What Are The Kinds of Irrigation Systems?

Answer 1

Irrigation systems are a great help to home owners. Whether it's a lawn or flower beds or both, the right irrigation system can save time, money, and a sore back.

A number of irrigation systems are available to consumers and range in price, use, and convenience. Sprinkler systems are the most common form of irrigation. Less common forms include soaker hoses, drip systems, and misting systems. Each system has benefits and disadvantages, but each serves its own purpose.

Sprinkler systems are best for lawns and large areas that don't have many obstructions. Many sprinkler systems utilize pop up sprinklers so that, when not in use, the sprinklers aren't in the way of lawn mowers, people, or toys. The main lines of sprinkler systems are underground and do not intrude on lawn use.

For flower beds, drip systems are often a better choice than sprinklers. These systems use small, pliable lines and small tips to place water directly at the base of each individual plant. With the exception of the main irrigation line, drip lines are above ground. For maximum performance, one tip should be placed close to the base of each plant. For large plant beds, this could mean many drip lines crossing the bed. However, with the exception of the tip, the drip lines can be covered with mulch to conceal them.

Plant beds that require unforced frequent watering in small amounts may fair well with soaker hoses. Soaker hoses are stretched the length of the plants requiring such watering and should not be covered at all. These special hoses seep water out of the porous layers. Because they are designed to leak water, they cannot be used like regular water hoses.

Greenhouses and arbors that contain delicate flowers may utilize misting systems. Because some plants bruise easily or require only very small amounts of water, they cannot be watered well with traditional systems. The misting system is designed to spray a fine mist of water in the air that settles on the plants. Unlike other irrigation systems, this system is not on the ground or under it; it is hung above the plants.

All irrigation systems can be set up for automatic operation to control the length of time the system runs as well as the time of day. This allows for proper watering, a reduction in water use, and less attention to watering.