FLUID AND NUTRIENT DELIVERY SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

摘要

A system and method for efficiently delivering an aqueous solution to pla nts includes a microporous hydrophobic tubing coated with a hydrophilic poly mer 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 perm itting a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough when acted upon by a surf actant root exudate generated by the roots due to water stress. A pressure r egulating 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 ca n be provided for channeling a nutrient solution to the plant roots.