White Polyethylene Plastic Irrigation Pipe Data
Summary
Jennifer Nelkin, PLS, and Gene Giacomelli,
ABE; Bill Wolfram, Toro Irrigation Company
Drip irrigation methods typically use
small diameter black polyethylene tubing, which absorbs solar radiation
and can cause extreme irrigation water temperatures, even when air
temperatures are within acceptable ranges for the crop. Between
irrigation cycles, the heat buildup can result in excessive water
temperatures being delivered to the plants at the time of
irrigation. Young transplants can be particularly sensitive to these
high water temperatures. White poly tubing may be able to mediate
some of these effects by reducing the amount of accumulated heat between
irrigation cycles. The use of white poly pipe to reduce irrigation
water temperatures during warm periods of the year was
evaluated. Basic irrigation pipe water temperatures were
monitored within a drip irrigation system, and they provide insight into
the excessive heating that can occur, potentially affecting root zone
temperatures and plant growth.
Completed
2004 |
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