Water is vital to the survival of plants. Common irrigation systems utilize different parts to have an automatic or semi-automatic watering. Such an automatic system could control the irrigation intensity, duration and frequency. As a result, manual operation is minimized and labour cost could be saved. If the watering dosage is prescribed properly, the water consumption could be controlled, and the watering effectiveness could be increased. Common types of irrigation system include sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation and micro-irrigation.

Sprinkler irrigation

In the sprinkler irrigation system, water is piped to one or more distribution networks within the field and is sprayed by high pressure sprinklers and guns, either by above ground or underground system. The watering is normally done in a controlled manner in a way similar to rainfall. Sprinkler irrigation is highly flexible. There are many types of sprinkling heads. The distribution and spray distances could be adjusted in each head to prevent excessive watering and soil erosion. This type of irrigation works well even at undulating locations, high permeability soil and steep slopes. It is commonly utilized in the orchard, tea garden, agriculture land and slope.  

Drip irrigation

Drip irrigation involves dripping water onto the soil at very low rates from small diameter dripper holes or permeable plastic pipes. It is one of the most water saving irrigation systems. The installation of drip irrigation has to consider the location of the active root zone and the potential disturbance of the irrigation system. If installed properly, water could be saved and there is minimized negative interference to the adjacent roads during watering.

Micro-irrigation

Micro-irrigation is a newer method of irrigation developed from the foundation of sprinkler and drip systems. Normally it has a lower flow rate and lower pressure than the traditional sprinkler system. Similar to the sprinkler system, there are several types of emitter and sprinkler heads available. The common type of emitters delivers water in a fine mist or small water droplets. The spraying distance and dosage could be adjusted by selecting a different type of emitters as well as altering the water pressure. It is commonly used for greenhouse planting, mushroom farms, dust suppression and environmental control. It could even be used to reduce air temperature and increase water humidity.

Its major disadvantages include easy clogging of emitters and easy damage to the system components. Therefore the micro-irrigation system shall be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure it is working.

Points to note if you are designing and setting up an irrigation system:

• Environment factors of the planting area include topography, soil properties, wind speed and prevailing wind direction.
• Condition of the plants such as health condition, type of species and the way of cultivating.
• Economic consideration includes installation budget, maintenance objectives and long term maintenance budget.

Professional irrigation system design and setting up from Tak Tai:

• Assessing and formulating a comprehensive solution from landscaping specialist and irrigation specialist.
• Custom-made solution of cost-effective irrigation system based on actual needs and usages.
• Supplying proper and reliable materials for the system.
• Project monitoring and supervising.
• Providing a one-stop service from design, installation and maintenance.