Rainwater
Rainwater is considered an alternative water source since it doesn’t require any treatment before being utilized. It contains no chemicals. It could be contaminated by sediment. However, this isn’t a danger to plants.
There are a variety of factors that affect the runoff; the main factor is the amount of rainfall. The duration of rainfall refers to the length of time rain falls. The more the period, the greater the amount of water available to be harvested. The intensity of rain determines the time at which the water starts to flow away and the speed at which it drains. The more intense the rain, and also the longer the rain stays, the more water is available to be harvested.
The timing of rain is equally essential. If there is only one rain, it will percolate through the soil until it is saturated. If a subsequent rain event occurs shortly after the first, the water will run off since the ground is already saturated.
Water requirement of plants
The type of plant chosen, their age and dimension, and the distance between them the plants are planted will all influence the amount of water required to ensure a healthy landscape. Since rainfall is limited in dry regions, selecting plants with lower demands on water and controlling plant density to decrease the overall need for water is recommended. Native plants are adept at adapting to short-term, seasonal water sources. Most desert-adapted plants can withstand drought, making them excellent landscaping choices.
Properties of rainwater
Many plants require a 5.5 or 7.0 pH to grow healthy, so plants should be slightly acidic to ensure their overall health.
The acidity of rainwater is not directly affecting the plants. Still, the interplay between this lower acidity soil and its availability of nutrients is where the magic happens.
They also require nitrogen to produce amino acids, proteins, hormones, chlorophyll enzymes, and vitamins. Certain plants absorb nitrogen through their roots, whereas others absorb it via their leaves.
Benefits of using rainwater for plants
It contains essential components.
Rainwater is a rich source of macro-nutrients, the most beneficial kind of nitrogen, which helps promote plants’ growth. Certain types of nitrogen can’t be absorbed, making it difficult to supply the correct nutrients. Since nitrogen is the main ingredient essential to plants’ growth and health, getting the nitrates directly from rainwater could assist in developing your indoor plants faster than ever.
It is soft
Like drinking tap water, water from rain doesn’t have minerals, salts, or treatment chemicals since it is pure water. The surface and groundwater water could be contaminated or contain chemical compounds that build up in the soil over time. This process makes groundwater harmful but also ineffective for plants. Additionally, that watering plants using groundwater or tap water could be detrimental because the chemicals are in the soil and do not have space to expand as they do in the natural plants’ beds.
It is chlorine free.
If compared with conventional tap water, there isn’t any chlorine in rainwater which poses an imminent threat to plants.
It is easy to access and store
Through small rainwater irrigation systems, also known as rain barrels, it is possible to store rainwater conveniently, used to water your plants and for home chores like cleaning the toilet and washing dishes, laundry, or showering. Using rainwater most efficiently is also a way to save water and take the first step to a green and sustainable way of life.
It contains organic matter.
The rainwater stored in the storage tank contains organic matter. If it is collected from the roof, it contains trace amounts of organic matter. Although the water is pure and should flow clearly, it’s been exposed to whatever is on your top. Organic matter like pollen, leaf litter, birds’ droppings, and other things are usually present in rainwater. A rain barrel has a beneficial biology that helps keep the water in good condition. It’s similar to a gentle application of fertilizer each time you fill it with water.
How can we collect and store rainwater?
The most efficient method of collecting rainwater is to collect it from roofs or gutters rather than just from below. This process ensures that the rainwater is not in contact with the soil.
Rainwater can be collected or stored in many ways and used for various reasons. Most commonly, the methods used include rain barrels and irrigation systems. Use these as quickly as possible if you’re planning to utilize containers to store and collect rainwater.
How To Keep Rainwater From Stagnating
It would help if you utilized it within a few days to stop your rainwater from becoming stagnant. Be sure that the sun is not shining into the barrel. This process will help prevent the growth of algae.
The system you use for storage and collection must be as airtight as feasible to keep pests from entering and contamination from affecting the condition of the water.
