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Irrigation preferences
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Posted by bluegate z5 IA (My Page) on Fri, Feb 2, 07 at 12:27
| We are a small Certified Naturally Grown market and CSA farm with about 1/2 acre in vegetables. After 2 seasons of "making due" we are finally ready to spend some $ on legitmate irrigation supplies and are trying to decide what system to ues. We run off a combination of water collection system (gravity fed) and pressurized rural water. We are considering T-Tape & 1/4" soaker dripline from Drip Works, but know there are other options. What are your experiences/preferences for irrigation? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Irrigation preferences
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| hi, i have been using t tape from drip works and it is ok but i need to replace much of it and thus have been looking at it again and i have decided on "queen gil" from robert marvel if u contact them they will send u all the lit and samples . i seeked out some of their testomionals and the people using it really like it compared to other tapes. |
Here is a link that might be useful: queen gil
RE: Irrigation preferences
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Yes,
Queen Gil is great. I've been using it for a few years now and I love it. I started with t-tape, then found Queen Gil.
We have a limited water supply, and I think drip is the easiest and most efficient way to irrigate.
www.robertmarvel.com |
RE: Irrigation preferences
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| Price is a major consideration when comparing various drip tape alternatives. I agree that Queen Gil is the Cadilac of drip tapes but I trade my tape in yearly and standard T-Tape works fine for my needs at a fraction of the price. Drip emitter spacing is a more important consideration and should be based on soil type, length of drip line,water supply, crop and a few other tangibles. I usually purchase two 4000' roles, one with 6" emitter spacing and another with 12" spacing. The valves connectors are also varried. I'd suggest that you purchase the ones with larger, finger controlled, shutoff and if you punch into layflat header tube get the valve base that tightens onto the layflat. I buy the 1 1/4" layflat tubing in rolls also but it can usually be reused a few years if your rows are ar similar spacing each year. For a half acre operation your supply costs should be under $200. Check with a local irrigation supplier for commercial growers. In our area Nolts Irrigation & Produce Supply in Leola, PA has everything you would need. I'm certain there is a similar supplier in your area. |
RE: Irrigation preferences
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| I'm also interesting in irrigation, this summer I need to finally invest into it. All I have now is soaker hose you buy at farm and fleet. I guess I'm the kind of person that I'm going to need to see in person how this all works, ie connecting things together. Pehaps I'll find a workshop or something. Someone mentioned Nolt's produce supply in PA, There is now as a Nolt's Midwest Produce Supply out of Charles City IA. From what I gather from my mennenite (sp?) neighbors her in SW WI, Nolt's are "horse and buggy" Meninates. I have their catalog, things are very cheap, cheaper than anyone else I've looked at. keep the conversation going Kristi |
RE: Irrigation preferences
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| thanks all for your suggestions. The Queen Gil is really interesting, but they sure spend a lot of $ on promotional materials. I think we will start with something a little cheaper like T Tape from Dripworks. Thanks also for the heads up on Nolt's...I will give them a call tomorrow to get their catalog. |
RE: Irrigation preferences
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:If you go with dripworks expect to be penalized the following yrs. for not placing big orders. Also, do not expect help setting it up. Also, the Cust. Service isn't good. But,I do like the product.
I WAS WONDERING IF I COULD FIND A CO. WITH COMPATIBLE CONNECTORS ETC. TO USE WITH MY CURRENT DRIPWORK STUFF SO I DON'T HAVE TO GO THRU DRIPWORKS.(YOU KNOW, ADDITIONAL LSB'S AND STUFF) Again, i like the product but not the company. |
RE: Irrigation preferences
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mmgraff,
We ordered a small order and things went well. I have a problem with their price on t-tape. Look up Jordan Seeds in Minnesota, I think they were selling it for about 100 bucks a roll less than drip-works. I'm talking to them the next time I need more.
Hope this helps
Jake |
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