Greenhouse irrigation system for growers

As a greenhouse grower, your primary goal is to deliver constant and superior product quality, not only to satisfy your standards but also to meet the demands of your valued customers. One crucial element in achieving this objective is an indispensable resource: water. To effectively harness the potential of water to enhance crop yields, an efficient and suitable irrigation system is of utmost importance.

Choosing the right irrigation system can be daunting, considering the myriad options available. Some systems may increase the risk of diseases or uneven plant growth and flowering, while others need to be economically viable for your specific cultivation. In this complex landscape, making well-informed decisions can prove to be challenging.

This are the subjects on this greenhouse irrigation system page

Click on the link to scroll to the right place on this page. 

1. Which irrigation method is best for a greenhouse?
2. What is optimal water cycle for plants to irrigate?
3. Greenhouse irrigation system & Part of the whole Water Management Plan
4. Advantages and disadvantages of drip irrigation;
5. Advantages and disadvantages of water booms;
6. Advantages and disadvantages of abb and flow irrigations
7. Advantages and disadvantages of irrigation sprinklers;
8. Advantages and disadvantages of capillary mat;
9. Comparing different systems;
10. Irrigation systems for outdoor crops;
11. Integration with water system.

1. Which irrigation method is best for a greenhouse?

The best irrigation method for your greenhouse depends on your specific situation. Some websites mention that drip irrigation is the best system, but alongside its advantages, there are also several disadvantages. On this page, we will provide an overview of all these pros and cons, so you can choose the irrigation system that best suits your needs. For more information, you can always ask for advice.

2. What is optimal water cycle for plants to irrigate?

To ensure the right irrigation water, it's essential to maintain an effective water cycle.

1. You might have various water sources, each with different characteristics. Measuring the water quality is crucial to apply the correct treatments. In this blog, we’ll explain more about this topic.
2. The water is directed to the pump unit or the silo.
3. The water undergoes treatment. Which technique should you use? [Read this blog]
4. The water is then delivered to the plants. Below, we explain which systems you could use.
5. The water returns to the silo. We have a dedicated silo for this purpose since recycled water often has different properties than, for example, rainwater.
6. You could also disinfect the water to reuse it.
   
   

3. Greenhouse irrigation system & Part of the whole Water Management Plan

The greenhouse watering system or irrigation system is an important part of the greenhouse. But it is part of a bigger picture. 

1. It starts with collection enough water for your plants. You could do it with Water basins and silo's. 
2. Then you need to pump the water to the greenhouse. But before you do that, it is important to get the right quality of water with filtration. (read here more). 
3. The next step is watering the plants with the irrigation system. 
4. To have enough water in future it is important to collect the water again. 
5. To reuse the water, you should check the quality and diseases. 

Do you want to know how we do this for our customers? Look at this website or download the leaflet below. 

4. What are the advantages of greenhouse drip irrigation?

4.1. Advantages drip irrigation (for indoor and outdoor crops):

•    Precise and efficient watering.
•    Minimal water and nutrient wastage.
•    Reduced risk of disease.
•    Weed control.
•    Suitable for various crops, especially long-term ones like tree nurseries.

4.2. Disadvantages drip irrigation (for indoor and outdoor crops):

•    Drippers can clog and require maintenance.
•    Uneven root growth if not properly positioned.
•    Labor-intensive installation and removal of drippers.
•    High upfront investment.
•    Requires a good pumping unit and filters.

5. Greenhouse Irrigation System: Water booms

Water booms deliver overhead irrigation to crops by adjusting travel speed and nozzle size for precise watering. This system allows for even distribution and is easily automated, making it suitable for various greenhouse setups.

5.1. Advantages water booms (for indoor and outdoor crops):

•    Precise and even watering.
•    Easy automation.
•    Flexible placement of different pot sizes and plant species.
•    Water delivered directly to the plug or plant.

5.2. Disadvantages water booms (for indoor and outdoor crops):

•    Challenging to meet water demands on hot days.
•    Initial installation cost and operator expertise required.
•    Increased risk of disease due to wet foliage.
•    Requires flat subsurface and proper drainage.

6. Greenhouse Irrigation system: Ebb and Flow Irrigation

Ebb and flow irrigation involves flooding the floor to deliver water from below, promoting even watering and healthy root distribution. The water can be reclaimed or drained based on the setup.

6.1. Advantages ebb and flow irrigation (for indoor and outdoor crops):

•    Even watering for uniform, high-quality crops.
•    Reduced disease pressure as foliage stays dry.
•    Suitable for plants with high crowns.
•    Watering can be done at any time.
•    Water and fertilizer can be collected and reused.

6.2. Disadvantages ebb and flow irrigation (for indoor and outdoor crops):

•    High installation costs.
•    Potential salinization of potting soil.
•    Requires a large pumping capacity.
•    Requires precise layout and arrangement.
•    Slow watering process for individual plants.

7. Greenhouse Irrigatiob system: Irrigation sprinklers

Irrigation sprinklers spray water to cover a designated area, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor crops.

7.1. Advantages sprinklers (for indoor and outdoor crops):

•    Relatively inexpensive.
•    Suitable for sloping terrains.
•    Easy installation.

7.2. Disadvantages sprinklers (for indoor and outdoor crops):

•    Inefficient on hot days due to water evaporation.
•    Variable water collection potential.
•    Increased heating requirements for indoor crops.
•    Uneven distribution in windy conditions.
•    Risk of leaf diseases due to wet foliage.
•    High water consumption and waste.

8. Greenhouse Irrigation system: Capillary Mat

Capillary mats saturate the substrate of plants from below, ensuring a steady water supply.

8.1. Advantages of capillary mat (for indoor and outdoor crops):

•    Dry foliage reduces disease pressure.
•    Inexpensive and easy to construct.
•    Low maintenance.
•    Reduced water evaporation.
•    Some water can be reused.

8.2. Disadvantages of capillary mat(for indoor and outdoor crops):

•    Potential salt buildup in the mat.
•    Requires a level cultivation surface.
•    Limited automation options.
•    Increased heating requirements for indoor use.
•    Susceptible to algae growth.
•    Relatively short lifespan.

9. Compare different irrigation systems in horticulture

We wrote three different blog post to compare irrigation systems. You can read them by clicking below. We share some examples of situations. It depends on the type of crop which systems is the best for you. 

• Irrigation systems for growers: Ebb and flow system versus sprinklers
• Irrigation systems: Ebb and flow system versus water booms
• Irrigation systems: Ebb and flow system versus drip irrigation

10. Irrigation systems for nurseries [Outdoor Fields]

11. The right integration with the water system

You can't have problems with the integration between your water system and your irrigation system. Here at ErfGoed, we completely understand this, and that's why we provide growing solutions that bring both aspects together. Our ErfGoedFloor and ErfGoedWaterSystem are a perfect match. This ensures top-notch water control, like having the right pumps and filters that perfectly complement the ErfGoedFloor. If you're interested, we'd love to share more details about the different aspects of our water systems.

Read more about the ErfGoedWaterSystem.