Abstract: The invention relates to a plant irrigating system (1), comprising a collection structure (99) for collecting moisture present in the atmosphere, wherein the collection structure is provided with a water recovery surface (24) which during use at least partly makes an angle with respect to the orientation of gravity. The plant irrigating system further comprises a reservoir (98) for storing the recovered moisture, wherein the reservoir is provided with irrigation means (19,21) for delivering moisture present in the reservoir to a subsoil located therebelow. The collection structure and the reservoir are manufactured from paper material and/or biodegradable plastic.

Abstract: Irrigation systems (36) and methods are provided that are based on measurements of oxygen levels and availability to the root of the plant. The irrigation management system comprises at least one sensor (24) deducing data indicating the level of oxygen wherein the data collected from the sensors is used to determine irrigation amounts and timing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant aid for surrounding a young plant. The plant aid comprises a tube at least partly sideways surrounding a young plant placeable in the plant aid. The plant aid further comprises a water collection sheet for collecting moisture present in the atmosphere. The water collection sheet comprises a water collection surface comprising a receiving surface, which receiving surface operatively makes a first angle with respect to the orientation of gravity. The water collection sheet further comprises a collecting surface adjoining a lower edge of the receiving surface, which collecting surface operatively makes a second angle with respect to the orientation of gravity. The first angle is smaller than the second angle.

Abstract: A plant watering device comprises a pair of water absorbent shells made from natural coconut husks. Cotton pads are placed between the shells for further water storage and slow persistent release. An amount of plant nutrient, colloidal silver and water filtering carbon material is placed within the cotton pads for disbursement to the root system of a plant. The husks and cotton pads are stacked. The two husks are then sewn together. The device is buried in a planter in close proximity to a root system of a plant.

Abstract: A tensiometer for use in determining matric potential of a soil includes a water inlet; a hydraulic coupler comprising a porous material for providing hydraulic coupling between water that enters the inlet and the soil; and a septum that seals water that enters the inlet against ingress of air via the porous material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for diverting water to improve ground water supplies. The system involves collecting stormwater from hard surfaces, such as roads and pavements, and diverts the stormwater to the landscape underground, including below the road and pavement, where the water may be used for passive irrigation. More specifically, the invention relates to a water diversion system for utilizing stormwater runoff to passively irrigate plants. The system comprises a receptacle for receiving and containing a volume of stormwater runoff, and having an outlet for enabling contained stormwater to flow out of the receptacle. The system further comprises distribution means connected to the outlet of the receptacle for communicating stormwater from the receptacle to a soil profile below the level of the pavement for access by a plant, thereby irrigating the plant. The system also comprises a filter for removing solid particulates from the stormwater entering the distribution means.

Abstract: A plant watering device includes a device insert having a substantially solid porous material with a continuously porous exterior contact surface, at least one watering cavity in the device insert and a water distribution conduit disposed in fluid communication with the at least one watering cavity.

Abstract: Device (1) for watering plants which is intended to be fitted to a growing container, such as a pot. The device comprises an external casing (2) intended to be placed inside the growing container and to be at least partially buried, said casing (2) delimiting a housing (3) having an open top end (4) intended to protrude from or lie flush with the soil, and a bottom end (5) having a passage (6) in the soil. The device further comprises a water reservoir (7) positioned inside the housing (3) and having an orifice (8) around which a water diffusion system (10) is removably mounted. The diffusion system (10) is designed to pass through the passage (6) of the casing (2).

Abstract: A first instruction is provided to add the contents of a container to the reservoir bowl portion of a tree stand, where the material includes an amount of a SuperAbsorbent Polymer (SAP). A second instruction is provided to add ice. In one example, an assembly includes a container, where the SAP is in the container, and where the container bears the instructions. This assembly is provided to the user. The user follows the instructions, and pours the contents into the reservoir bowl, and then adds ice to the reservoir bowl. The melting ice hydrates the SAP. The hydrated SAP then transfers moisture to a cut tree held by the stand. Water is replenished by adding more ice. No water must be poured or handled to hydrate the tree, so spilling and difficulties associated with pouring volumes of water into the bowl portion are avoided. The SAP is reusable and biodegradable.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a controlled on-demand irrigation system. In an implementation, the on-demand irrigation system includes a control device configured to control supply of an aqueous solution and semi-porous supply lines. The semi-porous supply lines have a porosity characteristic configured to be altered when acted upon by a surfactant root exudates to permit a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough. The control device is configured to cause injection of the aqueous solution upon a determination that an amount of aqueous solution within the semi-porous supply lines is below an aqueous solution threshold.

Abstract: A watering system for providing a flora-nourishing substance to flora. The system comprises a nourishment receiving and delivery mechanism for receiving and delivering the flora nourishing substance; and at least one percolation bore disposed adjacent to the flora and at least partially filled with a material for absorbing the nourishing substance.

Abstract: This self-watering planter comprises a wick, reservoir, wick-housing running between the soil/soil substitute and the reservoir, and a tight fitting cap to maintain a vacuum seal within the reservoir. The water or liquid mixture is maintained at a constant level across the wick by the vacuum that is created. This prevents water from flowing upwards into the soil when the soil is already wet. Liquid is only drawn from the wick by osmosis when the soil is dry. Even as the water level in the reservoir drops, the water level across the wick continues to remain level until the reservoir is nearly empty, allowing the soil constant access to water until the reservoir needs refilling. Several embodiments are included. All contains these features, but some contain addition features as well as different proportions. The uses of the different embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A hollow pot includes a pot unit and a connection unit. The connection unit is a hollow unit and installed to inner surface of a mold set before pressurized air is introduced in the mold set and before the mold set is closed. A probe is inserted into the mold set and blows the plastic material in the mold set. The plastic material expands and contacts against the inner surface of the mold set and seals the connection holes of the connection unit. The plastic material is extended and broken to match upon the connection holes of the connection unit. The plastic material is solidified to form the pot unit. The pot unit is air-tightly connected to the connection unit, and the conjunction area of the connection unit communicates with the space in the pot unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a cascade water supply structure of plants, including plural aqueducts, wherein at least one aqueduct is connected to a water supply end. Besides, the porous bodies are provided in soil close to roots of the plants and the porous bodies are connected in cascade by the aqueducts. The porous bodies are collaboratively provided in a receiving unit which is installed on an outer wall of a building. By the aqueducts, water from the water supply end is guided into each porous body and is permeated into soil by the capillary action of the porous bodies, allowing soil to keep humid constantly that the plants can be grown without being watered for a long time, saving manpower and cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for utilizing biomass, in which the biomass is pyrolyzed during a heat treatment process to obtain driven-out gas and remaining carbon-rich solids. It is an object of the invention to specify a method for utilizing biomass, which is based on comparatively expensive feedstocks, but in return gives products of value with unusually good properties, the proceeds of which make the process economically viable. This object is achieved firstly by using a biomass having a lignin content of 10 to 30% by weight and a water content of 5 to 25% by weight, and by virtue of a heat treatment process comprising three residence times each on a respective level of temperature, wherein the first residence time lasts between 10 and 40 minutes, particularly of 30 minutes at a temperature level between 130 and 280° C., particularly of 250° C.; the second residence time lasts between 5 and 30 minutes, particularly of 10 minutes at a temperature level between 300 and 500° C., particularly of 400° C.

Abstract: A plant watering system is provided that includes a control module; at least one water valve in communication with the control module; and at least one weight sensor in communication with the control module. The control module is operable in at least one embodiment at least to: receive a signal from the at least one weight sensor corresponding to a weight of a plant measured by the at least one weight sensor; store a low weight and a high weight associated with each of the at least one weight sensors; and communicate a control signal to the at least one water valve that opens the at least one water valve at the low weight and closes the at least one water valve at the high weight.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for coating the surface of substrates such as a sheet, film, foam, fiber, etc., with a curable liquid resin or solution of curable resin, then in one embodiment, stably attaching a superabsorbent polymeric powder to such resin, and then curing the resin to form a coated superabsorbent product. Such substrates may include polymeric materials. Other process embodiments utilizing curable and thermoplastic resinous powders may be used instead of curable liquid resins and resulting products are included in the invention. Other embodiments involve affixing a container at least partially filled with superabsorbent polymeric powder to a substrate, placing the container proximate to the element, or affixing the container to a separate member. The products may be utilized for water and nutrient retention in combination with irrigation, erosion control, to direct plant root growth, and to clean up standing water and petroleum spills.

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: An adaptive support is provided for a flexible hose sprinkler head on an elevated irrigation supply line that includes a sprinkler support body and a hanger body. The sprinkler support body has a first inter-fitting contact surface. The body is disposed to support a downwardly extending flexible sprinkler hose. The hanger body has a second inter-fitting contact surface configured to mate with the first inter-fitting contact surface. The hanger body is disposed to support the sprinkler body at an elevated position. A method is also provided for changing elevation of a sprinkler head.

Abstract: This invention is related to device, its production process and also to the usage of the trbe shaped device (1) filled with a liquid means (6) for the plats nutrition/protection, which is inserted into the substrate (8) as much as closer to the main plant, where discharge occurs. Novelty is reflected in the way of forming and removing the shutters now obtained by heating wax, resin, plastic, rubber, hot-melt glues and compounds of similar characteristics, upon whit they become a liquid mass in which the openings of the tube are to be immersed; in this way, the film, after being hardened, forms the membrane (3a, 3b) which, due to the pressure to the sides of the tube (1), out-breaks; unlike of classic shutters which makes production and usage more complicated and makes some waste after being used.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a plant cultivating unit that can perform a watering operation in a simple manner and can supply water uniformly to plants in locations where a floor surface is sloped, such as the rooftop of a building, without requiring separate water supply piping work. A plant cultivating unit (1) comprises a water storage tray (2) in which water can be stored and in which receivers (3) for housing the roots of plants can be arranged in an interior thereof, a water storage space (8) in the water storage tray (2) and the receivers (3) being communicated via water feeders (7), and the water stored in the water storage space (8) being able to be supplied to the plants via the water feeders (7).

Abstract: A formulation for preparing a hydrogel for watering plants includes carboxymethyl cellulose and a dispersant. The dispersant disperses the carboxymethyl cellulose on addition of water thereby preventing formation of aggregates. The dispersant can be vermiculite, perlite, pectin, maltodextrin, guar gum, xanthan gum, or seaweed extract. A hydrogel for watering plants can be prepared by adding water to the formulation and mixing, and a method of forming the hydrogel is described. A pouch for watering plants contains the formulation and, when opened, water is added to form the hydrogel. A pot containing a plant in a plant-supporting matrix is placed in the pouch.

Abstract: A system and method of aeroponic farming includes depositing seeds in a flat containing micro-fleece cloth and placing the flat within a growth chamber. The upper side of the flat is subjected to light of the proper frequencies to promote growth in plants. A nutrient solution is sprayed onto the micro-fleece cloth and the developing root mass of the plants, while controlling temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide within the growth chamber. The plants are harvested resulting from the seeds at a desired stage of growth. The growth chambers can be stacked on each other and/or located side by side to save space within a facility, and to permit sharing the subsystems which control the nutrient solution, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide for the growth chambers.

Abstract: The automatic watering device for plants is placed in the soil of a potted plant. A float is housed in an outer chamber. The float has a ferrous metal contact at each end, with and the chamber has magnets at each end. The chamber top has a water inlet. The upper end of the float has a shutoff valve. The lower end of the chamber has a calibrated orifice for water dispensing. A water supply is connected to the chamber inlet. The water eventually provides sufficient buoyancy to the float to release it from its lower magnet and rise for attachment to the upper magnet, thereby shutting off the water inflow. Water continues to seep from the lower orifice until the level drops within the chamber to a point sufficient to cause the float to to drop from its upper magnet, allowing the water to again flow into the chamber.

Abstract: A system for automating the growing of crops, such as grapevines. Combinations of data from sensors local to a vineyard, and from optional remote stations and sensors, is combined with a control system to accurately control the dispensing of water and chemicals such as insecticides, disease prevention fungicides and fertilizers. The materials are dispensed through a multiple channel conduit which allows conflicting, or incompatible, types of materials to be transported through a common assembly. Sensors are attached to the conduit so that the placement of sensors can occur simultaneously with the laying of the conduit. This approach also ensures correct placement and spacing of the sensors with respect to each plant, or plant area, to be monitored and treated.

Abstract: A sprinkler elevating apparatus is provided for use on an irrigation device. The sprinkler elevating apparatus includes a sprinkler support body and a midline hose coupling body. The sprinkler support body is configured to support the sprinkler at an elevated position relative to the irrigation device. The midline hose coupling body is carried by the sprinkler support body. The midline hose coupling body has a contact portion configured to affix to a midline section of a flexible hose drop of the irrigation device. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A deep root watering unit is described herein that includes an elongated hollow sleeve member and a grate-retaining housing mounted at an upper end of the sleeve member. A cap configured as a grate can be attached to the top portion of the housing. The deep root watering unit is advantageously configured to facilitate insertion and removal of the cap, irrigation adjacent to the housing, and/or distribution of fluid to adjacent irrigation devices.

Abstract: An automate water permeating arrangement includes a water reservoir reserving a predetermined amount of water and a plurality of water permeating elements. Each of the water permeating elements has a water guiding end extended from the water reservoir and a water permeating end being selectively submerged into a particular area of a pot cavity of a plant container under a top surface level of a soil, wherein the water permeating elements are adapted for guiding the water from the water reservoir to the particular areas of the pot cavity and for gradually permeating the water at the water permeating ends of the water permeating elements so as to maintain and control a moisture level of the soil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to irrigation systems for irrigating a growing medium. The irrigation systems of the invention comprise a helical tubular hydrophilic membrane or a corrugated tubular hydrophilic membrane. The invention also relates to methods of irrigating a growing medium, and helical tubular hydrophilic membranes for use in an irrigation system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to irrigation systems for irrigating a growing medium. The irrigation systems of the invention comprise a helical tubular hydrophilic membrane or a corrugated tubular hydrophilic membrane. The invention also relates to methods of irrigating a growing medium, and helical tubular hydrophilic membranes for use in an irrigation system.

Abstract: A self-irrigating planter system that waters vegetation on a regular schedule using hollow upright supports to convey the water from a pump and reservoir to multiple organic-shaped pods that are attached to the upright supports in a tiered manner, and which uses gravity to deliver water so as to provide sustained plant growth and a healthier living environment with reduced energy usage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for passively collecting water in an environment where dew forms are disclosed. The apparatus has a radial body which includes a hydrophobic surface that is supported at a slope of about 10 to 80 degrees from the direction of gravity. The apparatus may also include ridges which increase the surface area of the body thus increasing dew collection and provide shade which reduces the temperature increase of the body when the apparatus is exposed to sunlight. The method includes supporting a hydrophobic radial surface at a slope of about 10 to 80 degrees from the direction of gravity and waiting for dew or condensation to form on the hydrophobic surface and run down the hydrophobic surface to either a reservoir or a beneficiary of the passively collected water, such as the roots of a plant.

Abstract: An irrigation system draining apparatus adapted for use with an irrigation system having a conduit with a fluid source connection, an air inlet, and at least one output port, the apparatus includes a suction device. The suction device has an input port that is adapted to access an interior of the conduit, and to drain fluid from the conduit by suction when the fluid source connection is closed and the air inlet is open. A method of draining an irrigation system includes closing a fluid source connection for the irrigation system, opening an air inlet of the irrigation system, and using a suction device to drain fluid from the irrigation system conduit through the one output port.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively applying a liquid plant chemical such as a herbicide to a plant includes a hollow tubular reservoir, an integrated funnel handle at the upper end of the reservoir, and an applicator tip at the lower end of the reservoir. The applicator tip includes a valve and a wick that allows the chemical to be dispensed in a controlled manner onto a specific plant, avoiding chemical drift. A protective cap fits over the applicator tip during storage, while retainer tabs keep the protective cap from squeezing the wick. The retainer tabs may be sharp enough to prick the plant to place the chemical internally.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material used as thermal and/or sound insulation material, consisting essentially of microfibers from stem fibers of banana fruit trees. Said material has surprising sound and thermal insulation properties, and more particularly heat and cold resistance properties.

Abstract: A system for dispersing water to the root zone of one or more plants beneath the soil's surface, comprising a perforated hollow cylindrical tube, ending in a spike, with an internal filter, which is driven into the ground to deliver water to the root zone of a plant or plants is disclosed.

Abstract: Strains of psychrophilic bacteria isolated from the rizosphere of Deschampsia antarctica are characterized and biofertilizer compositions comprising one or more of these psychrophilic bacteria strains are disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic plant watering apparatus having a cavity for receiving a standard houseplant pot, a reservoir for holding water, a pump for removing water from the reservoir, a host for delivering water from the pump to a plant positioned in the cavity. The pump is operated by a microcontroller that is programmed to measure a first time period during which the pump is not operated, and a second time period during which the pump is operated. According, the apparatus can be programmed to automatically water a house plant at predetermined intervals, as well as deliver a predetermined amount of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for unpowered irrigation and fertilization, and to an unpowered pot cultivation system using same, which are capable of performing continuous irrigation and fertilization to a pot by using a single supply source without consuming electric or mechanical energy. The system comprises: a pot holder provided with a collecting recess in which water or a nutrient solution can be collected, and configured such that the bottom of the pot can be immersed in water; a water tank holder on which a water tank can be seated; a linking passage connecting the water tank holder to the pot holder; a valve unit mounted on the water tank so as to be opened and closed by means of the movement of a moving member; and a water level controller configured to move the moving member according to fluctuations in the water level of the collecting recess, in order to consistently maintain the water level in the collecting recess.

Abstract: Irrigation systems (36) and methods are provided that are based on measurements of oxygen levels and availability to the root of the plant. The irrigation management system comprises at least one sensor (24) deducing data indicating the level of oxygen wherein the data collected from the sensors is used to determine irrigation amounts and timing.

Abstract: A self watering system to water the roots of the vegetation with condensate from ground moisture collected within a condensate enclosure comprising an outer substantially vertical peripheral wall, an inner substantially vertical wall and an upper wall having at least two substantially flat sections inclined relative to each other and intersecting the upper portion of the outer substantially vertical wall and the upper portion of the inner substantially vertical wall at different angles each of less than ninety degrees to cooperatively form the condensate enclosure to collect moisture from the ground on the inner surface of the substantially flat sections to allow the moisture to condense into droplets to provide water to roots of the vegetation within the condensate enclosure.

Abstract: A vegetation and support layer comprising a mixture of natural soil materials and wicks. The wicks are made of a water-conducting and air-conducting material in the form of an elongate intertwined structure such that the wicks distribute water and air within the vegetation and support layer. The wicks in the vegetation and support layer according to the invention are randomly mixed with the soil material, are arranged similar to a net, or are introduced from above. The wicks are arranged at a distance from a lower receptacle that is filled with water or from a groundwater conductor such that the wicks do not reach lower layers of water.

Abstract: The invention is a device and method for providing irrigation water to a plant that promotes the growth of the roots of the plant deep into the soil. The invention includes a tube, connector, and soaker hose that is buried next to a plant. The invention connects to an existing irrigation drip line system that previously provided water to the plant. The invention also repels the roots of the plant away from the apparatus so that the roots are hindered from destroying the apparatus.

Abstract: Convenience in American lives promotes business. Gardening often requires weeding, fertilizing and watering on a regular basis. The frequency of these tasks is weather and climate dependant. The dryer climates of the Southwest require daily watering of gardens. Dry fertilizers are washed away with excessive watering. A single product that minimizes weeding, eliminates fertilizing, eliminates the need to apply mulch and reduces watering, while providing a biodegradable product has been invented.

Abstract: A root watering system has a porous body and an end assembly connected to the porous body. The end assembly has a fluid emitter and integrally defines an inlet passage for directing fluid to the fluid emitter for providing fluid to the porous body. The assembly also may be fitted with an integral valve.

Abstract: A housing has at least one port for allowing entry of subterranean water into an interior of the housing when the housing is buried in soil. The housing has an inlet fitting configured to be coupled to drip tubing and an outlet for discharging water conveyed from a pressurized water source conveyed through the tubing. A valve includes a valve member that is movable to open and close a fluid communication path between the inlet fitting and the outlet. A hygroscopic member is positioned in the interior of the housing and is capable of absorbing subterranean water and expanding to move the valve member to close the fluid communication path. A spring element is positioned to bias the valve member to open the fluid communication path.

Abstract: A geocomposite element, particularly for enhancing plant growth, which possesses water permeable sheathing elements as well as a material that absorbs water placed in a cavity made by the sheathing elements, characterised in that it possesses a skeleton structure (3) that forms a cavity for the absorbent material (4) and a sheath (2) located on the surface of the skeleton structure. The present invention is of use in agriculture, gardening, construction and environmental engineering as an article for retaining water due to which it is possible to stabilise water equilibria which are conditional to plant growth as well as for the aggregation of other substrates influencing correct and effective plant growth.

Abstract: The invention comprises a container (2) that is inserted into soil. The upper part of the container is provided with water supply means (3) and elements (14) for defining the shape of the container, while the lower part thereof is provided with means (15) for continuously releasing microdrops of water into the earth. The container has a tubular structure, is made from a flexible material and includes water supply means, water content indicating elements and air release elements (17).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for passively collecting water in an environment where dew forms are disclosed. The apparatus has a radial body which includes a hydrophobic surface that is supported at a slope of about 10 to 80 degrees from the direction of gravity. The apparatus may also include ridges which increase the surface area of the body thus increasing dew collection and provide shade which reduces the temperature increase of the body when the apparatus is exposed to sunlight. The method includes supporting a hydrophobic radial surface at a slope of about 10 to 80 degrees from the direction of gravity and waiting for dew or condensation to form on the hydrophobic surface and run down the hydrophobic surface to either a reservoir or a beneficiary of the passively collected water, such as the roots of a plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to irrigation systems for irrigating a growing medium. The irrigation systems of the invention comprise a helical tubular hydrophilic membrane or a corrugated tubular hydrophilic membrane. The invention also relates to methods of irrigating a growing medium, and helical tubular hydrophilic membranes for use in an irrigation system.