UBC Undergraduate Research

An investigation into new SUB rooftop garden irrigations systems Juneja, Harsh; Or, Randy; Tello, Boris; Thind, Manraj Singh

Abstract

Garden irrigation is a critic component for the new SUB rooftop garden. Contrary to popular belief, it’s entirely untrue that plants in Vancouver do not have to be watered despite heavy rainfall over the course of a year in British Columbia. Using the triple bottom line analysis, a new recommendation for an irrigation system is made. Sprinklers, drip irrigation and sub irrigation are the three systems that are discussed in this sustainability report. Sprinkler irrigation systems consist of a system of pipes that are used to bring water to the ground. It makes for one of the most natural methods of irrigation, almost identical to conventional home sprinklers, where water falls right on top of the plants like raindrops. There are many different factors that affect the usage of the sprinkler irrigation system, such as Suitable Slopes, Suitable crops, Suitable Soils, Suitable irrigation water. Drip irrigation done through a system of valves, tubing, pipes, and emitters. This method uses less water as opposed to sprinklers because of its low pressure output and its ability to reduce water contact with leaves. This system allows for increased yield and quality. Drip systems are especially good for onions, cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, melons, and tomatoes. Only negatives about this system are the fact that the material it is made up of is not recyclable. Also, it is extremely tedious to maintain when there are problems with clogging, and punctures in the tubing. Sub irrigation is the last of the three systems that will be talked about. There are very similar in terms of drip irrigation, with its high maintenance costs. They are very environmental friendly for its ability to reuse recycled water. This allows for high uniformity. All three systems are all possible options for the new SUB roof. When it comes to sustainability, having the building be as green as possible is of the utmost importance. Maintenance costs, life spans, and water waste are all factors that account into sustainability. The amount of water saved within the 100 year life span of the new SUB building is crucial because these savings will outweigh the costs. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”

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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International