One Step to a Better "Florida Yard"
Micro-irrigation, the application of water at a slow rate, is a more efficient way to irrigate trees, shrubs, and ground covers. Year-round restrictions allow non-turf areas watered by micro-irrigation to be irrigated at any time. Other benefits of micro-irrigation include:
Better Plant Growth
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A better soil water/oxygen balance is achieved, resulting in faster growth and less plant loss.
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Foliage and flowers are not wetted, resulting in less plant disease and longer-lasting blooms.
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Weed growth is reduced.
Easy Installation
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Drip tubing is generally installed just beneath the mulch, reducing labor costs to install, eliminating damage to plant roots and reducing water loss to evaporation.
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Existing in-ground sprinkler systems can be easily modified using retrofit kits available at locations where irrigation system materials are sold.
More Efficient Irrigation -- Maximum Flow Rate for Micro-irrigation is 30 gallons per hour.
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Runoff is reduced. A lower flow rate allows more water to get to plant roots. Wind does not degrade micro-irrigation efficiency. The reduction in run-off also reduces the levels of debris reaching and clogging our draining systems and the levels of nitrogen reaching and polluting our surface waters.
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The ability to precisely control water placement allows the irrigation of narrow and irregularly shaped areas without wasting water on buildings and paved areas.
More Selection
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Drip systems range from small emitter tubes to highly-controlled emitter pipes.
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Micro-sprays are similar to regular spray heads except water is applied at a slower rate of flow.
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Bubblers are used to apply water to trees and shrubs to avoid overspray.
Find additional information on this topic in the Guide to Micro-Irrigation for West-Central Florida Landscape.