigation consists of oozing hoses from the holes of which water flows to the roots of plants. A distinctive aspect of such an automatic system is that irrigation occurs in small portions, preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged. The advantages of this type are as follows:
- No strong water pressure or pressure is required.
- Water saving, which is due to the fact that moisture comes directly, and its consumption is significantly reduced.
- Helps moisturize the roots, which has a beneficial effect on crop growth.
- Compared to other types of irrigation, drops do not erode the top layer of soil and do not expose plant roots.
- Water does not reach the soil areas located between the plants. Thus, the weeds will not have enough moisture, and they will die or stop reproducing.
- Water does not get on the leaves, which reduces the likelihood of burns or rotting.
- Considering that the water is directed directly to the root, you can avoid puddles and dirt in the garden. This fact simplifies maintenance and makes the area neater.
- Irrigation with drops can be carried out at any time of the day.
The main disadvantage will be the fact that irrigation using a drip system is not suitable for every area. The beds should be level and the plants should be planted at the same distance. Otherwise, it will be difficult to select a hose with the required distance between the holes.
Advantages and disadvantages of sprinkling
Sprinkling is a type of irrigation, the basic principle of which is to moisten a large area of land according to a given timer or command. To equip it, a special sprinkler system, floor sprinklers or garden sprayers are installed on the site.
Advantages of sprinkling:
- Sprinkler irrigation gets its name from the fact that water is sprayed over an area in small drops. When using this type of irrigation, you can make the flow of moisture as natural as possible.
- The system moisturizes not only the soil, but also the air in the area. This factor has a beneficial effect on crops that love high humidity.
- Drops of water cleanse plant leaves of dust and dirt, which improves photosynthesis.
Disadvantages of sprinkling:
- Suitable only for plants with superficial roots, since this species is not intended to penetrate deep layers of soil. Accordingly, it will not be able to sufficiently moisturize the roots.
- Water with a sprinkler only in the morning. When using the system during the day, there is a high probability that a burn will appear on the leaves. When irrigating in the evening, the moisture may not have time to evaporate, which will create a favorable environment for rotting and various diseases.
Conditions for choosing drip irrigation
Drip irrigation is used for plants located at the same distance from each other. It should be borne in mind that the roots of each plant will receive moisture individually, so the system is not suitable for thickened plantings.
Watering with drops is carried out at the root, so it is better suited for an area located at an angle. Since when irrigated by sprinkling, water will roll down and collect in one place.
The system will have a good effect on crops that require deep soil moisture. It will also be useful when growing tomatoes, peppers or eggplants, since they do not tolerate water getting on their leaves and do not like high air humidity.
Effective operation does not require a strong supply of water, which makes this type of irrigation attractive for areas with poor technical equipment.
Conditions for choosing sprinkling
The system should be selected if the following prerequisites are present:
- It is necessary to moisten a large area, such as a lawn or flower beds. When sprinkling, you will need less equipment than when arranging other types.
- Crops such as cucumbers, cabbage, pumpkin and greens prefer sprinkling, as high air humidity has a beneficial effect on their development.
Drip irrigation is suitable for plants with deep roots. And sprinkling is necessary for crops that love humidified air. Experienced gardeners recommend combining these systems to make the site more functional.
