Abstract: A line, system, and method are provided for delivering a plurality of fluids to a target plant array at a plurality of pressures. The line comprises a plurality of tubes at least portions of which are hydrophilic. The tubes are connected together to form a co-extensive, multi-chambered delivery system. Each tube is connectable at a proximal end to a source of fluid, preferably comprising at least two different fluids. By having a unitary system positioned in the soil, redundancy of equipment, labor, and systems can be reduced, with the instant system able to perform the functions of multiple systems.

Abstract: A method for efficiently delivering an aqueous solution to plants includes positioning a distal portion of a microporous hydrophobic tubing coated with a hydrophilic polymer adjacent a root system of a plant and channeling an aqueous solution from an inlet to the distal portion through a lumen. The tubing along the distal portion has a porosity adapted for permitting a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough when acted upon by a surfactant root exudate generated by the roots due to water stress. The aqueous solution is held in a reservoir, from which it can be channeled to the hydrophilic device's inlet. A nutrient solution can also be channeled to the plant roots via additional tubing.

Abstract: A method for efficiently delivering an aqueous solution to plants includes positioning a distal portion of a microporous hydrophobic tubing coated with a hydrophilic polymer adjacent a root system of a plant and channeling an aqueous solution from an inlet to the distal portion through a lumen. The tubing along the distal portion has a porosity adapted for permitting a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough when acted upon by a surfactant root exudate generated by the roots due to water stress. The aqueous solution is held in a reservoir, from which it can be channeled to the hydrophilic device's inlet. A nutrient solution can also be channeled to the plant roots via additional tubing.

Abstract: A fertigation system includes a circulation pump positioned in-line in a closed-loop, low-flow tubing delivery means. The circulation pump acts to agitate and substantially equalize a concentration of nutrients in fluid within the tubing, thereby preventing a concentration gradient from being established by upstream plants receiving preferential exposure to the nutrients relative to downstream plants. The circulation pump should preferably be configured not to substantially raise a fluid pressure within the tubing.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently delivering an aqueous solution to plants includes a hydrophilic solution-channeling device having a delivery portion positionable adjacent a root system of a plant. The solution-channeling device has a lumen therethrough for channeling a solution from an inlet to the delivery portion. At least a portion of the delivery portion has a porosity adapted for permitting a flow of the solution therethrough when acted upon by at least one of a surfactant root exudate and negative root pressure generated by the plant roots, for example, when experiencing water stress and/or a need for nutrients. The system also includes a pressure regulating device for providing at least a minimum pressure value to permit fluid to flow through the lumen and at most a maximum pressure value above which fluid flows through the lumen even in the absence of surfactant root exudate or negative root pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently delivering an aqueous solution to plants includes a microporous hydrophobic tubing coated with a hydrophilic polymer that has a delivery portion positionable adjacent a root system of a plant and a lumen for channeling an aqueous solution from an inlet to the delivery portion. The tubing along the delivery portion has a porosity adapted for permitting a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough when acted upon by a surfactant root exudate generated by the roots due to water stress. A pressure regulating device is upstream of the tubing's inlet, and a reservoir adapted for holding the aqueous solution therein is situated in fluid communication with an upstream end of the pressure regulating device. Additional tubing can be provided for channeling a nutrient solution to the plant roots.

Abstract: A line, system, and method are provided for delivering a plurality of fluids to a target plant array at a plurality of pressures. The line comprises a plurality of tubes at least portions of which are hydrophilic. The tubes are connected together to form a co-extensive, multi-chambered delivery system. Each tube is connectable at a proximal end to a source of fluid, preferably comprising at least two different fluids. By having a unitary system positioned in the soil, redundancy of equipment, labor, and systems can be reduced, with the instant system able to perform the functions of multiple systems.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for delivering a fluid to a target potted plant. In an embodiment, the potted plant includes an array thereof positioned in a container; in another embodiment, the potted plant includes at least one plant not contained in a container. In both embodiments the plant is positioned in a pot having an aperture through a bottom surface thereof. The system includes a membrane at least a portion of which is hydrophilic, the membrane having an outer surface that is positionable in communication with the pot aperture. The membrane further has an interior adapted for holding a fluid desired to be delivered to the plant. The membrane interior is connectable to a source of the fluid, preferably under low pressure.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for growing an array of plants. In an embodiment, the device includes a containment membrane positionable in surrounding relation to an array of plant root systems. A plant growing medium can be positioned in an interior of the membrane into which the plant roots can grow. Portions of top edges of the membrane can be sealed, leaving apertures through which a plant stem can project upward. A fluid delivery tube can extend along and within the membrane interior. The tube can comprise a drip tube such as known in the art, or can be adapted for delivering fluid to the plant roots “on demand.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently delivering an aqueous solution to plants includes a hydrophilic solution-channeling device having a delivery portion positionable adjacent a root system of a plant. The solution-channeling device has a lumen therethrough for channeling a solution from an inlet to the delivery portion. At least a portion of the delivery portion has a porosity adapted for permitting a flow of the solution therethrough when acted upon by at least one of a surfactant root exudate and negative root pressure generated by the plant roots, for example, when experiencing water stress and/or a need for nutrients. The system also includes a pressure regulating device for providing at least a minimum pressure value to permit fluid to flow through the lumen and at most a maximum pressure value above which fluid flows through the lumen even in the absence of surfactant root exudate or negative root pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently delivering an aqueous solution to plants includes a microporous hydrophobic tubing coated with a hydrophilic polymer that has a delivery portion positionable adjacent a root system of a plant and a lumen for channeling an aqueous solution from an inlet to the delivery portion. The tubing along the delivery portion has a porosity adapted for permitting a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough when acted upon by a surfactant root exudate generated by the roots due to water stress. A pressure regulating device is upstream of the tubing's inlet, and a reservoir adapted for holding the aqueous solution therein is situated in fluid communication with an upstream end of the pressure regulating device. Additional tubing can be provided for channeling a nutrient solution to the plant roots.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for maintaining a low-pressure, substantially constant feed of water to an irrigation system. The system utilizes captured rainwater and/or gray water as available. The system can include an element for introducing an additive into the water, such as at least one of water-soluble fertilizer, insecticide, and pest repellent. Preferably the additive is provided so as not to be submerged in the water for maintaining a substantially constant concentration thereof in the water. The system and method are additionally advantageous in that fertigation, extermination, and/or and repelling only occurs when the plants call for water. In use with a typical lawn, the system allows the user to add less fertilizer to the lawn than in prior known systems, thus reducing nutrient (e.g., nitrate), insecticide, and repellant runoff into the aquifer and neighboring bodies of water.

Abstract: A method for efficiently delivering an aqueous solution to plants includes positioning a distal portion of a microporous hydrophobic tubing coated with a hydrophilic polymer adjacent a root system of a plant and channeling an aqueous solution from an inlet to the distal portion through a lumen. The tubing along the distal portion has a porosity adapted for permitting a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough when acted upon by a surfactant root exudate generated by the roots due to water stress. The aqueous solution is held in a reservoir, from which it can be channeled to the hydrophilic device's inlet. A nutrient solution can also be channeled to the plant roots via additional tubing.

Abstract: A system for providing fluid at a uniform pressure throughout varying elevations includes multiple channels or a chambered supply line. The feed into the supply line is maintained at a higher pressure to overcome increasing elevations. The return or open line is run with or next to the feed line. A connection chamber connects the two lines, and the connection to the return line is made by a set minimum-pressure valve, which maintains a desired pressure in the connection chamber by closing upon minimum pressure and opening to relieve higher-than-desired pressure. This system can be used for irrigation, fertilization, pesticide delivery, or any situation in which a consistent pressure is desired at an exit point, such as with membrane or drip tubing-type systems. Membranes can be used as the connection chamber itself.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently delivering an aqueous solution to plants includes a microporous hydrophobic tubing coated with a hydrophilic polymer that has a distal portion positionable adjacent a root system of a plant and a lumen for channeling an aqueous solution from an inlet to the distal portion. The tubing along the distal portion has a porosity adapted for permitting a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough when acted upon by a surfactant root exudate generated by the roots due to water stress. A pressure regulating device is upstream of the tubing's inlet, and a reservoir adapted for holding the aqueous solution therein is situated in fluid communication with an upstream end of the pressure regulating device. Additional tubing can be provided for channeling a nutrient solution to the plant roots.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently delivering an aqueous solution to plants includes a microporous hydrophobic tubing coated with a hydrophilic polymer that has a distal portion positionable adjacent a root system of a plant and a lumen for channeling an aqueous solution from an inlet to the distal portion. The tubing along the distal portion has a porosity adapted for permitting a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough when acted upon by a surfactant root exudate generated by the roots due to water stress. A reservoir is adapted for holding the aqueous solution therein and is situated in fluid communication with the hydrophilic device's inlet. Additional tubing can be provided for channeling a nutrient solution to the plant roots.