Automatic drip irrigation system

To be honest, I am still faced with the fact that many people perceive automation in irrigation as simply “turn it on and forget it.” In factautomatic drip irrigation system- this is a constant balancing between the pressure in the pipes, the composition of the fertilizers and how exactly the crop reacts to watering. I remember how last season I had to redo the water supply scheme for tomatoes - initially they set a standard interval, but in the heat the plants began to shed their ovaries. We had to make adjustments right along the way.

Main system components

The heart of any automation is the controller. But it is important not just to choose an “advanced” model, but to ensure that it is suitable for specific conditions. At our project in the Krasnodar Territory, we initially installed a European controller, but it could not withstand voltage surges. Switched to equipment fromShandong Linyao Intelligent Agriculture Technology Co.,Ltd— stabilizers are immediately provided there.

Filtration is a different story. Many people skimp on filters and then wonder why the emitters become clogged. We take water from an artesian well, and without multi-stage cleaning, the system works for a month or two at most. Now we use disk filters with automatic washing - they are easier to maintain in the field.

Pipes and drip lines are not all created equal either. For perennial crops, it is better to take ones with thick walls, although they are more expensive. Once we saved money on the vineyard - after two seasons we had to change the entire system. Now we work only with trusted suppliers, including those whom we recommendlyzhihuinongye.ru.

Installation and configuration

When installing, the main thing is not to rush into starting. First, be sure to flush the entire system and check each area for leaks. A common mistake is to immediately apply working pressure and then look for leaks. We always do a test run at minimum pressure.

Setting up watering programs is a separate science altogether. You can’t just go and set standard intervals. For young seedlings and mature trees, the regimes are completely different. Plus, you need to take into account the type of soil - everything is different on loam and sandy soils.

Soil moisture sensors are a useful thing, but they also have nuances. If they are placed incorrectly (for example, too close to the IV), the readings will be incorrect. We usually install several sensors at different distances from the irrigation line.

Operational problems

The most common problem is clogged emitters. And not only mechanical, but also biological. Algae often develops in water from open sources and clogs the system. We add special reagents, but carefully so as not to damage the plants.

Pressure drops are another scourge of automatic systems. When several watering zones are opened at the same time, the pressure may drop below critical. We decided to install additional pumping stations in remote areas.

Winter preservation - many people underestimate its importance. Be sure to blow out the system with a compressor, and more than once. Last year, water was not completely removed from one branch; in the spring, 200 meters of pipes had to be replaced.

Integration with other systems

Modernautomatic drip irrigation systemrarely works in isolation. We usually integrate it with a weather station and fertilization system. Especially important for projectsShandong Linyao Intelligent Agriculture Technology Co.,Ltd— they often provide complex solutions.

Remote monitoring is difficult without it now. But there are pitfalls here too. Communication in the field may be lost, so we always duplicate control with local controllers. They work autonomously, even if there is no connection to the server.

The fertilizer application system is a separate matter. It is important not just to supply the nutrient solution, but to do it in the right concentration and at the right time. We use proportional pumps with feedback - more expensive, but more reliable.

Economic efficiency

Many customers ask about payback. It all depends on the culture and scale. On greenhouse vegetables the system usually pays for itself in 1-2 seasons, on perennial plantings it takes longer. But the savings in water and fertilizers are significant - up to 40% according to our measurements.

Reducing labor costs is another important factor. On large arrays you simply cannot do without automation. I remember on one project we switched from manual watering to automatic - we reduced the staff from 15 to 3 people.

The quality of the harvest is something that is not always taken into account when making calculations. With proper drip irrigation, the products are more even and have better commercial qualities. Especially noticeable on fruits and berries.

Development prospects

Nowadays there is more and more talk about the use of AI in irrigation management. But in practice, simpler solutions are still more common - for example, adaptive programs that take into account the phase of plant development. Technologies fromShandong Linyao Intelligent Agriculture Technology Co.,LtdThey are just following this path - they are not overloaded with unnecessary functions, but work stably.

Energy efficiency is the next frontier. We are trying to use solar panels to power controllers in remote locations. So far it is only enough for basic functions, but technology is developing rapidly.

Modularity of systems is a trend in recent years. When you can expand the system gradually by adding new watering zones. This is especially important for farms that develop in stages.