| 摘要 |
Hand watering of plants and spray irrigation systems (tube watering, spray tube watering, and perimeter watering systems) commonly used in greenhouses not only lead to enormous water waste, fertiliser leaching and unnecessary new growth through over watering, but may also cause flower wilt through under watering. The watering time and amount are not decided by the requirements of plant growth and therefore may not be suited to plant growth. Many scientific experiments on the water requirements of plants do not produce significant results due to difficulties in controlling the water content of the soil. It is important to invent an apparatus to solve this problem. In order to supply an optimal amount of water to flowers and plants at proper times, according to their needs, three elements are essential. First, an indicator is needed which can reflect the water content (soil suction: equivalent to negative pressure) in soil that produces optimal plant growth. Second, an available and controllable water storage source is required. Third, a water transfer system is needed to connect the soil and water storage source. The WSP is comprised of a double walled pot that is used for water storage source. A porous ceramic column is used as an indicator to reflect soil suction (negative pressure) related to plant water requirements and to control water transfer to the soil. Porous ceramic cups are used as a water passage and pressure transfer system that connects the water storage compartment and the soil. The WSP supplies water to the soil through the porous ceramic cups under control of the indicator. Water is supplied when the plant requires water. The supplied water is equal to the amount demanded for optimal plant growth. Therefore, water waste and fertiliser leaching does not occur. This product has great time saving potential for greenhouse work and in the home. Furthermore, it can be used for research activities related to transpiration and drought tolerance of plants at different soil water levels.
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