Mark has been working on UPLift's drip irrigation test site this week in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Here is an update on what he has been learning!
We are trying to come up with a system that is affordable and accessible enough for Thais and migrants to use. With that in mind, the test system is only using materials that can be found at local supply stores. Using intermediate technology (tools that maximize human power rather than electricity) and homemade tools is the cheapest and most realistic method for families with little or no startup capital.
Our test site has two 9-meter x 6-meter plots. For water we bought a plastic 20 gallon trash can, cut a hole close to the bottom, and caulked a PCV pipe fitting into the hole. The trash can (which only cost about 7 dollars to buy and have the hole fitted). We also had a metal tower made that is 1 meter tall. Using metal was a tad bit more expensive, but can easily be replaced by the endless supply of bamboo or wood scraps found in and around communities.
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| Two plots behind the lemongrass, with the metal tower in the center |
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| Our cost-effective version of a small-garden gravity tank (USD$7) |
Each plot will have 12 rows of drip line. For this much line we will need around 45 gallons of water per day, which means 3 rounds of 15 gallons per day. It's as simple as pumping the water into the bucket, then turning a valve switch. Gravity takes care of the rest by sending the water to each drip line! This saves the farmer from having to haul bucket after bucket of water to each specific plant and the time associated.
Yesterday I began cutting the drip lines. PE pipe, if you're not familiar, is a lightweight plastic pipe that is just as common as PVC pipe, and usually much more narrow. Two tools made the job much easier--a pruner (scissors work equally well), and a meter stick. Our meter stick is simply a bamboo stick with measurement ticks drawn on.
After about an hour of measuring I had 24 drip lines. After straightening each out they will be ready for hook-up to the main PVC line being fed by the trash can.
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| Just an hour of work for one person |
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| Straightening each line--Any other good ideas on how to do this? |
We will report again soon to update the rest of the setup process!
