Bottle irrigation of a newly planted orchard
Type: Technologies
Creation: 2011-04-12 12:42 Updated: 2021-11-02 15:36
Compilers: Pjotr M Sosin
Reviewers: Alexandra Gavilano, David Streiff, Joana Eichenberger
Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment
- Country: Tajikistan
- Region/ State/ Province: Tajikistan
- Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Nurabad District
- Map: View Map
Description of the SLM Technology
Short description of the Technology
A water-saving irrigation technique is used to ensure the establishment of young seedlings in arid conditions which have a water deficit.
Detailed description of the Technology
Plastic bottles, 1.5-2 litres in size, are used for this technology. The bottom of the plastic bottle is removed and retained to be used as a cover. The bottle is then turned upside down and filled with water like a funnel. In this position, the lid of the bottle is twisted open very slowly until a drip rate of 5 drops per second is achieved. As soon as the desired water drip rate is reached, the lid is stuck to the bottle with some tape. At this drip rate 1.5 litres of water will drip out of the bottle every 90-100 minutes. The bottle is then buried in the soil next to the seedling with the wide part of the funnel sticking 10cm up out of the ground. The bottle's lid must be buried at the same level as the root collar. After this, grass, straw or black film is used to mulch the soil around the newly planted seedlings. Water drips slowly out and can go straight to the roots. Thus, no watering of the upper layer is needed. This technique also helps exclude evaporation of water from the upper layer of the soil. During the growth period bottles are filled with water once every 5 days. Bottles should be filled with clean water to avoid clogging of the lids.
Purpose of the Technology: The purpose of the technology is to improve the acclimation of seedlings with minimal use of water, as well as to help reduce erosion and risk of mudslides on these steep loess slopes which can occur as a result of other irrigation techniques.
Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: Selection of a plot, digging holes, purchase of seedlings, fencing nets, plastic bottles, preparation of bottles, planting seedlings, mulching, post-planting care for seedlings, irrigation
Natural / human environment: Middle mountain area, typical mountain brown soil, 30° slopes, rainless dry summer period. Vegetation cover is mainly large-sized cereal semi-savanna. Local population is involved in cattle-breeding and gardening.
Photos of the Technology
- 📍 Нурабадский район, Таджикистан
- 📷 Сосин Пётр
- 📍 Нурабадский район, Таджикистан
- 📷 Сосин Пётр