Efficient Water Management in Polytunnel Gardening


 

Domestic polytunnels are available in various-sized structures used for gardening or allotment purposes, and commercial polytunnels for the production of crops and plants, they all have various types of growers that use them for differing cultivation purposes but all require effective and efficient water management vital for the health and productivity of crops and plants. Adequate and efficient water supply systems are essential for the healthy and abundant cultivation of crops such as salads, fruits, flowers, plants, and vegetables. Both commercial and back garden growers look at the best ways to introduce water systems as a must-have component for their gardening and cultivation especially commercial needs ensuring successful outcomes.

 

One efficient watering technique used more in commercial polytunnels is the use of drip irrigation systems. These simple systems deliver water directly to the soil feeding the roots, and reducing water waste, and providing optimal moisture throughout the tunnel. Another watering approach is using harvested rainwater collected into the polytunnel structures through a guttering system and collected in butts or storage tanks. Provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly free water source used in drip irrigation systems, or from watering cans for most domestic polytunnels, maintaining a consistent water supply.

 

Water Irrigation System for Domestic and Commercial Polytunnels

Water is a fundamental element for the growth and health of humans, animals, crops, plants, trees, etc. For the agricultural and horticultural industries, essential for stimulating photosynthesis, nutrient absorption, and maintaining strength. A well-planned irrigation system can ensure that plants and crops receive the necessary amount of water, which is particularly crucial in controlled environments like commercial and domestic polytunnels where natural rainfall is absent due to the covering placed over the frame. Watering in a polytunnel differs from the outdoor environment of open-air growing. The covering material used allows for a specific environment within a polytunnel leading to less water evaporation, and reducing the requirement for daily watering. Advisable to give a thoroughly good soaking depending on the type of plants or crops, once or twice a week is often sufficient, this can and will vary depending on the strength of heat humidity transmitted inside the different types of polytunnel used. In the UK’s winter period, the watering level decreases, as the heat humidity lowers.

 

Manual vs. Automatic Irrigation Systems

Depending on the size of the polytunnel chosen, some growers decide to go with domestic polytunnels that can be sold in a variety of sizes to suit the specific cultivation purpose or commercial polytunnels that can house a large amount of produce or plants, will determine which watering system suits their requirements.

 

Manual irrigation using a garden hose or watering can, is better suited for smaller domestic polytunnels. This allows gardeners to directly observe and control the amount of water each plant or crop receives, ensuring that cultivation specifics are individually met. It is more time-consuming and laborious than an automated system, so it may not be best, especially for large single and multi-span commercial polytunnels.

 

For large domestic or commercial polytunnels, automatic irrigation systems are more practical. These time-saving automatic systems can be operated manually, or set on a timer, reducing the time and effort required for watering large cultivation areas. Automatic systems are advantageous for implementing drip irrigation or soaker hose systems, which provide water directly to the plant roots, minimising water waste and preventing the overwatering of plants and crops. The choice between overhead and drip irrigation systems depends on the specific needs of the plants or cultivated crop types.

 

Overhead systems are ideal for robust plants that can tolerate generous spraying of water, and evenly distribute water across the entire area, ensuring all plants receive water. They might not be suitable for delicate plants or crops that require more precise watering. Drip systems are designed for plants that require watering at the soil and root level, providing hydration directly where it's most needed. This method is highly efficient for water-sensitive plants or crops and conserving water. Commercial polytunnels will normally have automated systems and for domestic polytunnels a drip-feed system, or the good old watering can.


Read More:

Types of Small Polytunnels

Different Uses and Types of Polytunnel Coverings


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