Edible Mushroom Cultivation Techniques and Selection of Water-Saving Irrigation Techniques for Flower Production

The water-saving irrigation project demonstration area at the flower base is a high-efficiency agricultural project built to conserve water resources, promote sustainable agricultural development, and improve basic agricultural production conditions. Only by developing water-saving irrigation techniques and pursuing high-efficiency water conservation can the goals of increasing the utilization and output rate of water resources and raising farmers' incomes be achieved.

Based on the terrain and economic conditions of the project base, as well as the flower varieties planted and the management methods, a variety of water-saving irrigation engineering forms can basically be selected, including fixed sprinkler irrigation, semi-fixed sprinkler irrigation, reel-type mobile sprinkler irrigation, low-pressure pipeline water conveyance irrigation, automatic micro-sprinkler irrigation in greenhouses, and micro-irrigation tape irrigation. For large-scale planting with many flower varieties and frequent irrigation needs, fixed or semi-fixed sprinkler irrigation should be selected. In areas with relatively poor conditions that mainly focus on seedling cultivation, low-pressure pipeline irrigation can be adopted, with the main pipes designed according to sprinkler irrigation specifications to facilitate future upgrading. For flower bases managed as companies, where labor is scarce and production is concentrated, reel-type sprinkler irrigation equipment can be used for irrigation. For flowers cultivated and maintained in protected cultivation and greenhouse facilities, micro-sprinkler irrigation can be adopted. Advanced irrigation model demonstration areas should be established according to local conditions.

Taking the flower base as an example, with its wide variety of flowers, the different irrigation modes adopted are as follows:

1. Fixed sprinkler irrigation

Fixed sprinkler irrigation is adopted on both sides of the flower corridor, and it is also the main promoted form in the project area, suitable for concentrated contiguous areas of large-scale planting. Within the 200-meter area of the flower corridor, low-branch flowers predominate.

2. Semi-fixed sprinkler irrigation

This is an irrigation mode with lower investment compared to fixed sprinkler irrigation. It is mainly applied to contiguous planting areas with relatively scattered management and diversified planting structures, and this method requires relatively less investment.

3. Buried low-pressure pipeline water conveyance irrigation

Buried low-pressure pipeline water conveyance irrigation is a traditional irrigation form. First, its water conveyance pressure is low, it has no high requirements for water quality, and because the outlet flow is large, it is not easily clogged, and the project cost is low. Because the branch pipes of this irrigation mode are easy to move, it can satisfy scattered flower plantings and adapt to the water requirements of different varieties. It is popular because of its low project cost, and although its water-saving effect is not very high, the main pipeline pressure can be improved when laying PVC pipes, preparing for upgrading the system to sprinkler irrigation when economic conditions permit.

4. Micro-sprinkler irrigation

This irrigation form can be used in low-pressure pipeline areas, making up for the shortcoming of low water conservation at the outlets of low-pressure water conveyance pipes. Micro-sprinkler irrigation sprays evenly and has a good water-saving effect, and it has been widely promoted. It can be used for both tall and short seedlings, and its advantage is also low investment, but recovery is relatively labor-intensive, and its service life is not long. However, micro-sprinkler irrigation is welcomed by small-scale growers and home gardeners, and its promotion results are relatively good.

5. Reel-type mobile sprinkler irrigation

The highly mechanized reel-type sprinkler irrigation machine can adapt to the irrigation of different types of flowers. It is simple to operate, easy to move, and both the sprinkler irrigation intensity and droplet diameter can be adjusted. It is suitable for large-scale base production and saves labor and time.

6. Automated micro-irrigation in greenhouses

Mid-to-high-end flowers are generally grown in greenhouses, so automated micro-irrigation suitable for greenhouses is selected here. This irrigation form is suitable for various mid-to-high-end flowers, bonsai, and seedlings, and has high water-saving efficiency, but the investment is relatively large; however, its high automation can save labor costs. Automated micro-sprinkler irrigation sprays evenly and has a good atomization effect, and it has shown good results in several greenhouse demonstration areas in Yanling.

7. Telescopic sprinkler irrigation

Telescopic sprinkler irrigation is a new type of sprinkler irrigation technology, featuring high spraying uniformity, convenient management, and water and labor savings.