LOW-COST DRIP IRRIGATION KITS
1. INTRODUCTION
Hort Green Group (T) Ltd has introduced a low-cost drip irrigation system designed for home gardens and food kiosks, commonly called "Duka Genge." This innovation aims to address the water scarcity challenges that often affect small-scale urban gardening and food production. By using a drip irrigation method, the system delivers water directly to the roots of plants, improving water efficiency and minimizing wastage, which is crucial for both home gardeners and small-scale vendors operating in areas where water supply may be limited.
This system would likely be well-suited for small-scale agriculture, providing an affordable solution to optimize water use while promoting sustainable gardening practices. It may also offer added benefits such as reduced labor costs and the potential for increased crop yields due to more efficient watering practices.
2. SPACE REQUIREMENT
·
Close Spacing for Broadcasted Plants: Suitable for plants that are broadcast-sown, such as leafy
greens, where plants grow densely across the area. This setting allows for
efficient water distribution across closely spaced plants.
· Standard 1-meter spacing for Row Crops: Ideal for row-planted crops like tomatoes, peppers, or maize, where a 1-meter spacing between rows is recommended. This configuration allows for targeted watering along each row, conserving water and reducing waste.
This
versatility makes the system adaptable for both compact urban gardens and
small-scale food kiosks (Duka Genge), catering to different planting methods.
3. PLANT POPULATION
I.
The low-cost drip irrigation system’s close-spacing
configuration
offers two flexible planting density options to suit different crop
requirements:
a) Single Row Planting: With plants spaced at 20 cm within rows and rows spaced 50
cm apart, the system accommodates up to 1,000 plants in the 10 x 10 m area.
This layout is ideal for crops that require more individual space, such as
certain leafy greens or herbs, where airflow and plant access are important.
b) Double Row Zigzag
Planting:
Using a zigzag pattern with plants spaced at 15 cm within rows and rows spaced
50 cm apart, the system can support up to 2,660 plants in the same 10 x 10 m
area. This configuration is beneficial for denser plantings, allowing efficient
use of space while optimizing water coverage for high-density crops, like
spinach or lettuce.
These
options allow growers to tailor the planting density based on crop needs and market
demands, providing both flexibility and efficiency.
II.
The drip irrigation system’s standard row-spacing
configuration
is optimized for row crops and offers two planting density options within the
10 x 10 m area:
a) Higher Density (25 cm
Spacing Within Rows):
With plants spaced at 25 cm within rows and rows spaced 1 meter apart, the
system can accommodate up to 400 plants. This layout is ideal for smaller or
medium-sized row crops, such as maize and sunflowers, where closer spacing
within rows is advantageous for maximizing yield.
b) Lower Density (60 cm
Spacing Within Rows):
For larger plants that require more room, this setup allows for a spacing of 60
cm within rows while keeping the rows 1 meter apart, accommodating up to 160
plants. This spacing is suitable for crops like tomatoes, peppers, or cabbage,
where plants benefit from increased airflow and root space.
These configurations
help growers select the most appropriate layout based on plant size and crop
requirements, ensuring efficient water distribution and optimizing available
space.
4. WATER REQUIREMENT
The
drip irrigation system by Hort Green Group (T) Ltd requires different water
storage capacities based on the chosen planting configuration, both elevated 1
meter above ground for optimal gravity-fed flow:
a) Close Spacing
Configuration:
Ø Water Storage
Requirement: 1,000 liters
Ø This higher water
capacity is needed to support the denser planting layout (either 1,000 or up to
2,660 plants in a 10 x 10 m area) where plants are closely spaced. The larger
storage ensures an adequate and sustained water supply for all plants.
b) Standard Row Spacing
Configuration:
Ø Water Storage
Requirement: 500 liters
Ø With fewer plants
(either 160 or 400 in a 10 x 10 m area), this layout requires less water,
making 500 liters sufficient for effective irrigation.
Positioning the water tank 1 meter above ground at the garden’s highest point leverages gravity to ensure even water distribution across the system, enhancing efficiency and reducing the need for additional pumps.
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5. SYSTEM COMPONENT
The
low-cost drip irrigation system provided by Hort Green Group (T) Ltd includes
essential components designed for durability and efficiency. Here’s a breakdown
of each component and its function:
a) 1” Disc Filter: This filter is crucial
for preventing clogs by filtering out particles and debris from the water
before it enters the dripline, ensuring consistent water flow and extending the
system’s lifespan.
b) 25mm HDPE Pipe PN10: A durable high-density
polyethylene (HDPE) pipe with a 25 mm diameter and PN10 pressure rating. This
pipe serves as the main supply line, delivering water from the storage tank to
the drip irrigation lines.
c) 16mm 30cm 0.4mm Flat
Dripline: This
is the primary line for delivering water to the plants. With 16 mm diameter and
emitters spaced every 30 cm, it provides controlled water release directly to
plant roots. The 0.4 mm wall thickness offers a balance between flexibility and
durability.
d) 16mm Drip Irrigation
Line Fittings: These
fittings connect sections of the 16 mm dripline, allowing flexibility in layout
design. They include connectors, tees, elbows, and end caps for customizing the
irrigation network.
e) 25mm Plumbing Fittings: Used to join the main
25 mm HDPE pipe sections and connect it to the water tank, filter, and
dripline. These fittings ensure secure, leak-free connections within the
mainline.
These
components work together to create a reliable, cost-effective irrigation system
that reduces water wastage, lowers labor costs, and promotes sustainable
small-scale gardening.
6. PRICES
Hort Green
Group (T) Ltd offers its low-cost drip irrigation systems at competitive prices
to make sustainable gardening accessible to small-scale growers and vendors:
Ø
Close
Spacing for Broadcasted Plants:
TSHS 281,900
This package is ideal for densely planted crops with close spacing, suitable
for broadcasted crops or compact gardens.
Ø
Standard
1-Meter Spacing for Row Crops:
TSHS 213,900
Designed for row crops with 1-meter spacing, this system is tailored for crops
that need more room, such as tomatoes or cabbage.
For inquiries and additional details on how this system can be tailored to your gardening needs, please feel free to reach out. Welcome to all who are interested in efficient, affordable irrigation solutions.
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