Gardens in arid climates (where potential evaporation exceeds rainfall) like the Algarve require effective irrigation. Even during the initial garden planning, the irrigation of individual garden areas is considered, and the garden is divided into different sectors.
High-quality irrigation controllers manage these sectors and allow for individual adjustment of watering time and volume. Irrigation equipment is selected according to specific requirements. Drip hoses are suitable for watering flower beds, while raised beds and individual potted plants are supplied with water using micro-hoses and micro-sprinklers. Pop-up sprinklers are used for lawn irrigation, with adjustable spray distances and angles to ensure the entire lawn is watered.
In addition to general garden irrigation, the system can also be designed as a fire protection irrigation system, functioning as sprinklers in the event of a fire to keep the house dry.
Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation is the most economical of all irrigation methods because it uses only small amounts of water. The water is delivered directly to the plant's root zone via above- or below-ground hoses or pipes and drippers installed on the plants. Small amounts of water are continuously released from the drippers, precisely according to the plant's needs. By targeting the area around the plant and its root zone, water cannot seep into the surrounding soil or evaporate.
Fertilizers and pesticides can also be added to the water. Furthermore, targeted irrigation and fertilization can be automated. This reduces labor requirements and allows for more precise control during irrigation. A major advantage of this method is its very low energy and operating costs.
The leaching of soil minerals and nutrients, soil contamination by pesticides, and salinization are significantly reduced. Controlled water and fertilizer application reduces weed growth.