What are the advantages of hose micro-sprinkler irrigation under plastic film for greenhouse vegetables?

The hose micro-sprinkler irrigation system under plastic film for greenhouse vegetables is a water-saving irrigation method that uses micro-irrigation tape laid under the plastic film to distribute water evenly into the soil layer of the vegetable root zone. This method does not produce large amounts of pooling and turbulent flow, which not only reduces water waste but also reduces water evaporation.

I. Component composition

The system includes water supply equipment, water delivery pipes, micro-sprinkler tape, special connectors, fertilizer injectors, filter screens, tees, end caps and other components, and forms a supporting technology together with plastic film mulching.

II. Installation key points

1. Preparation before installation. First, apply sufficient base fertilizer to prevent later fertilizer deficiency; then level the land, leveling the bed surface or ground where the micro-irrigation tape and water delivery pipes will be laid, avoiding bumps and depressions that would make hose water delivery difficult.

2. Install the main pipe. Install a filter screen at the connection between the water source and the water delivery pipe to prevent impurities in the water from entering, then lay the water delivery pipe and connect it to the fertilizer injector at the front, so that water and fertilizer are applied together, extending along the bed to the lower end of the front roof.

3. Arrange the micro-sprinkler tape. Lay the micro-irrigation tape on the bed surface (or between ridges), seal its tail end, and face the micro-holes upward. According to the position of the micro-irrigation tape, use scissors to cut corresponding installation holes.

4. Install the connectors. Insert internal connectors equal in number to the installation holes into the pipe from both ends of the water delivery pipe, move them one by one to each hole and push them out. Put on rubber gaskets and tighten the external connectors.

5. Connect the micro-irrigation tape. Place the micro-irrigation tape into the ring at the tail of the connector and force it onto the connector. Straighten the water pipe, then cover it with plastic film, seal the tail of the water delivery pipe tightly, and connect the other end to the water source for use.

III. Precautions

1. Regularly inspect and maintain water-saving irrigation equipment, and replace it in time if damage is found. Keep all components clean, especially frequently check and clean the filter to prevent micro-sprinkler holes from clogging and affecting the use effect.

2. When applying fertilizer and pesticides, fully dissolve the fertilizer and pesticides and filter out impurities to maintain the normal operation of the micro-sprinkler irrigation system. It is best to install a gauze filter at the fertilizer outlet to prevent clogging and give full play to good effectiveness.

3. Before opening the valve, first straighten each hose, then open the valve to fill the pipes and check whether the holes of each hose are blocked. If blocked, pinch them with your hand to make them unobstructed and improve the irrigation effect.

4. Control the water supply according to the water requirement of the vegetable type and growth stage, avoiding excessive irrigation that fails to achieve the proper effect.

IV. Advantages

Compared with traditional furrow irrigation, it has the following advantages:

1. Water saving. Implementing micro-sprinkler irrigation under plastic film can greatly reduce evaporation between plants. Compared with traditional flood irrigation, the water-saving rate reaches about 50%.

2. Improve fertilizer efficiency. Applying hose micro-sprinkler irrigation technology concentrates base fertilizer and topdressing, and water infiltrates slowly in the soil, avoiding nutrient loss. At the same time, topdressing with water helps vegetables evenly absorb nutrients and water, thereby improving fertilizer utilization.

3. Improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil. Applying hose micro-sprinkler irrigation technology provides water for a long time at a slow speed, making the soil loose, with low bulk density and moderate soil porosity, reducing the degree of soil acidification and salinization, creating a good soil environment for the normal growth of vegetables, with balanced growth and good consistency.

4. It can effectively increase the ground temperature and air temperature inside the greenhouse. Compared with bed irrigation, the ground temperature can increase by 3°C to 6°C, and the air temperature by 1°C to 3°C, effectively promoting the growth and development of vegetables and increasing yield.

5. Reduce opportunities for pest and disease infection. Applying hose micro-sprinkler irrigation technology delivers water slowly and evenly. Together with plastic film mulching, the soil moisture evaporation coefficient is extremely small, and the relative air humidity is reduced by more than 23% compared with not using it. Leaves remain dry for a longer time, effectively reducing infection by various pathogens and preventing the occurrence of various diseases.

6. Increase yield and income. Using this technology gives good results in water conservation, fertilizer conservation and pesticide application in the greenhouse, with balanced fertilizer and water supply and uniform growth. It can prevent later fertilizer deficiency and the occurrence of pests and diseases, increase yield per mu by more than 20%, improve product quality and increase income.

7. Low investment and labor saving. The water delivery pipes and micro-sprinkler tape are both made of thin-walled plastic hoses that can be flattened into sheets and rolled up. They are a lower-priced type of micro-irrigation product, with an investment of only about 400 yuan per mu. Hose micro-sprinkler irrigation does not require manual guarding of ditches and water diversion, reducing labor.

Li Aiyong, Dingxing County Agriculture Bureau