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Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

I am planning on setting up a drip tape system this year. How close do the runs need to be in order to get good distribution of moisture? I'm thinking three feet apart.
Also I set up a 1500 gal collection tank for water last year. I had a real problem with alge. I'm trying to figure out how to heat the water without the alge problem. I am thinking about covering with black plastic to limit the light. All comments apreciated

12/20/2004 10:06:36 PM

Commack, NY

The distance of the drip tapes depends on your soil type. if your soil is more clay like, you can space the tapes further apart. If your soil is more on the sandy side, you need to place them closer together. Im almost positive thats the way it is, maybe someone can confirm this for me? One thing i want to mention is that you need to have your soil level, or else the water will settle in the low spots.

12/21/2004 8:53:35 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Scott's got it. Picture an upside down letter "V". The water percolates into the ground in an ever widening patern. Clay soils widen more quickly so allow wider spacing. Sand means the lines must be closer together.

I would contact the manufacturer or distributor for technical statistics.
Having never installed this type of system I wouldn't be comfortable guessing.

12/21/2004 10:57:41 AM

Cologne / Germany

Here´s the system I´m looking for in 2005, they have a FAQ section where most of these questions are answered:
http://www.leakypipe.co.uk/help_faq.htm

To cover the water tank with black plastic will help but it´s not sure you have no alge problem any more. So in any case you need a good filter (that you can watch and clean by hand if necessary) because irrigiation systems tend to clog very soon if the water is not clean.

12/21/2004 12:01:45 PM

Montoursville, PA

Sandy Loam with eighteen percent humus. Underground eighteen inches apartis adequate. With the rain we had last summer no system was needed. When a dry year shows up is when the bill will be paid, for any drip system.

The upside down V Steve showed you is a good rule, of thumb but if the humus is ten percent or better the ability, to reach out away from the point, of entry, is greatly improved.

I have yet to experience a dry period so can not suggest that further apart would be OK if the humus was high and as Steve said the medium contained higher percentages, of clay. I do know that eighteen inches apart. in high humus sandy loam, will deliver one hundred and ten gallons, of water, in one hour and twenty minutes, in a one thousand square foot patch. When used underground that upside down V becomes the center, of an imaginary ball. Moisture travels in all directions including up. Underground delivery literally eliminates nearly all evaporative factors. With a bit of practice you can maintain a nearly dry surface which retards germination, of weed seed.

12/30/2004 12:50:48 PM

Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

My soil is Clay loam. My organic matter was about 4.5% last year. I have added quit a bit of aged manure this fall. It take a lot to raise the organic matter so I without another soil test I will assume I am still under 10% (likely 7-8). Of course the goal is much higher. Even though we had a fairly wet year, my soil will dry out and crack during dry periods. I applied about 7500 Gals of water last year to my patch (75 X 40) last year by overhead watering. I plan to double the size this year. I have access to unlimited water. I am about 1000 ft from the bay of Quinte, off of Lake Ontario. This water is warm and full of suspended organic and plant matter. My concern is that pumpkins are fairly shallow rooted. Burying the drip tape under ground may limit the water to the shallow roots. I am conscious of the cost. I’m thinking I should place the tape about 2 ft apart based on this discussion and my research. Other thought welcome.

1/15/2005 10:03:14 AM

Jackson Twp, Ohio

You might be able to use hydrogen peroxide or some type of a hydroponic system cleanser to control the algae problem.

nick

1/15/2005 11:03:52 AM

Montoursville, PA

The DRIPWORKS FOLKS suggested to me that 12 inches apart would be right but they were figuring under 5% humus. You will get distribution fine from an 18 inch placement if you are using their T-Tape. Check and go with the slightly wider apart placing than the maker suggests. They are not used to seeing the humus content we maintain.
....It is better to have the ability to enter to much water than to be caught short on ability to easily deliver the needs. Your humus is fine, for a decent hold of the moisture. You have done nicely on the early building of humus.

You are doing fine on humus building. Maintaining steady correct moisture and feeding the bacteria is now what will move humus to humates the plants can use.

1/15/2005 6:12:46 PM