Irrigation
The two main types of irrigation systems are
overhead and trickle. Overhead watering is cheaper
and easier to install than trickle systems, but
overhead is an inefficient use of water. Trickle
systems have less run-off and more water reaches
the roots because less is lost through evaporation
and contact with leaves and flowers. As a result,
plants irrigated via a trickle system tend to have
lower incidence of disease and lodging because the
leaves and flowers don’t get soaked with every
irrigation. Trickle watering is best suited for longer
term crops.
Plants should never be irrigated close to dusk; wet
foliage combined with the cooler night temperatures
are perfect conditions for disease inoculation
and spread. It’s best to start irrigation in the early
morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Irrigation frequency depends upon the temperature
and the crop requirements. Irrigation must be done
often enough to prevent water stress. Wilting
should not be your indicator of when to water
because the resulting stress can decrease production.
A general rule of thumb is 2.5 centimetres of
water per week, but the amount required is affected
by the crop, irrigation system, rainfall, temperature
and soil structure. These factors will determine
whether it is more practical to soak the soil and
apply a certain volume per week or to apply small,
frequent irrigations throughout the week
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