Description
These dripper assmeblies are to be used with the Netafim PC (Pressure Compensating) Spray Stakes. These kits come with the PC drip emitters, tubing, and a elbow connector.
The Spray Stakes are SOLD SEPARATELY, are color-coded, and available in four flow options: 3.2, 6.6, 7.9, and 10.7 GPH. Color-coded spray stakes make it easy to identify the flow from a distance. Based on your water source and plant needs, you can choose the best flow for your nursery pots. 6.6-10.7 GPH stakes are available in single or double spray patterns.
Sold in packs of 25
What's Included:
- (x25) PC Drippers
- (x25) Pre-Cut Super Flex Black Polyethylene (PE) Tubing - Choose Length
- (x25) 45° Elbow
- Netafim PC Spray Stakes are SOLD SEPARATELY - Available as add-ons at the top.
Netafim PC (Pressure Compensating) Spray Stakes were built from the beginning to fill the needs of the nursery grower. The spray pattern angles downward - just enough - to keep the spray on the soil and not flying into or over the wall of the pot. Water flying out of the pot is wasted. Water that hits the side of the pot typically runs down the side and out the bottom of the pot and is not effective in wetting the soil mix.
Uniform Watering from the First Pot to the Last
Have you ever measured the difference in the amount of water the plants closest to the valve get compared to those furthest from the valve? It might be much more than you think and it adds up over time.
In a non-pressure compensating design, the spray stakes at the beginning of the line have a higher pressure and supply more water than those at the end of the line. Therefore, plants at the beginning of the line receive more water than they need by the time the plants at the end of the line are sufficiently watered. Each time the field is watered these differences add up and eventually some plants can outgrow others, resulting in a lack of uniformity and less than a top-quality yield.
Netafim pressure compensating emitters have been in use for over 20 years and can now be used in spray stake systems. As a result, Netafim PC Spray Stakes ensure every pot in the entire system receives exactly the same amount of water. This eliminates the need to overwater some plants to be sure the driest plants receive enough water to thrive. This water savings is typically between 5% and 20% and can be even more.
Selecting the Right Netafim PC Spray Stake for Your Application
First - Select the flow rate for the spray stake. As long as you have enough water and pressure for the stake you select, it’s hard to go wrong. Netafim PC Spray Stakes will work in a very wide range of pot sizes (see table at right for general recommendations). Just remember, these are not strict limitations, just general guidelines. Many growers with larger pots use higher flow spray stakes while others prefer to use lower flow spray stakes and simply operate them longer.
The next consideration is how long a row or ‘run’ of pots you want to water. Lower flow spray stakes can water longer runs than higher flow spray stakes. See the Design Help section of this brochure to be sure the flow you select will be appropriate for your water resources and field configuration.
| Container Size | Flow (GPH) | Stake Color |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 5 gallon | 3.2 | Plum |
| 2 to 7 gallons | 6.6 | Grey |
| 5 to 15 gallons | 7.9 | Brown |
| 10 to 30 gallons | 10.6 | Blue |
Second - Select the spray pattern. Most flow models offer both a single and a double spray pattern. The double spray pattern is selected when the stake will be placed closer to the trunk of the tree than the side of the container. Here it will wet more soil than the single spray and can be positioned to minimize wetting the base of the trunk.
Single Spray Pattern - Best choice for placing near edge of container.
Double Spray Pattern - Used when stake is placed closer to tree trunk.
Third - Select the spray stake mounting option. Choose either the standard stake or the rod mount stake. Growers choose the rod mount generally for these reasons:
- For very coarse bark planting mixes a longer stake is needed to provide good stability
- To raise the spray stake up a bit more to create a larger spray pattern
- For the widest range of height adjustability