Flower Cultivation and Pruning Techniques and the Application of Micro-sprinkler and Artificial Fog Irrigation Systems

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(1) Micro-sprinkler system

(2) Artificial fog system

Micro-sprinkling is one of the common water-saving irrigation methods, in which micro-sprinkler emitters irrigate crops by spraying water. In micro-sprinkler systems, various micro-sprinklers and spray hoses are commonly used emitters. Micro-sprinkler systems used for field-grown flowers generally involve laying spray hoses on the ground surface or inserting micro-sprinklers into the ground; in protected horticulture, micro-sprinklers are usually hung upside down from the facility framework to avoid affecting the micro-sprinkler system's irrigation of other crops.

Rotary micro-sprinklers and deflection micro-sprinklers are the two most common types of sprinklers in micro-sprinkler irrigation systems. Generally, rotary micro-sprinklers are used for supplementary irrigation; deflection micro-sprinklers are further divided into refraction micro-sprinklers and centrifugal micro-sprinklers. Refraction micro-sprinklers have both irrigation and humidification/cooling functions, while centrifugal micro-sprinklers are commonly used for atomizing irrigation in soilless cultivation and also have humidification and cooling effects.

To create a field microclimate, drip irrigation and micro-sprinkling should be combined, with drip irrigation as the main method, and the micro-sprinkler system mainly used for supplementary irrigation and humidification/cooling.

When using a micro-sprinkler system, the following points should be noted:

1. When micro-sprinklers are installed upside down, anti-drip devices must be installed to prevent water from dripping from the micro-sprinklers after the water supply stops and causing harm to the flowers;

2. If the micro-sprinkler system and the drip irrigation system share a single water source in a facility, a pressure-reducing device should be installed on the drip irrigation system or a local pressure-boosting device should be installed on the micro-sprinkler system, to prevent the drip irrigation system from bursting or the micro-sprinkler system from failing to spray;

3. The micro-sprinkler equipment must be cleaned regularly. It is recommended to clean it after each irrigation. Never remove the filter element and leave it unused.

Below is a brief introduction to the artificial fog system irrigation method for greenhouse flowers, which mainly refers to an irrigation method in which the emitters used spray crops in the form of mist.

The working pressure of an artificial fog system is very high, generally from 4MPa to 12MPa, and the atomization effect is good. This system is commonly used in multi-span greenhouses for high-end flowers to humidify and cool, and artificial fog systems can also be used for spraying pesticides and disinfection.

When using an artificial fog system, the following points should be noted:

1. The outlet diameter of artificial fog nozzles is very small, so the water quality requirements are very high. Softened water is usually used to prevent nozzle clogging. If nozzle clogging occurs, the nozzle can be removed and cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner;

2. The pressure pump of the artificial fog system needs regular maintenance and oil changes;

3. Artificial fog systems generally use automatic control systems, turning on and off automatically according to temperature and humidity.