Modern micro-irrigation has evolved from a simple water source management system to a complex, knowledge-intensive management system that manipulates the chemical, physical and biological environment in which the plant functions.
Types of tunnels and irrigation
Two types of tunnels are mainly used in South African agriculture. The first is a large, multi-span tunnel of between 1 000m² and 10 000m² or 0,1 to 1ha, and the second is a small tunnel of 300m² or 0,03ha. Growth mediums consist of the natural soil on which the tunnel stands or soilless mediums such as coconut fibre, wood chips, gravel or polystyrene.
Several technologically advanced and reliable micro-irrigation systems are available on the market. In addition to technologically advanced products, such as filters, control equipment, drippers and micro-sprinklers, this technology also includes automation systems that incorporate precision farming principles in water application to provide precise fertiliser application as and when the plant needs it.
Three types of irrigation can be distinguished. Drip irrigation is used for crops grown in soil or in soilless mediums such as troughs, where integral dripper lines are used, and bags, where separate button drippers are used. Overhead mist sprinklers are commonly used for the cultivation of cuttings, and overhead micro-sprinklers are used for germinating seedlings in seed trays or, often, also for dense plantings grown in soil.
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