Irrigation plays a critical role in the success of plant cultivation, and choosing the right system can significantly impact plant health, water efficiency, and overall productivity.
Continuously delivering consistent and good product quality; that's what it's all about for you as a grower. Water is an indispensable link to achieve this. As an extension of this, you also need an irrigation system that helps you deliver the quality you - but especially your buyers - desire. However, there are numerous different irrigation options. How do you choose between all these systems? For example, one irrigation system may be more prone to diseases or uneven growth than another. At the same time, an irrigation system needs to be cost-effective for your operation. It should be taken seriously to find the best system for you.
Drip irrigation
Drip irrigation is an effective method of irrigating crops that involves delivering water directly to plants through a network of pipes, tubing, and individual drippers. Each plant is fitted with one or more drippers. On average, it takes 20 to 60 minutes per watering cycle and can be repeated as required by the crop.
Waterbooms
With the use of waterbooms, the crop receives water overhead. By adjusting the travel speed and size of the nozzles, it is possible to vary the amount of watering delivered by the boom.
There is good water distribution. In fact, watering can be precisely programmed; you can water where and when you want. Also, the watering of a spray boom is very even. This ensures an efficient way of working and contributes to good and consistent product quality.
During hot days it may be hard to keep up with the demand of the plants water requirements as the boom has to travel to them.
Ebb and flood irrigation
With this irrigation system, the plant receives water from below via the floor being flooded. Then this water either is reclaimed by draining into the subsoil with a liner (this is the case with an ErfGoedFloor) or runs to a drain at the lowest point (this is the case with a concrete floor).
Irrigation Sprinklers
This irrigation method can be used for indoor and outdoor crops. The water is literally 'sprayed around' until plants receive sufficient water.
This irrigation method is relatively inexpensive.
On hot days, it is not possible to irrigate during the day. This is because the water evaporates faster than the plant can absorb it.
Capillary mat
In this system, the substrate of the plants (i.e., the capillary mat) is saturated with water, thus watering the plants from below.
With an irrigation mat, water and fertilizer are given through the mat. Over time, salts can accumulate in the mat, and an imbalance can occur in the nutrient delivery to the plant. This can be negative for plant growth and development.
After comparing five different irrigation systems, we can say that there is no "one size fits all solution. Each system has advantages and disadvantages in certain situations. Erfgoed is happy to help you as a grower - based on your crop type and associated needs - to choose the right irrigation system. Therefore they scheduled for July 13th a webinar. It will be held at 10 AM (EST - Washington D.C) / 4 PM (CEST - Amsterdam).
North American ErfGoed colleague, Jack Ford, will present this webinar. He has a lifetime of working and consulting in the commercial horticultural industry. He understands the grower's business and will guide participants through the various irrigation options available.
During the webinar, attendees will:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of different irrigation systems and their advantages
- Learn how to select the most suitable system based on plant types, growing conditions, and environmental factors
- Explore the latest technologies and innovations in irrigation for optimized plant growth
- Discover water conservation solutions and best practices for sustainable irrigation
- Have the opportunity to ask questions
"We are excited to host this webinar and provide growers with knowledge about irrigation systems," said Cor Bremmer, Commercial Director at ErfGoed. "By understanding the different options available and their benefits, growers can enhance plant health and uniformity, conserve water resources, and ultimately improve their overall crop yield."
To reserve your spot for the webinar: https://www.erfgoed.com/events/what-irrigation-system-is-the-best-for-your-plants
For more information:
ErfGoed
Bredeweg 59, 2751 GH
Moerkapelle, the Netherlands
Tel.: +31 (0)79 593 38 00
[email protected]
www.erfgoed.com