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Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Many folks collect fallen rainwater for irrigation purposes. Black tanks, etc collect solar radiation for heating. Others head for the kitchen sink. Some (Alan) even tap the primary or a secondary hot water heater.

Can we find a consencus as to the ideal temperature?

5/20/2004 9:51:11 AM

Utah

interesting question.... My guess is the 70° to 80° F range is where you would want to be... on the warmer side in the spring and fall ... and on the cooler side in the hot summer.

5/20/2004 12:08:51 PM

Eveleth MN

my guess would be what ever temperature the plants are currently at unless they are over heated. 70-85*f would be a good range I would think

5/20/2004 12:14:27 PM

Butler,PA(Blueman286@zoominternet.net)

Just a thought. I feel we are starting our seeds to get a head start on the season and we germinate at a temperature that would simulate Mother Natures June weather, so we should be thinking a couple months ahead and imagine the soil temp then. If the June soil temp is normally 80 degrees, this may be our ideal temp. Just guessing though.

5/20/2004 9:41:25 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Is it the rainwater or the heated water the plants like. Nothing like a good thunderstorm to get some of that nitrogen out of the air and into the ground.

5/20/2004 11:09:54 PM

40n 74e

IMO This a balancing act with 2 main components:

1. Getting increased plant activity through temperature increases

and

2. Getting optimum oxygen to the roots so they can respirate.

I'd like to point out that as the water temperature rises the oxygen capacity of the water falls... So key point being we increase oxygen demand but also reduce oxygen availability by warming the water.

50F water can hold nearly twice as much oxygen as 85F water....

5/23/2004 11:00:07 PM

Montoursville, PA

I like the idea of delivering water overhead, through surface drip irrigation or underground irrigation at the ambient temperature of the invironment on any given day.

I have always thought that thermal shock is what is to be avoided. By adjusting the water in black barrels or even with other heating methods one would not like to shock the plants with a jolt of water either to hot or two cold. In my mind our own jock strap engineering can, in fact, make our water delivery system a bit more friendly.

I do not think our intent should be to greatly heat or chill the soil mass we are delivering water into or onto.

6/1/2004 11:16:52 PM