Tutorial Greenhouse Irrigation For Bedding Plants and Propagation

GREENHOUSE IRRIGATION FOR BEDDING PLANTS AND PROPAGATION

The tutorial that follows uses Netafim SpinNet, Vibronet, and CoolNet Foggers as planning components for your Greenhouse Watering project. You can also use a variety of other micro sprinkler to acheive a similar watering system for you Greenhouse.

WHY CHOOSE NETAFIM FOR YOUR GREENHOUSE IRRGIGATION INSTALLATION?

Greenhouse solutions for watering bedding plants and propagation usually employ overhead sprinklers or misters for their ability to water large areas on benches or bays while allowing for unencumbered access to growing material and crops.  Netafim solutions for overhead sprinklers are designed to provide maximum uniformity through a tightly spaced series of sprinklers for maximum efficiency and effectiveness for overhead Greenhouse watering. 

Features of The NETAFIM Overhead Sprinkler/Fogger System

Cost Savings: Payback from efficiency is usually within the first year of installation. Drip-Less Design: All Netafim sprinklers and foggers come with Drip-Less Design to avoid plant damage.  Check Valves eliminate drainage upon system shut-down. Durability and Low Maintenance: Hig Quality Plastics for UV resistance.  Use of white poly tubing prevents Algae growth.  All greenhouse sprinklers and fogger/misters can be assembled and taken apart without any tools!

All SpinNet, VibroNet, and CoolNet products come complete with Check Valve.  Hanging Assemblies are sold Seperately.

CHOOSING THE SPRINKLER THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOUR GREENHOUSE IRRIGATION SYSTEM

The choice of sprinkler head is largely based on the surface area to be watered and the estimated height of the sprinkler above the plant material.  Specifications for sprinkler performance are based on an average operating pressure of 30 PSI and 3ft distance between sprinklers (recommended).  The check valve mechanism will open at 28 PSI and close at 13 PSI.  Illustrated below are performance charts for Bench Watering and Bay Watering with 1 or more sprinkler lines.

ORDER GUIDE (Click on Product Code tab and be directed to ordering information)

HOW TO INSTALL FOGGERS AND SPRINKLER TO YOUR SUPPLY LINE

there a few ways to install Foggers and Sprinklers to a Sprinkler Supply Line.  the most common is to use the weighted hanging assemblies availabe from Netafim in a variety of lengths.  These assemblies can be installed by either punching a hole manually to the supply line, or by purchasing pre-punched supply line (punching spaced at 36").   

CHOOSING THE CORRECT SIZE FOR THE SPRINKLER SUPPLY LINE

The sprinkler supply line is the lateral line that supplies water to the sprinklers/foggers.  For complete sprinkler coverage it is recommended that sprinklers are placed 36" apart with 30 PSI.  Due to the higher output of overhead sprinklers it is recommended to use either 3/4" or 1" low density poly tubing.  The chart below can be used a guideline for sizing the sprinkler supply line for your greenhouse system.

CHOOSING THE CORRECT DISTRIBUTION LINE FOR YOUR GREENHOUSE SYSTEM

To choose the correct distribution line please refer to the chart below for approximate flow rates per sprinkler supply line.  You can then apply this knowledge to arrive at your flow rate requirements and choose the correct distribution line.  You must note however that if multiple lines are necessary it will likely be easier and more cost effective to use zones to operate your system rather than purchasing a much larger distribution line.

Below is chart indicating approx. flow rates for distribution tubing.  Remember you are restricted to the flow rate of your main supply line.