16. Controlling Fertilizer Concentration
High salt concentrations can damage plants. Maintain safe levels by:
Measuring electroconductivity (EC) of irrigation water (1.0–3.0 mS/cm).
Diluting fertilizers (1–3 kg per cubic meter of water). Soil buffering allows slightly higher concentrations in drip systems.
17. Do Mountain Orchards Need Reservoirs for Drip Irrigation?
Not always. For slopes with <15m elevation difference, pumps suffice. For steeper terrain (>25m), building a high-elevation reservoir for gravity-fed systems reduces costs.
18. Why Use Pressure-Compensating Emitters in Mountainous Areas?
Standard emitters cause uneven water distribution (less uphill, more downhill) due to pressure variations. Pressure-compensating emitters maintain consistent flow across slopes >3m elevation difference, ensuring uniform irrigation.
19. Why Can Some PE Pipes for Drip Irrigation Be Exposed Above Ground?
Polyethylene (PE) pipes are inherently susceptible to photo-oxidation, thermal oxidation, and ozone degradation due to their chemical properties. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation accelerates molecular breakdown, causing ordinary PE pipes to become brittle and crack over time. However, specially formulated PE pipes for drip irrigation incorporate UV stabilizers(e.g., carbon black or light-shielding additives) during production. These additives absorb or reflect UV rays, significantly extending the pipe’s lifespan even when exposed to sunlight. For long-term outdoor use, additional protective measures—such as burying pipes underground or wrapping them with UV-resistant tape—are recommended to mitigate degradation.
20. Why Is Thicker PE Pipe Not Always Better?
While wall thickness contributes to pressure resistance, it does not guarantee durability. The quality of PE pipes primarily depends on:
Raw material purity: Virgin PE resin outperforms recycled blends in flexibility and longevity.
Uniform wall thickness: Inconsistent thickness can lead to weak points, increasing rupture risks under pressure.
UV stabilization: Thin pipes with UV additives often outlast thicker, untreated pipes in outdoor environments.
Thicker pipes may also reduce water flow efficiency and raise costs unnecessarily. Thus, selecting pipes based on material quality and environmental adaptability—rather than thickness alone—is critical.
