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April 1, 2011 - GrowOrganic




    
    

Drip Irrigation


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Water Wise

Why Drip Irrigation?

Drip irrigation sends an even, deep supply of water directly to the root zone of the plant without waste or runoff. It uses up to 50% less water than conventional systems; spares plants the stress caused by the wet-dry cycles of overhead watering; and minimizes erosion, soil compaction, leaf burn, mold, and fungal diseases.

Drip irrigation, especially when the line is buried, significantly reduces weeds by watering deeply instead of on the surface (weed seeds have less access to water needed for germination).

Before you install your system, you need to ascertain the flow (how many gallons per minute) you are getting from your main water line. This will help you determine how many emitters you can run at one time. An easy way to calculate this is by running water, and measuring the time it takes to fill a bucket. Divide the bucket size in gallons by the seconds it takes to fill the container, and then multiply the result by 60. Example: If your 4-gallon bucket fills in 40 seconds you have 6 GPM.

Evaluate the sediment content in your water so you can select the proper filter set-up. You should have a vacuum breaker installed at the beginning of your irrigation system to prevent backflow which can contaminate your water supply, especially if you are connected to a well and use a fertilizer injector.

Make a scale drawing of your area so that you can visualize the location of buildings, pathways, water sources, and existing planted areas. Grouping plants with similar water requirements will aid in your selection of irrigation parts. Similarly, you should plan whether your planting will be on a slope or not.

Drip systems are inexpensive and simple to install. Add a timer and you will be able to water your plants evenly, regularly, and conveniently.

Installation tips
• Hand tighten irrigation parts. Tools may damage the threads.
• Lay 1⁄2" poly tubing in the sun before installing it to make it more pliable. It will lie flat when you install it and be easier to insert into compression fittings.
• Cut poly tubing with sharp shears or pruning tools so that fittings fit securely.
• Use a hole punch rather than a sharp instrument (such as an ice pick) to make holes in the 1⁄2" tubing to attach any other tubing or fittings. Your attachments will be much more secure, preventing leaks.
• PowerLocTM fittings for the 1⁄2" poly tubing are installed by slipping tubing over the fitting and then screwing the clamp to secure the connection. Soaker Hose fittings fit slip inside the soaker hose tubing. T-Tape fittings use a loc-sleeve device that slides over the T-Tape.

 
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Flushable Y Filter - Replacement Filter

Flushable Y Filter - Replacement Filter
IRF174

In-Line Filter

In-Line Filter
IRF410

Plastic Hole Punch

Plastic Hole Punch
IRH620

3/4" PVC Adapter

3/4" PVC Adapter
IRH585

Chapin Drip Tape - 15 mil, 8" emitter spacing (4000' Roll)

Chapin Drip Tape - 15 mil, 8" emitter spacing
(4000' Roll)

IRP415
$0.99

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irp520-b.jpg

1/2" Poly Tubing - Mounting Clip
(Pack Of 5)

IRP520

Olson Clamp For 3/8" Sprinkler Riser

Olson Clamp For 3/8" Sprinkler Riser
IRR628

Olson O-Jet Sprayer - 300 Black

Olson O-Jet Sprayer - 300 Black
IRS640

Olson Mini-Sprinkler (Black)

Olson Mini-Sprinkler
(Black)

IRS620

Olson O-Jet Sprayer - 300 Blue

Olson O-Jet Sprayer - 300 Blue
IRS650

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Olson O-Jet Sprayer - 180 Blue

Olson O-Jet Sprayer - 180 Blue
IRS652

Olson Ultra-Jet Sprayer - 180 Blue

Olson Ultra-Jet Sprayer - 180 Blue
IRS688

Olson Ultra Jet Sprayer - 360 Red

Olson Ultra Jet Sprayer - 360 Red
IRS692

Mr Soaker Hose - Green Stripe - 1/2" Barbed End Cap

Mr Soaker Hose - Green Stripe - 1/2" Barbed End Cap
IRC641

Mr Soaker Hose - Green Stripe - 1/2" Barbed Tee

Mr Soaker Hose - Green Stripe - 1/2" Barbed Tee
IRC620

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