Sprinkler irrigation and micro-irrigation automatic control equipment With the development of economy, water resources, energy shortage and labor cost increase, more and more water-saving irrigation systems will adopt automatic control. This article focuses on the advantages and classification of automated irrigation. Degree Irrigation Nozzle,Irrigation for Agriculture,Impact Drive Sprinkler,Plastic Drip Irrigation Fittings JIANGSU SKYPLAN GREENHOUSE TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD , https://www.spgreenhouse.com
The advantages are as follows:
(1) It is possible to truly control the amount of irrigation, irrigation time and irrigation cycle in a timely and appropriate manner, thereby increasing crop yield and significantly improving water utilization.
(2) Saving labor and operating expenses.
(3) The work plan can be arranged conveniently and flexibly, and the management personnel do not have to go to the field at night or other inconvenient time.
(4) Since it can increase the effective working time every day, the initial capital investment in pipelines, pumping stations, etc. can be reduced accordingly.
classification:
First, fully automated irrigation system
The fully automated irrigation system does not require direct human involvement. The pre-programmed control procedures and certain parameters that reflect the water requirements of the crop can automatically open and close the pump for a long time and automatically irrigate in a certain order. The role of the person is simply to adjust the control program and overhaul the control equipment. In this system, in addition to emitters (heads, drip heads, etc.), pipes, fittings, pumps, and motors, it also includes central controllers, automatic valves, sensors (soil moisture sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, water level sensors, and rain sensors). Etc.) and wires.
Second, semi-automatic irrigation system
In the semi-automated irrigation system, no sensors are installed in the field. The irrigation time, irrigation volume and irrigation period are controlled according to pre-programmed procedures, rather than feedback based on crop and soil moisture and meteorological conditions. The degree of automation of such systems is very different. For example, some pump stations implement automatic control, and some pump stations use manual control. Some central controllers are only one timer with simple programming function, and some systems have no central control. The controller, but only some of the sequential switching valves or volume valves are installed on each branch pipe.
Automated irrigation is the trend of the times. In the future water-saving irrigation projects, more and more automated irrigation systems will be applied.
Rotary tiller and weeding
After one year of cultivating the pomelo garden, the topsoil has become more compact, which affects the soil's water retention, nutrient availability, gas exchange, and temperature regulation. As a result, traditional cultivation practices must still be carried out annually, building upon the deep tilling and soil improvement efforts conducted throughout the entire orchard. This process typically involves two sessions of surface cultivation each year—once between May and June, and again from October to December. During these times, weeds are removed, and the soil is tilled to a depth of 15 to 20 centimeters. Near the tree trunk, the tilling is shallower to avoid damaging the roots excessively.
After the fruit harvest, which usually occurs between October and December, the soil is further improved by incorporating organic fertilizer, lime, and other soil-enhancing materials. The plowed soil from the cleared areas is mixed with orchard weeds, fallen leaves, and the applied amendments, helping to reduce pest and disease occurrences while improving soil structure. At the same time, cutting part of the root system can increase the concentration of sap and promote flower bud differentiation. Applying basal fertilizers during this period supports root development, ensuring a steady supply of nutrients during the flowering and early fruiting stages, which enhances fruit set.
Therefore, applying basal fertilizers and performing soil cultivation in winter is a fundamental part of annual soil management. For young trees or those that grow vigorously at the start of the season, a single tilling session in May or June before the summer shoots emerge can help control excessive vegetative growth and improve fruit setting rates.
Timely soil cultivation and weeding in the orchard help control weed growth, loosen the soil, break capillary action, reduce moisture evaporation, allow rainwater to infiltrate more quickly, decrease surface runoff, enhance soil aeration, and stimulate microbial activity. This accelerates the transformation of both organic and inorganic nutrients, increases the availability of essential nutrients, and promotes healthy root development.
However, if cultivation is done too frequently, it can lead to rapid decomposition of organic matter, which hinders the formation of stable soil aggregates. It may also damage surface roots, worsen soil erosion on sloped orchards, and increase labor costs. Therefore, modern orchard cultivation techniques tend to focus on reducing the frequency of tilling while maintaining effective soil management.