Who's got the low down on Guerilla Irrigation Techniques

[1badmasonman]

Whats good fellow Riuers.

I thought id start a thread to discuss watering strategies for remote guerilla grows. Ive been looking at a few options for my own needs such as gas powed trash pumps and ive heard of using car batteries somehow to power small pumps. I have also read up on some gravity feed type irrigation for the actual timed watering of the plants. BUT how do you guys fill your buried reservoir. Rain water collection. Pumping the needed h2o from a water source. Any and all input is welcome put on those thinking caps people. Stealth is the ultimate goal here.

 

[cguzek44]

Well, if you have a little electronics knowledge and a water source nearby, you could set up a small solar panel connected to a battery charge controller. This system could be anywhere in-between the water source and your plant. With some 5/8 or 1/2 inch pipe plumbed underground and a check valve, you should be able to hook up a low voltage timer to the inverter on your battery, and plug the low voltage water pump. You could then see how strong it flows, and if its too much, you can plumb in diverter to get proper flow that you want. Then you can set the timer to run once a day at whatever time you want, and deliver how much you want also.

The small solar panel could be mounted in a tree that gets good sunlight. You can build one from second hand cells on ebay. Also, the box that holds everything is about the size of a shoebox, and could easily be put in waterproof enclosure underground.

The beauty of a system like this would be that since the motor will only be running for maybe a few minutes a day, the small solar panel will easily be able to charge the battery during daylight enough to charge the battery more than the timeclock is using. The battery will only be drained for a few minutes while the pump is running, and then it will start charging again, plenty to run the low voltage timeclock for days.

I know it sounds complicated, but its something that I think could work.

I got the idea, because currently, I grow outdoors, and I am designing a self aeroponics system for 1 outdoor plant. Only difference is my battery lot will be charged by a higher power small wind turbine I am building. The single plant aeroponics system will work like any other manufactured one will, except all electronics will be in small shoe size water proof enclosure, and the plug from the water pump, air stone, and maybe fogger will all be hooked up to my 2 battery bank on a timer. It should be self sufficient other than having to change nutes every two weeks.

Well, like I said, I know its advanced, but reading your post and thinking of my project made me think of a crazy way for irrigation. But, like i said, a little knowledge about electronics helps.

 

[SCARHOLE]

There are a few things I got to buy and am collecting for the outdoor grow for setting up the soil an the planters.

Zeba gel
2 liter water spikes
5 gal bucket.
1/4 in screen for cages
MiracalGro Moisture control soil
Composted Manure
Perilite
Garden screen
Mulch
Native soils


Zeba gel
I have been using this stuff called Zeba Quench water absorbing polymers (made from starch, safe for food) for my outdoor guerilla grows.
Its amazing outdoors, in 110' heat they only got 1 gallon of water Twice a week (with mulch to hold the water in.)
In Stead of 2 gallons everyday like my tomatos an peppers need in my garden.
.

THIS SHIT WORKS!!!

zeba®
At a Glance
Zeba is a unique soil amendment that absorbs and releases water as needed by plants to help growers produce consistently higher-quality, greater-volume yields. Replicated trials and commercial grower results have consistently demonstrated yield increases and returns on investment of 2x to 6x.
[FONT=Tarzana Wide Bold,Tarzana Wide Bold][FONT=Tarzana Wide Bold,Tarzana Wide Bold]1. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Tarzana Wide Bold,Tarzana Wide Bold][FONT=Tarzana Wide Bold,Tarzana Wide Bold]Zeba BENEFITS [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Tarzana Wide Bold,Tarzana Wide Bold][FONT=Tarzana Wide Bold,Tarzana Wide Bold]Increases Soil Moisture Retention/ Improves Water [/FONT][/FONT]E[FONT=Tarzana Wide Bold,Tarzana Wide Bold][FONT=Tarzana Wide Bold,Tarzana Wide Bold]fficiency [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Tarzana Narrow,Tarzana Narrow][FONT=Tarzana Narrow,Tarzana Narrow]Increases soil’s moisture content, retention and supply to vegetation [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Tarzana Narrow,Tarzana Narrow][FONT=Tarzana Narrow,Tarzana Narrow]Increases soil porosity for improved passing of water and oxygen [/FONT]
[/FONT]Keeps plants cooler, increasing photosynthesis rate
Potentially reduces irrigation costs (water, electricity, labor)
[FONT=Tarzana Wide Bold,Tarzana Wide Bold][FONT=Tarzana Wide Bold,Tarzana Wide Bold]Increases Crop Yields [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Tarzana Narrow,Tarzana Narrow][FONT=Tarzana Narrow,Tarzana Narrow]Increases plant quality and yields [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Tarzana Narrow,Tarzana Narrow][FONT=Tarzana Narrow,Tarzana Narrow]Improves plant survival rate during critical development periods [/FONT]
[FONT=Tarzana Narrow,Tarzana Narrow]Greatly improves rate of seed germination and emergence [/FONT]
[FONT=Tarzana Narrow,Tarzana Narrow]Eliminates moisture stress in plants, creating larger plant biomass [/FONT]
[FONT=Tarzana Narrow,Tarzana Narrow]Creates more rigorous root development [/FONT]
[FONT=Tarzana Narrow,Tarzana Narrow]Improves plant survival rate during transplanting [/FONT]
[/FONT][FONT=Tarzana Wide Bold,Tarzana Wide Bold][FONT=Tarzana Wide Bold,Tarzana Wide Bold]Environmentally, Socially, Economically Responsible [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Tarzana Narrow,Tarzana Narrow][FONT=Tarzana Narrow,Tarzana Narrow]Biodegradable and safe for all plants and vegetables [/FONT][/FONT]

The web site has all the details....
http://www.zeba.com/literature/categories.php?category=6


Its made from Cornstarch not petrolium.
Totaly safe.

It will pay for itself by less watering trips.
1 watering a week when its cool, Twice a week when its hot is all I did last year.

I get mine from amazon.com 16$

 

[plantvision]

I agree with scarhole. The polymers work great. I use a different brand, but all are basically the same. I realize this probably does not work for everybody, but for watering I use a trailer behind my four-wheeler with a 100 gal tank and a battery operated pump. As for leaving stuff behind at the grow site, I am overly paranoid, if you leave stuff behind, WIPE YOUR FINGERPRINTS OFF. I realize I might be crazy, but better to be safe than sorry. About watering on site, do a search for 12v pumps, for around $40 you can get a great pump. Use gravity were at all possible. Using a battery operated timer and battery operated pump, you should easily get at least a weeks worth out of the battery. Remember don't water too much in the early parts of growth, this tends to make a lazy plant, the roots do not work down. Make the plant work for itself, don't just have it rely on you. Also by doing this the plant creates a larger root mass, which can get more nutrients and withstand drought conditions. As for solar chargers, they are like a flashing beacon to airplanes, when the sun shines on them correct. Good Luck

Also use a check valve after the pump, this keeps the pump primed.









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[grokillaz]

Water crystals are reliable . I don't advise top dressing with it because I did a few in the past and all the moisture created mold problems so just mix it in the soil . If you top dress add another coat of dirt to be safe. Happy grows

 

[1badmasonman]

Cool thankyou very much for the input peeps + rep to all. cguzek im really interested in a blueprint for the system you describe. Im not the most savy electronics guy in the world but im quite handy

The 12 volt tranfer pumps look like they wil work good. Now how long would a good battery last running it? Ive already prepared to take in a new batt every water or at least a fully charged one. It would be nice to have a way to keep it charged in the feild incognito. Ideas?

 

[1badmasonman]

Ok folks had a chance to do a bit of web surfing heres a amorphus solar charger for a C-note. Would this work to keep a 12 volt battery up to snuff?

Product Description

Our Model 2 can be used on any 12 volt battery. It produces a trickle charge, just needs adequate sunlight but will work with cloud cover. Amorphous means the unit will work in cloudy conditions. No type of protection controller is needed with Model 1 or Model 2 because they contain internal diodes will prevent overcharging or battery drain. Model 1 and 2 can be used to charge computers, game cameras, electric fences, electric gates, fish feeders,and some cell phones, etc. Check the instructions that come with your device. NOTE: If you need to extend the wire. you may add on up to 29 feet with 16 gauge wire. We ship these protected with bubble wrap and insured.

 

[1badmasonman]

What size of 12 volt battery would work best to run this pump and be charged by the solar panel?

 

[Serapis]

First you need a water source and filtration system. This is easily accomplished if you can find a small creek bed or stream. Depending on your elevation, you might be able to dig and reach the water table and pump it into a reservoir. If the land is your own, I'd use a generator, you'll appreciate that when you are camping your grow for the last two or three weeks...

 

[1badmasonman]

Ive pondered this one before Serapis 600 bro Heres the one i was looking at

A bit overkill i could run a 2k tent on the guerilla site aswell that would be a lil crazy hahaha

 

[vunwaed]

good thread, need to figure out guerillia ideas

 

[1badmasonman]

Hahah i got smoked out on some afgani kush pure just now and i forgot to address your comment searapis. I do have a good source of water just gotta be sneaky about it. Brown dirt warrior style running lines but one i can roll up and conceal. Im not going for a crazy huge grow just 20 maybe 30 plants but big mofos. I got some experience in the guerilla ways

 

[cguzek44]

That solar panel looks perfect, best thing about it is it says it has built in diodes to prevent overcharge or drain to battery, this cuts out solar controller. I know plantvision said a solar controller would stick out to an airplane, but not if it was small like my board (less than 3x4inches) and in an enclosure underground. So, that solar panel you will be able to charge a battery plenty to operate a 12v pump for a few minutes each day plus power to the timeclock. To see how long battery would last without, many things need to be taken into place. First, battery voltage is 12v, but how many amp hours. A 12v timeclock prob works on something like .3 amps where the pump may work on 2, so much calculation would need to be done to see exactly how long your battery would run both timeclock and motor without needing charge. I would try trial and error first to see how long battery could last. Then incorporate solar system you found if needed.

 

[Dr.Nick]

This may not be an option for you, but back in the day when we used to "guerrilla grow" (plant some seeds in May and basically abandon them till fall) we'd always plant them in areas that never really seemed to dry out. Usually, this meant near old ponds/watering holes or watershed areas like ravines and above semi-dry creek beds (but high enough up so if/when it floods they won't get killed). Finding the right spot is pretty important and can take a lot of time. Oh, and the more plots the better, 3-4 plants max and they should be spread out a little. One is too hard to find and more than four is too easy and might attract attention. I guess being in Boy Scouts wasn't a total waste, camping trips was when we'd pick where we were gonna plant next. We never could find 'em all come harvest, but if you make a map (simple as possible) for each area (don't label them like "such and such state park," but use some kind of nickname like "park with the hot ranger chick" or "where chris got drunk and humped a log") with compass headings (from a set starting point), distances (in steps), and plot locations, it helps a lot. It worked pretty well if you don't mind seedy weed and a little footwork. As a bonus, after you harvest or if there's more than what you'll smoke you can sell the "treasure maps" to your friends for a little cash if they want to go after what's left.

 

[georgiagrower]

Good advice dr. nick. +rep

 

[plantvision]

Just a cheap car battery, would work great. The solar trickle charger if it is only 3 x 4 probalbly would not be spotted. Your battery would stay charged indefinitley. We use solar chargers to run electric fences for cattle, they will easily charge 5 miles of fence. What you could do is get a cheap battery and hook it up at home with your timer and see how it lasts. I would be suprised if you only run it 30 seconds every couple days that it wouldn't last 2 maybe 3 weeks. I should have pointed out, that pump can pump large amounts of water in a short time. The nice thing about that pump is it can pump murky water without plugging up. Remember to have a check valve after the pump, or it will loose its prime.

 

[Dr.Nick]

Thanks man, those were some good times, and it kept us supplied with lots of decent, free herb for a long time. Good luck guys.

 

[Guerillia Farmer]

First you need a water source and filtration system. This is easily accomplished if you can find a small creek bed or stream. Depending on your elevation, you might be able to dig and reach the water table and pump it into a reservoir. If the land is your own, I'd use a generator, you'll appreciate that when you are camping your grow for the last two or three weeks...

..... if you plant on or near a water table couldnt u just dig abig deep hole and let ti fill with water and use it kinda like a well??....... u wouldnt really need a resivoir then would u?....... unless u are to far away from that water table

making lil ditches around ur plants and and then a bigger longer ditch that declines going towards ur plants to act as a rain catch/stream that send more water to ur plants when it rains........ if ur on a slope making terraces is another really good way to keep in water u can actually make a resivoir at the top plato and then waterin is simply open up up ur plug/gate which would be either on the left or right side of the plato and u have the next plug ont he opposite side so teh water will flow to each plant on every palto till it makes it to the bottom............ and then if u want u can have a resivoir at the bottom that will pump the water back to the top

 

[UGA]

Plantvision has it right.

Forget about the solar panels. You are overcomplicating it.

That pump from harbor freight should work great. You aren't going to be running the pump enough with 20 plants to need to recharge the battery.

I don't know what your water source looks like but mine is pretty clean. With a cheap 40$ pump I wouldn't even bother filtering the water.

Your doing a guerilla grow, not setting up a top notch grow farm.

K.I.S.S.

 

[Greenske]

So we need only the battery and the pump? What about recharges?