How to calculate drip irrigation frequency

Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient techniques for plant cultivation, as it delivers water directly to the roots in a controlled manner, minimizing waste. However, for it to function properly, it is crucial to calculate the drip irrigation time, frequency, and the amount of water to be applied.

How to calculate the duration of drip irrigation?

The calculation of drip irrigation time depends on various factors, such as the type of crop, plant size, growth stage, local climate, and the characteristics of the irrigation system. To determine the necessary irrigation time, it is essential to know the flow rate of your drip system (measured in liters per hour) and the amount of water your plants require. 

The goal of this type of irrigation is to provide enough water to keep the plant’s soil moist but not saturated. Generally, irrigation time is calculated as follows:

Basic formula

Irrigation time (hours) = Required water amount (liters) / System flow rate (liters/hour)

For example, if you need to provide 5 liters of water to your plants and your drip system has a flow rate of 2 liters per hour:

Irrigation time = 5 / 2 = 2.5 hours

However, this calculation is just a basic reference. In addition to time, the irrigation frequency is key to keeping plants healthy.

Factors to consider

The calculation of drip irrigation time and frequency cannot be done in isolation. Several factors directly influence the amount of water needed by plants:

1. Type of crop: not all plants or cannabis strains have the same water requirements. For example, fast-growing plants may require more frequent irrigation.
2. Growth stage: during early stages, plants require less water, but during flowering or production stages, water demands increase.
3. Climate and temperature: in hot climates, plants lose water faster through evaporation and will require more irrigation compared to cooler climates.
4. Soil characteristics: if the soil retains more water, irrigation may be less frequent. In sandy soils, water drains quickly, necessitating more frequent irrigation.
5. Plant size and planting density: larger plants or those with extensive root systems may require more water than younger plants.
6. Drip system and flow rate: not all drip irrigation systems have the same flow rate. It is important to calculate the flow per dripper and the number of drippers to determine the irrigation time accurately.

By considering these factors, you can adjust the irrigation frequency to meet the specific needs of your plants.

How to calculate the required amount of water?

To calculate the appropriate amount of water for drip irrigation, it is important to understand the daily water consumption of your plants. Here are some steps to perform an effective calculation:

1. Determine the water needs per plant: based on your crop and conditions, you can research the average daily water consumption of the plants you are cultivating.
2. Set the volume per plant: once you know the daily amount needed per plant, multiply that volume by the number of plants in your irrigation system.
3. Adjust for climate and plant development: as mentioned earlier, factors such as climate and growth stage may require more or less water.

For example:

If a plant needs 0.5 liters of water per day and you have 20 plants, the total amount would be:

0.5 × 20 = 10 liters

This means that during each drip irrigation session, the system must deliver a minimum of 10 liters of water.

Drip irrigation frequency by season

The frequency with which you irrigate using a drip system will depend primarily on the season and weather conditions. Below is a basic reference table to adjust irrigation frequency according to the season:

These figures are approximations on how to calculate drip irrigation time, as factors such as the local climate and crop type may require adjustments. It is essential to observe plant responses to fine-tune the irrigation frequency.