L’flood irrigation it’s a irrigation technique which is based on the use of waste or drainage water, i.e. the water that collects at the base of crops and which is partly absorbed by the ground and partly drained off. This technique is widely used in organic farming because it reduces water waste and limits the environmental impact.
In this article we will see how to irrigate trickling in the garden, starting from the choice of land up to the installation of the irrigation system.
Choosing the terrain to be irrigated
Before installing a drip irrigation system, it is important to choose the right soil. The soil must be well drained and must not have areas of water stagnation. Also, the soil must be permeable enough to allow runoff water to pass through, but not so porous that it drains away too quickly.
Preparation of land for flood irrigation
Once the land has been chosen, it must be prepared properly. It is advisable to work the soil deeply and to remove any obstacles which could impede the flow of water. Then you have to prepare the furrows where the vegetables are planted and at the base of which the water flows. Furthermore, it is essential to create with manual processes (typically with the hoe) a slight slope of the ground in order to facilitate the flow of water along the furrow.
Creation of the irrigation system with the waste water
To create the flow irrigation system it is necessary to get the water to the plot by creating drainage channels at the top of the crops. The channels can be made of different materials, for example in concrete or using PVC pipes, depending on the needs, but above all on the distance from the main water source. Therefore, a good supply of water is required to use wastewater irrigation. Once the channels that carry the water to the garden have been prepared, it is possible to proceed with the sowing or planting of the plants.
Management of the irrigation system with waste water
The management of the drip irrigation system requires special attention. It is important to monitor the amount of water being supplied to the plants and to ensure that there is not excessive water accumulation in the furrows. Furthermore, it is advisable to water the plants in the coolest hours of the day to avoid excessive evaporation of the water.
Advantages of trickle irrigation
Flow irrigation has many advantages, especially in organic farming. Among the main advantages can be mentioned:
- Sewage water is reused to irrigate plants, reducing water waste and limiting environmental impact.
- Flow irrigation requires little initial investment and saves on operating costs compared to a drip irrigation system which requires much more materials.
- Run-off water contains nutrients that can improve soil quality and promote plant growth.
- Flow watering reduces the risk of moisture-related plant diseases, as the water is distributed evenly and never comes into contact with the leaves.
Conclusions on trickle irrigation
Flow irrigation is a very useful technique in organic farming. This technique allows to reduce the waste of water, to limit the environmental impact and to improve the quality of the soil. However, it is important to pay attention to the management of the irrigation system and constantly monitor the water supply to the plants. To install an irrigation system with waste water in the garden it is necessary to choose the suitable soil, prepare it properly and create the irrigation system with drains. In this way it will be possible to grow your own plants in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.
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