Wednesday 29 May 2013

Water saving through Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation, otherwise known as trickle irrigation or micro irrigation, is a type of irrigation, which uses water at a very low-pressure and at an even rate into plants and soil. The rate can vary between 2 and 20 liters per hour based on the need and area of cultivation. This method has been exclusively designed for water conservation, as it prevents water loss through run-off or evaporation. This type of irrigation could be either very complex when it’s used to serve huge agricultural lands or just a simple one that serves small garden areas. 

How does drip irrigation work?

Drip irrigation, which is one of the most controlled irrigation processes, has been the most innovative method that offers various benefits to crops. Drip emitters are used in this type of irrigation that allows the water to flow in a very slow and steady manner. These emitters are quite small, and are placed on the ground in rows. They are connected to the main water source with the use of a hose feeder. There is another type of drip irrigation, which uses hose with inbuilt drip emitters, and is known as trickle tap irrigation. In either of these methods, the slow water flow guarantees that the entire water will be absorbed into the roots of the plants with no chance of evaporation. 

There are farmers who even mix nutrients and fertilizers in the water supply to aim them directly to the base of the plants.

How does drip irrigation save water?

Drip irrigation can protect water resources, help you save on your water bills, and even offer a higher yield of crop. In fact, burying the irrigation lines will even prevent annual weeds; as such weeds will not survive with under the ground irrigation since they require water on the surface level to germinate. 

Benefits of Drip Irrigation

Apart from conserving water, the drip irrigation technique also offers several other benefits, some of which are:
  • Nutrient loss and fertilizer usage is minimized because of reduction in leaching and localized application.
  • This method ensures efficient application of water, and when properly done, absolutely no wastage happens.
  • There is no need for field leveling, and even irregular shapes of fields can be served.
  • Recycled water can be used for this type of irrigation.
  • Weed growth and soil erosion are minimized.
  • Irrespective of the soil type, drip irrigation can be done.
  • You won’t need a lot of people to work in the fields, which in turn helps you to save on labor costs.
  • Use of fertilizers is minimized and there is reduced risk of diseases, as the foliage is dry.
  • Operation cost is reduced as drip irrigation uses low-pressure method, unlike other methods.
  • This method facilitates improved quality of environment.
Variations in Drip Irrigation System

There are several types of drip irrigation system, namely:
  • Automatic irrigation
  • Dig drip irrigation
  • Farm irrigation
  • Garden drip system
  • Indoor irrigation
  • Lawn drip irrigation
  • Rain drip irrigation
  • Toro drip irrigation
Drip irrigation system is the most commonly applied technique, as farmers who want to irrigate intelligently and use water resources wisely often opt for it. Since this method brings considerable water and capital investment savings, its cost effectiveness is another factor that works in its favor. By encouraging better resource use, drip irrigation increases yields and their quality, thus helping you enjoy improved profitability. No wonder why the utilization of drip irrigation is a prudent decision. If you too have been thinking about an efficient method of irrigation, it’s time to assess how drip irrigation can help, and start using it.

Thursday 9 May 2013

Garden safety - Maintaining Your Barbeque

The most common thing people do in summer is to have their barbeque scheduled to be enjoyed in the evenings. However, it should be remember that this calls for safe as well as preventive measures, as careless barbequing and camping can result in fatal incidents. Garden fire accidents have destroyed huge countryside areas in the past including delicate ecosystems and properties. While you enjoy your outdoor cooking and activities, it is extremely important to ensure that safety measures are in place. 

Maintenance of Barbeque

One of the important things to remember while buying outdoor cooking equipments for BBQ is to look into the various types that are available, and see which ones suit your outdoor setup the best. Each type of equipment has its own benefits and drawbacks, depending on specific setups. For instances, when you look for a BBQ made of stainless steel, remember to check the grade of the steel and its maintenance features. Nevertheless, irrespective of the type of BBQ you choose, it is essential for you to maintain it as specified by the manufacturer. After all, regular maintenance would ensure high safety and durability of the BBQ.

Hiring Professional Services for Barbeque Maintenance

At times, your schedule may not give you enough time to maintain your BBQ, and you may notice grease settled all over it, which in turn would make it highly prone to fire accidents. It would not offer a hygienic setup for cooking too. Under such circumstances, hiring a professional company offering BBQ maintenance services would be a prudent choice.

Benefits of Hiring Professional Service for Maintaining your Barbeque

There are various benefits of hiring a professional service provider for maintaining your barbeque, which include:
  • They are experienced and know exactly what type of chemicals to use to clean the greased area of your barbeque. Most often, best professional services use only non toxic solutions to clean BBQ, as it does not cause any reaction while cooking, and is a safe and healthy option for you.
  • They also take care of replacing broken or worn out parts of the barbeque without you having to worry about it.
  • They offer regular maintenance without you having to call them; which in turn ensure a very clean and safe BBQ and garden space.
  • The professionals can remove scratches on the steel surface, and make it look like a brand new one.
DIY BBQ Safety and Maintenance Tips
  • Gas Cylinders: If you use a gas cylinder for BBQ, make sure you check the tube and valve position before you start and after you finish cooking.
  • Charcoal: When you use charcoal, make sure it has completely died down and is grey before you place food in it; otherwise, it will cause more smoke, which won’t be good for your lungs.
  • Safe Cooking: Avoid direct cooking where meat fat might drip into the BBQ, as this may cause sudden flare-ups, which will make your food get burnt and also spell danger.
  • Placement of BBQ: Be sure that your BBQ is installed in a safe and suitable place in your garden, where it is safely away from trees, fences, etc; you may hire a professional landscaping company for the installation, if you wish to.
  • Water Access: Ensure that the BBQ is placed where a flowing water supply is at a reachable distance; this will be useful during unexpected fire accidents.
Buying the most suitable barbeque, maintaining it properly either with professional service or on your own, and following the cooking instructions – all these are equally important for your personal safety as well as the safety of your property.