4 Steps For Designing An Efficient Drip Irrigation System In Commercial Cultivation

In our previous paper, Designing an Efficient Drip Irrigation System in Commercial Cultivation, we discussed key concepts regarding the theory and practice of setting up a successful drip irrigation system.

We emphasized the importance of starting at the plant and using metrics such as pot size, media type, growing styles and planting density to drive our decisions. This article will continue to expand upon the importance of these metrics but also focus on more of the mechanical components and practices used in a commercial irrigation system.

Review

So far we have discussed the importance of dripper selection based on the needs of the plant, growing media type, as well as the volume of growing media used. We also touched on some of the theory behind irrigation design, and a brief practical example of friction loss in a pipe and why this is important. In this article, we’ll dive a bit deeper into the nuts and bolts of an irrigation system starting from where we left off, at the drip emitter which is the ‘last stop’ for nutrient solution before being delivered to the base of the plant.

The Hawthorne Difference

Our team of technical experts can help not only with the specifics on setting up a drip irrigation system, but also with the holistic, complex interplay between irrigation and other areas of your grow, including nutrients, growing media, HVAC and lights. Our goal is to provide growers the information they need to make the right decisions for their facilities, the first time.