What are the different irrigation systems for greenhouses?

Agriculture in hot desert regions usually requires a large amount of water to maintain soil moisture, which tends to dry out quickly. Other factors also contribute to preserving this moisture, such as the type of plants to be cultivated, the quality of the soil itself, the different stages of plant growth, the cultivation method, and finally the irrigation techniques used.

One of the modern technologies relied upon in both air-conditioned and regular greenhouses is the use of various and modern automatic irrigation systems that help save a lot of water and maintain plants during growth stages. Therefore, let us talk about the different irrigation systems for greenhouses through this topic.

Irrigation Process Controls in Greenhouses

As previously mentioned, irrigation programs depend on a number of necessary factors and controls for agricultural operations to succeed. Irrigation is a fundamental pillar that significantly influences the quality of crop germination. Let us discuss the most important controls that determine the irrigation system to be followed:

Soil type:

One of the most important controls influencing the choice of irrigation system used is the type of soil inside the agricultural greenhouses. Each soil type differs from the other, whether sandy, clay, or others. Therefore, an agricultural expert must be consulted to examine the soil before planting in order to determine the soil type and the appropriate irrigation system.

Plant type:

Each plant differs in its suitable growth environment. Some plants can tolerate drought and therefore do not require much water, while others cannot withstand drought and require constant irrigation to maintain moisture. Even within the same plant species, the irrigation system may vary depending on the growth stage. For example, one system may be used at the beginning of growth and another during flowering and maturity.

Location of agricultural greenhouses:

The location of the greenhouse plays an important role in determining the irrigation systems used. For example, if the plastic greenhouse is built in a very cold location, it may require specific irrigation systems, and vice versa for very hot locations. The prevailing climate of the area is a key factor.

Different Irrigation Systems for Greenhouses

Al Rawda Greenhouse Factory provides the best prices for agricultural greenhouses equipped with modern irrigation systems, agricultural rock wool, cooling and heating systems, greenhouse fans, and all other greenhouse supplies. Let us now discuss the components of the agricultural irrigation system:

At the outset, we can say that irrigation systems cannot achieve their purpose without good management and supervision by specialists. Therefore, agriculture inside greenhouses depends on modern irrigation systems based on specific components.

Due to the variation in climate and soil type, the irrigation system can be selected based on water quality, which must be free of toxins, low in salts, and with a pH not exceeding 7 degrees Celsius.

The choice of irrigation system also depends on the required irrigation quantity, which can be determined based on crop type, soil type, and planting time.

As for irrigation schedules, they are set by specialists to operate automatically based on soil moisture levels. Soil moisture is measured using several devices, including the moisture sensor, tensiometer, and Bouyoucos cubes.

Drip Irrigation System

The drip irrigation system is one of the most important systems relied upon by many experts and specialists, being one of the most efficient and effective systems. Let us highlight the main advantages of the drip irrigation system:

• Drip irrigation helps save water due to localized wetting of the seed zone.
• Continuous moisture in the seeds contributes to high-quality and abundant yield, due to prolonged and repeated irrigation.
• Maintains dry foliage, thus protecting plants from various agricultural pests.
• Helps manage excess salinity that can accumulate in soil due to repeated irrigation.
• Facilitates agricultural processes as fertilizers and pesticides can be applied during irrigation.
• Can be operated automatically, easy to maintain, and does not require underground drainage networks.

Self-Irrigation System

The self-irrigation system is one of the modern systems used in glass greenhouses, featuring several advantages, most notably:

• Does not require constant monitoring, reducing labor needs.
• Using compounds in this system helps reduce costs.
• Improves irrigation without effort from the farmer, as it is automated through timers that can be set daily or weekly based on crop type and other factors.
• Produces smaller water droplets, preserving soil nutrients and minimizing water runoff, making it more precise and professional than manual irrigation.

Mobile Sprinkler Irrigation System

The mobile sprinkler irrigation system is divided into two types: manual mobile sprinklers, which are moved manually from one area to another, and mobile sprinkler cannons, which are strong sprinklers that push water over large distances. There is also mobile irrigation via rolling wheels. Let us list the main advantages of mobile sprinkler irrigation:

• Does not require much labor and is suitable for all soil types as it works without leveling and does not erode soil.
• Fertilizers and pesticides can be applied through it by adding them to the irrigation water.
• Easy to install and use, saves water, and reduces frost risks.

Rain Irrigation System

The rain irrigation system is one of the modern systems that has recently proven successful in many agricultural operations, whether in open fields or greenhouses. Let us highlight its main advantages:

• Resembles natural rain, watering leaves daily and supporting photosynthesis efficiently.
• Helps reduce plant temperatures, especially in hot areas.
• Operates using solar panels, thus saving both electricity and water.
• Requires minimal maintenance and enjoys a long lifespan due to its sound scientific foundation, making it a system with no negative side effects.
• Increases crop yield abundantly and produces high-quality fruits.

Today, the cost of greenhouses is affordable for everyone, allowing them to conduct agricultural operations and gain maximum benefit. Modern irrigation systems used inside greenhouses have varied and developed, also contributing to the success of agricultural processes in the best possible way.