RAINWATER: A Cistern to Collect It

Culture Orchid Doctor

by Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler)

Originally published in The Orchid Doctor in 1980 and 1988

Posted by Sys Admin almost 8 years ago.

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A 1000 gallon (4545 liters) cistern can be constructed with cement blocks, lined with a double 6mil. layer of polyethylene sheet, with styrofoai insulation placed between the blocks and the poly for insulation; rigged up with the necessary downspout, home-made filter, a pump, etc.; diagram; refer to A82-840
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Rainwater Comments
RAINWATER: Abnormal Acidity Where acid rain occurs the heavy metal elements are leached from the soil so there is loss of copper, zinc, lead and trace elements and the vegetation is killed because the pH drops to 4.8; calcium controls the acidity levels and can be added to water. AU84-99 0
RAINWATER: Characteristics Is it better than tap water?; it is satisfactory but not superior to tap water; many tap and well waters contain significant nutrients which make them preferable; in nature the canopy of foliage in the trees adds a solution of nutrients to rainwater. A67-467; A68-524 0
RAINWATER: Characteristies In many places rain water is laced with chemicals and can be acid; most of it is as pure or purer than tap water; it can be collected and stored in clean tanks not chromed or tarred for use on orchids . Ca81(1)-7 0
RAINWATER: Collected A particular roof area collects 2000 gallons of water with a one inch rainfall; it is stored in a 9000 gallon cistern; is electrically heated to 76 dF to temper it when being applied to the plants and to effect better assimilation of soluble fertilizer. OIE87Sept-3 0
RAINWATER: Its Ph Falling rain water absorbs carbon dioxide from the air which lowers the pH to about 5.5; the pH is changed also by contact with vegetation, soil, etc. F68-112 0
RAINWATER: Recycled Strongly advise riot using re-used water even after treating it with Physan or other pesticide because problems are spread by it to other plants. A73-503 0
RAINWATER: Reservoir Construction For details of design, costs, construction methods,etc.; refer to OD67-23+ 0
RAINWATER: Storage If collected off a reasonably clean surface into 25 gallon plastic containers no chemical treatment should be necessary A79-1258Keep it in glass or plastic containers in the dark; roof-collected water picks up bird droppings, dust, etc., which pro mote algae growth in the light. F68-112 0

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