Abstract: Provided is a method of delivering water to a root system of a crop, the method including causing the crop to be adjacent to, or in a region of, soil containing hydrogel, and delivering air to the hydrogel.

Abstract: An irrigation tube having outlets extending along the length of the tube in a spaced relationship and finely-divided silica or iron oxide particles dispersed in the tube thereby increasing a surface hardness of the tube to deter rodent, worm or insect damage, the silica particles further can include an odor repellant located within the particles.

Abstract: A water transmission tubing for controlling the flow of water under pressure comprises a tubular inner liner of generally uniform cross-sectional configuration continuous with the length of the tubing and having an anti-bacterial agent for preventing the growth of bacteria on the inside wall of the tube. The inner liner contains a dispersed slip additive that forms a low friction surface inside the tubing for preventing adherence of slime to the inside of the tubing. The slip additive can comprise a fluoroelastomer, a fluoropolymer, a silicone resinous material, or mixtures thereof. The liner can be a separate inner layer of a multi-layer dripline, a monolayer form of the dripline or the inside of a drip irrigation emitter. The invention is particularly useful in subsurface treatment of wastewater.

Abstract: A drip irrigation emitter includes a housing containing an inlet opening for receiving water from a supply tube and an outlet opening for emitting water at a pressureless drip rate. A labyrinth inside the emitter receives water from the supply tube through the inlet opening, reducing its pressure and emitting the water at a drip rate. A flexible pressure-compensating diaphragm inside the housing flexes elastically under pressure changes of water entering in the opening from the supply tube. A raised structured surface positioned between the inlet opening and the diaphragm prevents the diaphragm from sealing off water entry to the emitter housing through the inlet opening when water pressure in the supply tube is shut off. The raised structured surface is configured to allow air contained in the soil to be drawn backwards through the emitter at a very slow rate, thereby inhibiting emitter blockage caused by soil ingestion.