Lesson 2 — Water Source & Storage
Goal: ensure reliable water volume, quality, and pressure. Water is your #1 production input.
Water needs (container nursery reality)
- Hot spells = high demand. Design for peak days, not average days.
- Uniform pressure is required for uniform irrigation.
- Good filtration protects emitters and reduces constant maintenance.
System blocks
Source (well/municipal) → Backflow/Protection → Filtration → Pump/Pressure control → Mainline → Zone valves → Laterals/Emitters
Storage options
- Holding tank(s): buffers peak demand; supports fertigation.
- Day tank: smaller, close to injection system.
- Fire/emergency: optional but consider access if required.
Do this
- List all irrigation zones you expect by Year 1 and Year 5.
- Estimate peak watering window (morning + afternoon) and design supply for that.
- Start a water-quality log: pH, alkalinity, EC, iron, hardness (important for emitter clogging).
Rule: If you can’t deliver consistent pressure/flow, your crop uniformity will always suffer.