Hose drip irrigation is a water-saving and yield-increasing irrigation technology specially developed for greenhouse production. As a type of localized irrigation, it only wets part of the ground without standing water and reduces water vapor evaporation. It adopts double-outlet drip irrigation tapes laid directly on crop furrows for watering, creating a favorable environment for crop growth in greenhouses. The new double-outlet hose drip irrigation technology is introduced as follows:

Irrigation method: Drip irrigation delivers water drop by drop uniformly and slowly into the soil near plant root zones through emitters installed on capillary tubes. With the capillary force of soil, water infiltrates and spreads in the soil for absorption and utilization by plant roots. The soil moisture remains unsaturated, keeping the soil loose and well aerated to facilitate plant growth. The principle of hose drip irrigation is frequent irrigation with small volumes, with a single irrigation volume of 7–15 cubic meters per mu.

Specific methods: First, for clean water irrigation, open the suction valve of the fertilizer applicator, then fully open the valve and connect the pressurized water source to start irrigation. Second, for fertigation, open the valve and the switch of the fertilizer applicator’s suction pipe, fix the filter at the bottom of the fertilizer solution bucket, and connect the water source to apply fertilizer. After fertigation is completed, keep the suction pipe switch open and maintain the valve open to continue flushing with water to clear residual fertilizer inside the pipes.

Notes:

(1) When installing the drip irrigation system, ensure the controlled area of each main pipe section does not exceed half a mu. Meanwhile, the ground in contact with each hose shall be leveled to guarantee smooth water flow;

(2) Drip irrigation tapes are normally laid with holes upward and covered with plastic mulch. If mulch is not used, the tapes can be laid with holes downward;

(3) Use clean water source. Suspended solids in water shall not exceed 0.8 mm; otherwise, a screen filter shall be equipped for water purification. Filtration is generally unnecessary for tap water and well water;

(4) Avoid scratching or puncturing drip irrigation tapes and main pipes during installation and field operation;

(5) Flush with clean water for a period after fertigation to prevent chemical buildup and clogging at emitters;

(6) To prevent pipe clogging caused by sediment accumulation, open the tail ends of drip tapes and main pipes one by one for high-flow flushing;

(7) Remove and properly store the equipment in a cool place when replacing crops.