Page 106 - GRIHA Manual Volume II - Introduction to National Rating System
P. 106
98 Griha Manual: Volume 2
# Pressure compensator (or reducer) spray heads will automatically respond to the amount of
water pressure in the pipes. If pressure is high, it will be reduced at the spray head. When water
comes out with too much pressure, it comes out as mist and gets blown away, producing wasted
water. The biggest development is the smart controller. It utilizes weather data and measures
the temperature, rainfall, and solar radiation, and calculates how much water the plants should
use. Depending on the date, the time, number of zones, the controller programme will indicate
valves when to turn on.
# Equipment should not be mixed. For example, sprinklers should never be on the same valve as
drip emitters. Sprinklers deliver water in litres per minute while drip emitters trickle water. In
other words, sprinklers apply water quickly and typically demand short run times, while drip
emitters apply water slowly and demand longer run times.
# A well-designed drip system uses filters that keep emitters clean and pressure regulators that
ensure proper operation. If enough emitters are not used, the plants will not get enough water
to develop healthy roots. Larger trees and shrubs may require 15 or more low-flow emitters.
In-line drip emitter tubing should be used to cover large areas around existing trees and for
extensive groundcovers or flower beds.
# A new plant may require only one emitter initially. As the plant grows, so does the demand for
water. An irrigation system should be designed to enable flexibility to change the amount of
emitters and the location of the emitters in the landscape. Each emitter should give at least a
30-minute run time without run-off. Trees may also need more drip irrigation adjustments as
they mature.
# A typical drip system includes a valve, filter and pressure regulator. Drip emitters are best for
plants because they apply water slowly and near the plants’ roots.
# Using a multi-program irrigation clock provides the flexibility to water different zones on
schedules appropriate to their watering needs. The watering schedule should be adjusted at
least seasonally to correspond to weather changes. During warmer months, watering should
be done early in the morning when it is cooler, evaporation is low and the wind is lighter.
During cooler months, it is advisable to water later in the morning.
# Most existing sprinkler systems can easily be converted to drip systems. Filters and pressure
regulators should be added before converting sprinklers to drip emitters. Flush end caps
at the ends of all drip lines should be provided.
# Sprinkler irrigation system requires a network of pipes and pumping system to maintain
sufficient pressure for uniform distribution. It is best suited for areas with sandy soils that have
high infiltration rates. To prevent waterlogging, the system should be designed in such a way
that infiltration rate exceeds the application rate. Sprinklers which can produce fine sprays are
more efficient as compared to those that produce large water droplets.
# Some lawns require more water and some less water, depending upon the type of grass.
Adding or removing one minute from the watering time will change the amount of water
used by 25%. The total time required to water the property using the sprinkler system
before water starts to run off the property, should be monitored and the run cycle should be
stopped at that point. Water should be allowed to be fully absorbed before beginning the
next cycle.
# Incorporating organic material into the soil improves its capacity to absorb water and hold on
to it. It improves the soil structure, decreases compaction and enhances the plant’s ability to
obtain nutrients.
# Pressure compensator (or reducer) spray heads will automatically respond to the amount of
water pressure in the pipes. If pressure is high, it will be reduced at the spray head. When water
comes out with too much pressure, it comes out as mist and gets blown away, producing wasted
water. The biggest development is the smart controller. It utilizes weather data and measures
the temperature, rainfall, and solar radiation, and calculates how much water the plants should
use. Depending on the date, the time, number of zones, the controller programme will indicate
valves when to turn on.
# Equipment should not be mixed. For example, sprinklers should never be on the same valve as
drip emitters. Sprinklers deliver water in litres per minute while drip emitters trickle water. In
other words, sprinklers apply water quickly and typically demand short run times, while drip
emitters apply water slowly and demand longer run times.
# A well-designed drip system uses filters that keep emitters clean and pressure regulators that
ensure proper operation. If enough emitters are not used, the plants will not get enough water
to develop healthy roots. Larger trees and shrubs may require 15 or more low-flow emitters.
In-line drip emitter tubing should be used to cover large areas around existing trees and for
extensive groundcovers or flower beds.
# A new plant may require only one emitter initially. As the plant grows, so does the demand for
water. An irrigation system should be designed to enable flexibility to change the amount of
emitters and the location of the emitters in the landscape. Each emitter should give at least a
30-minute run time without run-off. Trees may also need more drip irrigation adjustments as
they mature.
# A typical drip system includes a valve, filter and pressure regulator. Drip emitters are best for
plants because they apply water slowly and near the plants’ roots.
# Using a multi-program irrigation clock provides the flexibility to water different zones on
schedules appropriate to their watering needs. The watering schedule should be adjusted at
least seasonally to correspond to weather changes. During warmer months, watering should
be done early in the morning when it is cooler, evaporation is low and the wind is lighter.
During cooler months, it is advisable to water later in the morning.
# Most existing sprinkler systems can easily be converted to drip systems. Filters and pressure
regulators should be added before converting sprinklers to drip emitters. Flush end caps
at the ends of all drip lines should be provided.
# Sprinkler irrigation system requires a network of pipes and pumping system to maintain
sufficient pressure for uniform distribution. It is best suited for areas with sandy soils that have
high infiltration rates. To prevent waterlogging, the system should be designed in such a way
that infiltration rate exceeds the application rate. Sprinklers which can produce fine sprays are
more efficient as compared to those that produce large water droplets.
# Some lawns require more water and some less water, depending upon the type of grass.
Adding or removing one minute from the watering time will change the amount of water
used by 25%. The total time required to water the property using the sprinkler system
before water starts to run off the property, should be monitored and the run cycle should be
stopped at that point. Water should be allowed to be fully absorbed before beginning the
next cycle.
# Incorporating organic material into the soil improves its capacity to absorb water and hold on
to it. It improves the soil structure, decreases compaction and enhances the plant’s ability to
obtain nutrients.
