Irrigation system and method

摘要

Systems and methods for providing irrigation to plants are provided. The system generally includes a fluid distribution structure having a barrier layer and a hydrophilic layer. The fluid distribution structure can additionally include a plurality of channels. Each channel can be associated with a non-woven material or other volume providing element overlayed by a filter layer. A fluid supply tube may be provided at a first end of the fluid distribution structure, and a drainage tube may be disposed along a second end of the fluid distribution structure. Where the fluid distribution structure includes channels, a supply tube and a drainage tube, the channels generally extend between the supply tube and the drainage tube. Fluid collected by the drainage tube can be recirculated to the supply tube, or can be collected or disposed of.

主权项

1. A system for delivering a fluid to a field comprising:
a fluid distribution structure, including:
a barrier layer, wherein the barrier layer prevents fluid from reaching a surface under the system;a volume providing layer, wherein portions of the volume providing layer contact the barrier layer, and wherein the volume providing layer provides volume to the fluid distribution structure;a filter layer, wherein the filter layer is formed on a surface of the volume providing layer opposite a surface of the volume providing layer that is in contact with the barrier layer, and wherein the filter layer prevents soil from reaching the volume providing layer;a plurality of channels, wherein the volume providing layer and the plurality of channels extend between a first end of the fluid distribution structure and a second end of the fluid distribution structure, wherein each channel of the plurality of channels are parallel to each other, and wherein the plurality of channels include a volume that is defined between the barrier layer and the filter layer; anda non-woven material inside at least a portion of the volume that is defined between the barrier layer and the filter layer.