Irrigation is critical for successful strawberry production
The two main types of irrigation for strawberries are drip irrigation and overhead sprinklers. Growers can choose between drip tape and overhead sprinklers, or use a combination.June-bearing strawberries can use either system, but day-neutral strawberries require drip irrigation.
When exploring irrigation systems and vendors, select a system that can monitor water delivery and soil moisture. An efficient system with moisture monitoring should apply appropriate water rates based on the plants’ growth stage and soil moisture.
Drip irrigation is the slow, even application of low-pressure water to soil and plants.Through a set of tubes and pipe valves, drip lines put water directly at the roots of the strawberry plants. They are very efficient because they deposit the water right at the roots, without soaking the rest of the plant’s tender leaves and berries.
Overhead sprinklers in strawberry fields are not the same as the large pivot irrigation systems used in row crop fields. The sprinklers in strawberries are vertical pipes (risers) arising 2 to 3 feet above the ground. Sprinkler heads at the top of the risers emit water in a large circular pattern.
A standard setup uses a 6-inch mainline followed by a 4-inch sprinkler line. Pipe configuration is commonly 60 feet between sprinkler lines and 40 feet between each sprinkler head. This equates to about 28 sprinkler heads per acre.
Overhead sprinklers are an extremely helpful tool for frost protection. For this reason, some growers install both systems — drip tape for routine watering, and overhead sprinklers for spring frost protection.
However, overhead sprinklers contribute to foliar diseases by depositing water droplets directly onto the leaves.
Consult with irrigation suppliers to compare systems and find one that works well for your farm.
