Market Garden Driptape Guide
In this guide, we will discuss the driptape irrigation system for a market garden growing lettuces.
Driptape
Driptape is an effective way to irrigate your market gardens. With a thin-walled tube and built-in drippers, Driptape can be rolled out each season and recoiled at the end when harvesting is needed. Driptape is commonly used on produce like strawberries, potatoes, vegetables, pumpkins etc. Ideal for when the planting area needs to be upturned to harvest the produce. The thin-walled tube allows for easy coiling and storage for the next season.
The number of rows, litres per hour, dripper spacing, coil length and plant type are all varying factors you will need to consider when designing your system. Contact our experts on 0800 130 905 for advice.
Read our Driptape Guide here to learn more
Manual System
A manual driptape requires the user to manually open and close the ball valve to irrigate the produce. The 16mm driptape Valve is ideal for this situation. If you have a 25mm lateral line, you can use the 16mm driptape valve x 8mm Barb connection inserted directly into the lateral line. Branching off horizontally, the driptape can be screwed onto the fitting and rolled out along your rows.
This system requires you to open and close each valve manually to operate.
Automatic System
Automatic systems allow for the system to be controlled via a controller and solenoid valves. It is always recommended to have a brass ball valve before your solenoid valve in case of repairs. The solenoid valve will control the water that branches out in a 13mm lateral line to your driptape rows. The 16mm driptape valve x 13mm barb is ideal for this situation as you can further control the water and shut the water flow to certain rows in case of repairs or leaks.
An automatic system can provide precise flows to your crops and save you the time and labour to water your crops manually. The amount of water flow can determine the number of rows controlled by a single solenoid valve.
Driptape Fittings
Driptape fittings are easy to install and come in a variety of options. The most common on a market garden system is the valves and end hooks. End hooks are handy as you can hook them onto the rig to help to roll out the dripline.
Driptape valves are not necessary but are helpful if you have breaks or leaks in your line, you can quickly turn off the line with the break and still have the rest of your rows operational.
Tips:
- Driptape is a thin-walled tube
- Hand tighten the nut over top of the tape
Presssure Regulator
A pressure reducing valve is recommended for systems with high pressure. The Senninger pressure regulator is an ideal valve for the driptape system, reducing the pressure to either 15 or 10 psi with a 20mm female BSP thread.
Senninger regulators maintain a constant preset outlet pressure with varying inlet pressures, which alleviates pressure differences that can cause an applicator’s coverage area to change.
Tips:
- Can be installed above or below ground
- designed to handle flows from 114 to 3407 L/hr
Controller
AC or DC is the first option to consider for the orchard controller. If you have a power supply nearby, then AC is the better choice. AC controllers and valves tend to be cheaper. If you have no power options then a DC controller running 9V batteries may be your only option.
Have a read of our Controller Guide here to learn more.
