An efficient irrigation system is essential to maintain the plants in the garden and/orchard. As summer approaches and the temperature rises, there’s a propensity to overwater, which damages plants and wastes water needlessly.

Water is our most important natural resource; it is the basis of all life on our planet. It is a fundamental and irreplaceable resource that is currently scarce, so we must make more rational use of it. An efficient irrigation system guarantees optimal plant development by providing the necessary Water while optimizing water resources.

Irrigation Efficiency

Irrigation efficiency is the relationship between the volume of water plants use and the Water we use to water them. Of the volume of Water we use to rinse, the plants do not use a very important part; it is an amount of wasted Water.

It is estimated that a substantial part of the Water used in irrigation (between 20-50%) is lost, so using an efficient irrigation system is very important to minimize losses. To improve water use efficiency, we must take into account three key aspects:

Water At The Right Times

It is recommended to water early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This is because a portion of the Water evaporates when it comes into contact with the hot substrate during the middle of the day or when maximum solar radiation is present. Therefore, watering during the hours when the soil is cooler will ensure that the roots of the plants receive and assimilate a greater part of the Water we use.

Regulate The Frequency Of Irrigation.

Watering should be done gradually and regularly to ensure that the Water penetrates the soil gradually and is retained as much as possible. The soil develops an impermeable layer if it dries out between irrigations, making it difficult for Water to penetrate the soil during irrigation and waste it.

Rest The Water

Chlorinated Water without standing can negatively affect beneficial soil microorganisms. On the other hand, it may also contain suspended solid elements capable of clogging some irrigation system components. If the appropriate filters are unavailable, a good solution would be to let the water rest in drums, tanks, or ponds for at least 24 hours before using it for irrigation. With this simple gesture, part or all of the chlorine will evaporate, thus avoiding the negative effects of chlorinated Water on the soil microbiota and also favoring good maintenance of the irrigation system.

Advantages Of An Efficient Irrigation System

In addition to saving Water and benefiting our plants, an efficient irrigation system offers other advantages such as:

• By saving water, you also save on consumption costs.
• Due to the accessories that can be counted on, we also save time and can take care of our plants from anywhere and at any time.
• The plants will benefit more and be healthier, thus guaranteeing optimal growth.
• Another advantage of efficient irrigation systems is their easy installation and use.

• The vast majority of efficient irrigation systems can be automated and have a lower labor cost.