The document discusses different types of micro-irrigation systems that can be used for landscaping. It describes four main types of micro-irrigation - micro-sprayers, drippers, shrubblers, and drip tubing. It provides details on how each type works and what kinds of plants they are best suited for. The document also discusses components of micro-irrigation systems like distribution tubing, filters, pressure regulators, and how to determine flow rates and maximum lengths for drip lines.

2. Taking the Mystery Out of Micro-irrigation Jack Tichenor, Water Conserv. Agent Manatee County /University of Florida Extension Service (941) 722-4524 [email_address] http://manatee.ifas.ufl.edu/water.htm

3. 3 Basic Ways to Irrigate Landscapes 1. Sprayers 3. Micro 2. Rotors

4. Shrub bed zone Grass zone Ideal site for micro-irrigation Use sprayers or rotors Jack Tichenor

9. Distribution Tubing Water is brought to plants at low flow rates by plastic tubing

14. Tubing Max. Flow Rates (From Rainbird’s Low Volume Irrigation Design Manual pg. 67) *Assume no barb friction loss or elevation change. 4.8 PSI 13.5 GPM 810 GPH 1” 6.3 PSI 8.3 GPM (498 GPH) 3/4” 8.8 PSI 4.7 GPM (282 GPH) 1/2” PSI Loss per 100 ft.* Max. Flow GPM (GPH) Poly Distribution Pipe Size

15. 4 Types of Micro-Irrigation Micro-Sprayers Drippers “ Shrubblers” Drip Tubing Jack Tichenor

17. Jack Tichenor

18. Distribution tubing “ Spaghetti” tubing Support stake Emitter Jack Tichenor

20. Jack Tichenor

21. Distribution tubing “ Spaghetti” tubing Shrubbler & stake Jack Tichenor

23. Drippers Jack Tichenor

25. Jack Tichenor

27. Drip Tubing Emitters

28. Circular pattern

29. PVC header to drip tubing

32. Drip Tubing Maximum Length* For Rainbird Xeri-Flex, 0.9GPH drippers @ 12” * Varies with spacing, flow rates & with manufacturer. Check product performance. 322 60 292 50 244 40 182 30 94 20 Max. Length in Feet Inlet Pressure in PSI

33. “ Portable” Micro System Timer/valve (optional) Backflow preventer Filter (optional) Tubing adapter Elbow or Tee Distribution tubing Emitter (sprayer) Closure Faucet connection Available in stores as a starter kit. Press. reg. (opt.) Jack Tichenor

34. “ Permanent” Micro System Valve box Isolation valve Filter Zone Valve Pressure regulator

35. Water Filter Removes particles to minimize clogging . Choose filter mesh based upon emitter size 120 mesh 1 GPH & up 150 mesh 0.6 to 0.9 GPH 200 mesh 0.5 GPH Filter Mesh Emitter Size

36. Pressure Regulator 1.Reduces incoming water pressure to help prevent rupturing plastic tubing & fittings. 2.Provides usable pressure range for emitters. Available in various pressures; 15, 20, 25 , 30, 40 PSI

37. PE or PVC pipe to micro zone Permanent System Jack Tichenor

38. PE piping from “stub up” to drip emitters Permanent System

39. 1 FT TIMES 1 = 1 GAL/WEEK 2 FT TIMES 2 = 4 GAL/WEEK Plant diameter How much to apply?

40. 1 FT x 1 = 1 gal/week 2 FT x 2 = 4 gal/week Dripper or bubbler installation .5gph . 5gph 1 gph 1 gph 1 gph 1 gph

41. Soil Moisture Content

42. Building Materials Store

43. Sources for Further Information: Manufacturer Websites: http://www.antelco.com http://www.digcorp.com http://www/mrdrip.com http://www.mrlandscaper.com http://www.rainbird.com http://www.toro.com http://www.watermatters.org Water Restrictions : Extension Publications: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MENU_AE:IRR http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MENU_EP Jack Tichenor

44. Questions?