MXPA97001097A - Hair irrigation system of the rai area - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an underground capillary system for providing fluids to the root zone of plants growing in the soil, the system comprising: a conduit with a plurality of perforations, said conduit sandwiched between an upper layer of a capillary fabric and a bottom layer of at least one of the capillary fabrics and a fluid impervious material, means for joining the upper layer and the lower layer in such a way as to form a linearly extending pouch, retaining the pouch to said duct; The upper layer and the lower layer together form a combined layer which extends away from the linearly extending bag so as to provide a consistent zone of said combined layer capable of moving the fluids away from or towards the conduit; connection to one end of the conduit in a way that allows the supply of fluids that includes at least water, solutions and gases to the conduc

Description

HAIR IRRIGATION SYSTEM OF THE ROOT ZONE FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to apparatuses and methods for the irrigation of plants, in particular in a form, to an underground system for supplying water, nutrient solutions and / or gases to the root zone of plants that > - grow on the earth, and in another form, a system to supply water, nutrient solutions and similar to potted plants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Water resources are currently very important worldwide, making governments budgets of substantial amounts towards the - 'water conservation, both in residential areas and in rural areas. In response to this ongoing problem, systems have been developed to apply water directly to the surface of the earth around individual plants, to minimize water loss. These systems involve sprinklers, microdrops, and the like. However, water is still lost through runoff and through evaporation. Other systems use capillary irrigation, which is based on the supply of water into the underground soil. The water provided in this way moves up into the soil by capillary action, to enter the root zone of a plant. Unlike surface irrigation, capillary irrigation does not suffer as much from loss due to runoff or evaporation. The capillary irrigation is convenient for the growth of the plant, since the speed of movement of the water is slow enough to ensure that most of the water is absorbed by the roots. In addition, most of the evaporation that occurs will be through the perspiration of the foliage of the plant, thus facilitating greater resistance to heat stress. Attempts have been made to use capillary irrigation systems for uniform earth over relatively short distances of up to 50 meters, and the examples of these systems are Bi-Wall Tubing (Commercial Brand).

Registered), T-Tape (Registered Trademark) and Leaky Pipe (Registered Trademark). However, all these systems suffer from two problems. First, perforations and supply lines are susceptible to too many blockages from the accumulation of algae, bacterial silt, soil colloids, particles, and root penetration. Second, the water is supplied only to the soil in the immediate pipe or in the channel environment.

Other systems, such as Netafim, have been used for longer paths. However, these systems still suffer from the problem that only water is supplied to the roots that are in the area of the soil in proximity to the water supply pipe. In addition, these systems still have a tendency towards blocking in the exit orifices. The present inventor has recognized the advantages of capillary irrigation, while appreciating the inherent difficulties in the systems currently available. Accordingly, it has sought to provide a capillary irrigation system that overcomes, or at least alleviates, the difficulties of the prior art systems.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the above, in a first aspect, this invention consists of a capillary system to provide a fluid to the root zone of the plants, which comprises one or more perforated ducts sandwiched between a top layer of a capillary fabric and a lower layer of a capillary fabric and / or a waterproof material, and a connecting element for one end of the conduits, to allow the supply of fluids, including water, solutions and / or gases thereto, and optionally a fluid flow control element for another end of the remote conduits of the first end. In a second aspect, the invention further comprises a method for providing a fluid to the root zone of plants, which comprises arranging a system comprising one or more perforated ducts sandwiched between a top layer of a capillary fabric, and a lower layer of a capillary fabric and / or a waterproof material, and a connecting element for one end of the conduits, to allow the supply of fluids, including water, solutions, and / or gases thereto, and optionally a fluid flow control element for another end of the remote conduits of the first end, within an area of the soil below and in proximity to the root zone of the plants growing on the ground; supplying a source of fluid, including water, solutions and / or gases, to the connecting element, to supply fluid to the conduits; and adjusting the fluid flow, optionally by operating the fluid control element for the other end, to cause the fluid to flow out of the perforations, thereby to lose the top layer and provide fluid, including water, nutrient solution and / or gases, to the roots. The capillary irrigation system of the root zone of the invention is not limited in its application to the supply of fluids to the roots in underground situations. This system can be easily adapted to be used to provide water, nutrient solutions and the like to potted plants. In this particular form, a layer of grass mat is arranged on the upper layer of the capillary fabric. In use, pots are placed on the grass mat, the supply of water, nutrient solutions, and the like being presented by wetting the capillary fabric, which in turn supplies water to the underside of the pots. The openings on the underside of the pots allow the water to migrate into the soil contained in the pots, and consequently, to the roots of the plants that grow in them. In its broadest form, the presence of the layer I have upper capillary cloth serves for three main functions. First, the capillary fabric acts to distribute the water over the entire layer of the same, thus ensuring that water is available for the roots that are not in proximity to the perforated conduit. Second, it acts to prevent the penetration of the roots in the perforations. Third, it allows the water to permeate through the layer while preventing the movement of soil particles that could block the perforations in the conduit.

As used in this specification, "capillary fabric" refers to a textile material that has the ability to distribute water and other fluids by capillary action. The products that meet this description are available under the generic name of "geotextiles". In the topographies where the slopes are not - Too steep, a proportion of the lower layer will include a waterproof layer. This layer will function to retain water in the space between the two layers and around the conduit. Therefore, it will have the effect of minimizing the loss of water, while maximizing the amount of water to be transferred to the upper capillary layer, and from there to the roots of the plants. Preferably, the water impermeable layer will be arranged in an area below and adjacent the conduit. The actual extent of this layer will vary according to the texture of the earth. For topographies where there are steep slopes, such as banks adjacent to highways, the presence of a water impermeable layer below is undesirable, and would tend to contribute to the birds' sight of excessive runoff. In accordance with the above, it is preferable to use the capillary fabric only as the bottom layer in these situations, to minimize any erosion problem, while at the same time, it is sought to maximize the water available for the roots of the plants through the capillary action. In all topographical situations, the invention will also facilitate drainage. This is so because in times of high rainfall, there will be water available to pass through the earth and collect in the system of the invention. Obviously, in those times, water would not be supplied to the system by means of the connecting element. Rather, the fluid flow control element remote to the connecting element would be operated to allow water to be drained from the system. In some situations, the system of the invention can be conveniently used where a Underground drainage capacity. For these situations, it is desirable to arrange the system on the ground, to form a concave or plate-shaped configuration. If the environment is tilted, water can be easily removed for storage, recycling or disposal. In a relatively flat environment, the water that accumulates in the system can be removed by pumping. The ability to perform an underground drainage function using the system of the invention is important, since: (a) it inhibits the elevation of the water tables and the associated salinity; (b) reduces the periods of time in which the plants experience lodging of water due to heavy rain or other factors. This last characteristic is of particular importance, since the lodging of water produces oxygen depletion, and adversely affects the health and growth of the plant. Desirably, the perforated duct will be sized to slide in a bag previously formed between the layers by, for example, sewing, sonic welding, or adhering portions of the upper and lower layers. In this way, a bag can be formed that extends over the entire length of the layers, which It could be 50 meters or more. Perforated conduits can be formed in a set between the layers, each conduit being separated from the adjacent conduits by an appropriate amount. As mentioned earlier, the use of a plurality of ducts in a set like this, can be achieved by a set of bags formed in the layers as described. It should be noted that layers of a substantial area can easily be formed with bags, and can be packaged to be transported together with rolls of perforated flexible conduit. The ducts can be formed of polyethylene, typically with sections between 18 and 75 millimeters. There may already be perforations introduced into these conduits to provide a flexible and durable material. In this aspect, it should be appreciated that the diameter can be varied according to the length of a section, as well as within a section. Typically, the width of a capillary system of the invention can be between about 300 millimeters and 900 millimeters. It will be appreciated that the "units" of the system of the invention can be joined end to end in the conduits, to form more extensive root zone irrigation systems. Depending on factors such as topography, soil types, crop types, and water absorption rates, the nature of soil drainage, climate, rainfall and environmental temperature, the length of the section and the quality of the water, the volume of water and the time frame, it is possible to provide a predetermined density of perforations over the entire length of the conduit, with perforations of previously determined and optionally variable sizes, to optimize the amount of water delivered to a particular site . Of these factors, the type of soil, the steepness and the length of the slope are particularly important. The type of soil is important, because it will regulate the speed of transmission of water from the system of the invention through the soil upwards to the root zone. The steepness and the length of the slope are important, for example, there may be no drilling in a duct below the crest of a slope if it is steep or short, or the earth has a slow rate of recovery (perhaps due to the content of clay). In contrast, a sandy soil with rapid water recovery, or a situation where the slope is longer, may require intermediate perforations located in the portion that slopes down the line. In a similar way, an analysis of the needs of the plants within a local environment, taking into account factors such as the physics and hydraulics of the soil, the climate, the water table, the length of the section, and the like, determine the diameter of the selected conduit, along with the frequency, size and placement of the perforations. In some cases, gas injection will also be a relevant factor. The use of computer software to take these factors into account, and to drive a numerical control machine to properly puncture the conduit, is within the scope of the invention. Although a number of materials can be used to form the upper and lower layers, it is preferred to use geotextiles, which can be varied in width and "" "thickness as appropriate.In the circumstances where the lower layer is impervious to water, it is preferred to use polyethylene sheet For a guide, in general the perforations in the duct will be at least 0.75 square millimeters, preferably 3 millimeters square or larger.The perforations will normally be circular, typically of approximately 2 millimeters in diameter or larger However, they can be, for example, rectangular or in any other form, being 1.5 x 4 millimeters or larger.In general, at most, the perforations will not be greater than approximately 25 square millimeters.The connecting element is provided for allow the system to be in fluid communication with a fluid source.This can be easily achieved med using a variety of well-known plumbing connections and configurations. For example, a flexible hose that carries water to a conduit could be connected through an appropriate plug and socket configuration. Alternatively, a plurality of conduits could be interconnected at one end to form a manifold, a single connection element being provided therein. It is also within the scope of the invention to include a valve in the system of the invention, to control the flow of fluid into a conduit. This valve can be associated with the connection element, or it can be integral with it. At the end of a remote conduit from the end toward which the fluid flows into the system, an inflow flow control element can be provided. In one form, this may simply be a plug that is removable or fixed. In another form, it may comprise a valve. Of course, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that electromechanical valves and the like may be used to control the fluid that both enters and exits the system of the invention. These devices are particularly useful for maintaining control over remotely located system installations. In a similar manner, it will be appreciated that different types of sensors can be used in conjunction with the electromechanical valve configurations, to provide an automated element for the maintenance of the plants. An example of such a configuration would be the use of moisture sensors in the ground, which control the electromechanical valves on the fluid inlet side of the system. Although the description has been directed largely towards the provision of water to the roots, it will be appreciated that any fluid material can be supplied. Some fluids that can be supplied are nutrient solutions, pesticide solutions, gases such as oxygen and nitrogen, either soil or provided with water or other solutions. When water is going to be supplied to the system, it can be drawn from a variety of sources, such as dams, wells and rivers. In some cases, it may be desirable to filter the water before supplying it, to ensure that the holes are not blocked. However, in general, using the system of this invention, it is not expected that a filtration will be routinely required, or at least not as frequently as in the systems of the prior art. In some circumstances, it may be appropriate to treat the dam water or river supplies with chlorine to reduce the size of the suspended solids without causing chlorine toxicity. Alternatively, chlorine could be introduced into the system and / or mixed with the air to keep the perforations free of roots. The ability to deliver nutrient solutions to the root zone is an important difference and an advantage over the fertigation (irrigation -'- fertilizer) systems of the prior art, which rely on top-down and / or micro-irrigation methods . In these systems, the nutrients are applied to the surface of the soil to be absorbed by the plants. However, because the nutrients are applied to the surface, a loss will occur through evaporation and runoff. Moreover, poor soil structure will result in nutrients remaining on the surface of the soil, or if the soil structure has large pore spaces, the nutrients will leach quickly. It is also convenient over the underground systems, since the system of the invention prevents or substantially limits the loss of nutrients and water downwards. The most limiting growth factor in plants, when all the others are present, is a fresh supply of oxygen to the pore space that surrounds the root hairs. Respiration in the roots requires oxygen for all the building and energy requirements of the cells for a plant. The by-product of respiration is carbon dioxide, that if it is allowed to accumulate to excessive levels and replace the oxygen dramatically, it reduces the growth of the plants. For example, long-term crops, such as grapes, suffer from soil compaction and a degraded soil structure that causes a severe lack of oxygen, and increases the harmful activity of anaerobic microorganisms around the roots. In contrast to the prior art systems, the present invention can be used to apply fresh air to crops, especially "furrow crops." This is achieved by introducing air into the water to circulate through the system. In this way, air can easily be supplied to the roots of the plants in all types of soil textures.In addition, the presence of air in the water stream will help to minimize blockage of the perforations in the duct. Optimal amounts of fresh air in the root zone encourages beneficial natural microorganisms that contribute to the decomposition of organic matter, and that release essential nutrients from the soil, while inhibiting the harmful growth of anaerobic microorganisms. and oxygen, other gases, such as nitrogen, can be supplied to the roots, for direct absorption. ede reduce the need for additional fertilizer irrigation. Gases can be supplied in the fluid stream, such as water, for example, by using an element, such as a venturi in the water supply line, or by direct pumping. In an alternative way, the gases, being fluid, can be introduced directly in the absence of another fluid, using elements such as compressors and sources of compressed gases. The present invention can be widely applied ~ in a range of applications, including: - cultivation of vegetables in rows viticulture fruit trees - forestry turf (including farm and sports areas) erosion control banks parks and gardens - greenhouses to apply fluids, including water, nutrient solutions and gases, to the roots of these plants. Moreover, since the invention can be effectively used over long distances and irregular topographies, it can be used practically in all the sites where plants are grown. It should also be noted that the invention can be X "operate in conjunction with the available systems that monitor environmental conditions, and are automated through the use of solenoid valves and the like .. Now three examples will be described with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view in sections of a capillary irrigation system of the root zone of the invention, for use in agriculture, such as the cultivation of vegetables. Figure 2 is a sectional perspective view of another form of a capillary irrigation system of the root zone of the invention, for use in watering potted plants on a sloping site. Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the system shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a sectional perspective view of a second form of a capillary irrigation system of the root zone of the invention, for use in watering potted plants, on a level site. Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the system shown in Figure 4.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION As shown in Figure 1, the irrigation system (20) comprises a flexible polyethylene tube of 25 millimeters in diameter (10), where a set of perforations (11) having diameters have been formed. that vary between 2 millimeters and 4 millimeters, in the same wall. Overlapping the tube (10) is a layer of geotextile capillary fabric (12) which is attached to a lower layer (13) of geotextile capillary fabric, in a manner to form a linearly extending pouch (14). The joining can be effected by, for example, sewing or adhering the layers (12), (13) along appropriately spaced parallel lines (15). In the example shown, the bag (14) extends through the entire length of the system, which may be of the order of 50 meters or more. To assist in the placement of the tube (10) in the bag (14), a cord can be inserted into the bag (14) during formation, so as to extend over the entire length. This allows the geotextile layers to be folded and transported separately to the perforated tube (10) At the site, the cord is attached to one end of the tube (10), and then the tube is carefully pulled into the bag (14) until it extends over its entire length. In use, one end (16) of the tube (10) may already be connected to a variety of conventional connections (not shown) to facilitate the easy supply of water, nutrient solutions, gases and the like. These connections may include valves and the like, to allow controlled introduction of fluids. The other end (17) of the tube (10) will be generally closed, preferably by a valve (not shown). In this way, as appropriate, the valve can be opened to facilitate the drainage of water from one site. As an alternative, the lower layer (13) of a water impermeable material, such as a polyethylene sheet, can be formed. With reference to Figures 2 and 3, a capillary irrigation system of the root zone (30) is shown, to be used in the irrigation of potted plants on a sloping site. The system (30) includes a flat sheet (31) of polyethylene on which a flat sheet (32) of geotextile capillary fabric is disposed. Between the sheets (31) and (32) there is a polyethylene tube (40) having perforations (43). The tube (40) extends longitudinally of the sheets (31) and (32), with one input end (47) at the highest level, and one output end at the lowest level of the slope. The perforations (43) are distributed along the length of the tube (40) with sufficient holes to ensure adequate wetting of the sheet (32). The overlapping geotextile sheet (32) is a sheet of grass mat (33) that functions to suppress the growth of herbs on the system. It should be noted that a perforated polyethylene sheet could be used in place of the grass mat. In this particular example, water is supplied to the system via the feed line (35), whose flow to the inlet (47) of the pipe (40) is controlled by a tap (36). In order to minimize the loss of water, the water flowing out of the inlet (48) is collected in a drainage ditch (49). This trench is formed in the underlying soil (39), and is coated with a portion of the polyethylene sheet (31), in the plate portion (46) that continues into the soil (39) in (45). Additionally, the geotextile sheet (32) continues inward from the trench to (44). To ensure that the system (30) is correctly located, a longitudinally extending trench (42) in the floor (39), one dimension to accommodate the pipe (40) and the sheet (31) below the level of the pipe, is excavated. soil (37). This is facilitated through the use of a sand bed (41), which is disposed in the trench (42), to support the tube (40). Along the peripheral edges of the sheets (31), (32) and the grass mat (33), the polyethylene sheet (31) is folded on the grass mat (33) and the geotextile sheet (32) . This is best seen in Figure 3 in (38). Along the fold lines, fasteners (34) are used to stop the sheets in a bent state. In use, plants are placed in pots (not shown) on the grass mat (33). Water is supplied to the system by means of the feed line (35) and the tap (36) which, when operated, causes the water to flow into the inlet (47) of the pipe (40). Water flows out of the tube (40) through the perforations (43) to moisten the geotextile sheet (32), with the polyethylene sheet (31) acting to reduce the loss of water to the underlying soil (39). Excess water flows out of the tube (40) at the outlet (46) into the drain trench (49). Water collected in the trench (49) flows into a collection pond (not shown) for recycling. In Figures 4 and 5, a second form of capillary irrigation system of the root zone is shown, which is similar to the shape illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, but which is to be used in the irrigation of potted plants over a level site. To facilitate understanding, the equal features of the shape shown in Figures 4 and 5 are numbered equal to the corresponding features shown in Figures 2 and 3. The main difference is the element by which water is supplied to the system (50) . Specifically, the inlet end (47) of the tube (40) is disposed inside a float tank (51) containing water (54). A water supply line (52), mounted on the float tank (51), is controlled by a float valve (53), in such a way that, as the water level in the tank decreases, the valve (53) causes the water to flow into the tank via line (52). Since the water level in the tank (51) remains at a level higher than the inlet (47), water will flow into the tube (40). In all other aspects, this form of the invention is the same as the form described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The present inventor believes that this invention has a number of advantages, including: • substantial water savings (used up to 70% of water compared to conventional systems) • reduction in erosion • reduction in salt leaching, fertilizers and other substances towards water courses • reduction in the salination of agricultural lands • reduction in infestation of herbs (herbs only arise in circumstances where water is received through the soil surface) • better supply of fertilizers , plants • elimination of crystallization of nutrients on the plants or in the soil, which can result in burning through phytotoxicity • better aeration of the soil and roots • ability to use low pressure water, including gravity feed, supplied either naturally from waterways and the like, or by tanks above the surface • longer life on site • irrigation / fertilizer irrigation is available immediately according to • reduction in labor requirement is required, since the system can be easily automated, and chemical treatments of the prior art are eliminated or substantially reduced, such as dosing with chlorine • better soil structure through a reduction in the deposit of clay, and encouragement of activity of beneficial microorganisms • reduction in the tension of the plant • reduction in the need for chemical fertilizers, due to the directed application, and increase in other growth factors, such as water and air • precision in the placement of fertilizers, - s that provide the ability to add specific or individual nutrients to the roots of plants, and program this with growth and climate conditions • reduction in the need for pesticides These advantages lead to better plant growth, and losses reduced plants. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that numerous variations and / or modifications to the invention may be made as shown in the specific embodiments, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present modalities, therefore, should be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not as restrictive.

Claims (17)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the foregoing invention, it is considered as a novelty, and therefore, property is claimed as contained in the following: CLAIMS 1. A capillary system to provide fluids to the root zone of plants, which comprises one or more perforated conduits sandwiched between an upper layer of a capillary fabric, and a lower layer of a capillary fabric, and / or a fluid impermeable material, the upper layer and the lower layer being configured to form one or more bags which extend linearly, retaining each bag to a conduit disposed therein, in such a manner, that the upper layer and the lower layer surround the one or more conduits together, and a connecting element for one end of the conduits, for allow the supply of fluids, including water, solutions and / or gases thereto, and optionally a fluid flow control element for another end of the conduits, remote from the first ext rowing.
2. 2. A capillary system according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower layer includes capillary fabric.
3. 3. A capillary system according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower layer includes a water impermeable material.
4. 4. A capillary system according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower layer includes both a layer of capillary fabric and a layer of material impermeable to the fluid, in such a way that the conduits are walled between the layers of capillary fabric. and the fluid impermeable layer is below the bottom layer of capillary fabric.
5. A capillary system according to claim 4, characterized in that the lower layer includes both a layer of capillary fabric and a portion of a layer of material impervious to the fluid, such that the conduits are sandwiched between the layers of capillary cloth, and the waterproof layer is below a portion of the lower layer of capillary fabric.
6. A capillary system according to claim 1, characterized in that the perforated conduits include holes of an orifice size of at least about 0.75 square millimeters or more, preferably of 3 millimeters square or more.
7. 7. A capillary system according to claim 6, characterized in that the perforations are circular with a diameter of 2 millimeters or more.
8. 8. A capillary system according to claim 6, characterized in that the perforations are rectangular, of 1.5 x 4 millimeters or more.
9. 9. A capillary system according to claim 1 in any of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the hole size of the perforations varies within a conduit.
10. A capillary system according to claim 1, characterized in that the one or more bags that extend linearly are preferably formed by sewing, adhesion or sonic welding of portions of the upper and lower layers. .
11. 11. A capillary system according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a fluid flow control element for another end of the conduits, remote from the first end.
12. 12. A capillary system according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a valve for controlling the flow of fluid into the system.
13. 13. A capillary system according to claim 1 in any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the duct varies over its length.
14. 14. A capillary system according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes an element for the introduction of a gas.
15. 15. A capillary system in accordance with claim 1 of any of claims 11 to 14., characterized in that the fluid control element at the other end is a valve.
16. 16. A capillary system according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a grass mat disposed above the upper layer.
17. 17. A method for providing fluids to the root zone of plants, which includes arranging a capillary system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, within an area of the land, below and in proximity to the zone. of roots of plants that grow on the earth; supplying a source of fluid, including water, solutions and / or gases to the connection element, to supply fluid to the conduits; and adjusting the fluid flow, optionally by operating the fluid control element for the other end, to cause the fluid to flow out of the perforations, to thereby permeate the top layer, and provide fluid, including water, nutrient solution and / or gases to the roots.