Detailed Explanation of Summer Watering Methods for Greenhouse Vegetables
The most important thing about watering vegetables grown in greenhouses is to retain moisture while also letting moisture escape; water cannot be trapped inside the greenhouse all the time, as this easily leads to some high-humidity diseases. However, watering in summer comes with some different points to note. High temperatures, frequent rain, and susceptibility to drought in summer are the key points to watch when watering. Watering methods and precautions should be decided based on these influences. For specifics, continue reading below.
1. Watering time
Due to the effects of high-temperature weather, do not water at noon or when the sunlight is strong. The ground temperature is very high, and the vegetables are constantly exposed to high temperatures and continuously evaporating water. At this time, the roots and plants are very weak, and sudden watering can easily backfire and may scald the roots. It is best to water in the morning and evening, when the temperature has dropped somewhat, which can protect the roots, allow rapid absorption, and restore growth.
2. Watering method
When watering, do not use too much; flood irrigation and the like are not acceptable. It is best to install subsurface infiltration irrigation facilities under the film, or use sprinkler irrigation or drip irrigation. The advantage of the subsurface infiltration under film method is that it can directly keep water available for root absorption without releasing it into the greenhouse, and it will not fail to disperse. Sprinkler irrigation turns water into water molecules for irrigation, which is conducive to absorption and can be absorbed directly through the leaves, making recovery easy; if it is dry, it can increase air humidity. As for drip irrigation, it can give the roots a transition period to adapt to the watering process after drought and high temperatures.
3. Watering after prolonged drought
If there is a long period of drought in summer, the soil will become very dry, the concentration of the soil solution will rise, and the absorption capacity of the roots will decline. Do not water too much all at once; you can first water all of it lightly at the shallow layer, observe the vegetables' growth response, and gradually increase the amount of water. Finally, return to normal watering. If it is still high temperature during the watering period, you must also choose the right time to do it. In addition, watering must be continued.
4. Preventing drought
After the beginning of summer, areas prone to drought in past years should pay attention to preparing for drought prevention as soon as summer begins, for example, covering with plastic film in advance and installing sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation, and infiltration watering facilities. Prepare shade nets, which can reduce light and temperature, reduce water evaporation, and protect the growing environment. On every sunny morning, you can spray clean water. Prevent drought and lower the temperature. The main thing is to maintain growth vigor.
The main purpose of watering greenhouse vegetables in summer is to lower the temperature and prevent drought; this is a main purpose, but the ultimate goal is the normal growth of the vegetables in summer. Therefore, summer watering should not be taken lightly. Watering is different from other times. Attention must be paid to the timing and method of watering.