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livingontheland - Re: [Livingontheland] DIY drip

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  • From: Ken Hargesheimer <minifarms2@yahoo.com>
  • To: Healthy soil and sustainable growing <livingontheland@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Livingontheland] DIY drip
  • Date: Thu, 24 May 2007 14:14:08 -0700 (PDT)

Bucket Drip Irrigation

 

The bucket must be suspended at least l meter above the ground.  A tube is connected to the dripline and the other end is placed in the bucket to siphon the water out.  Assuming the bucket is 20 liters, fill it twice for each row of vegetables.  The dripline can be moved to another row for irrigating.  Each row of vegetables is irrigated every other day.  Plant a row of vegetables on each side of the dripline and use 40 liters of water. 
 

Bucket Kits

The key to the simple drip irrigation system that we use is the gravity fed "bucket kit".  The bucket kit consists of four 8m lines [or two of 50 ft or one of 100’] of drip tape connected to a bucket suspended 1m above the vegetable bed.   Water is poured into the bucket and is evenly distributed to 100 watering points.  By filling the bucket twice a day, a small kitchen garden can be watered.  Studies in Kenya have shown that two of these kits can provide the water needed to produce enough vegetables to feed a family of seven during the dry season.  These bucket kits are available in most countries (US$15), save water, save labor, and are easy to use.  Go to Chapinlivingwaters.org. 
 
Using sleeves
Farmers in Honduras invented a VERY cheap drip irrigation system. They buy the regular black poly hose. Then they punch holes in it where they want them with a nail or ice pick.  A hot nail is best.  Then take short sections  [5 inches] of the same hose, cut it lengthwise to form a sleeve, and place a sleeve over each hole. This sleeve applies pressure to the hole, only letting a little water out, like a drip. This technology is quite cheap, VERY simple to do.  Maintenance is also simple, because if a hole plugs up, you can often unplug it merely by taking the sleeve off and then replacing it.  
 
Using screws
Farmers in Nicaragua are using cheap round tubing and wood screws.  If drip tape is unavailable, this is a great alternative. We tried it with great success.  The screw is inserted completely into the tubing at each planting location so that it protrudes through the opposite wall. It is then backed off to allow water to drip through that side. The flow is set by screwing it in or out as needed. This even allows for variations in pressure due to terrain.
 
Pin holes for drip
I am wondering if a dripline could be made by using a hot pin or very small nail, etc. to punch holes in the poly tubing. I mean really tiny holes.
 
Ken Hargesheimer
minifarms@gmail.com


Michelle Kuhns <chimellers@yahoo.com> wrote:
Ken,
I would be very interested in ways to make your own drip irrigation.  Please pass it on!

thanks,
michelle in Tucson
 


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