Delayed degradability drip irrigation pipe
A delayed degradability drip irrigation pipe including a water conduit at a water conduit pressure and a plurality of drip irrigation outlets, each communicating with the water conduit and providing a water output at a pressure below the water conduit pressure, at least the water conduit being formed at least partially of a degradable material and also including a degradability delayer which provides a desired delay prior to failure of the water conduit but permits eventual degradation of the degradable material under predetermined conditions.
1. A delayed degradability drip irrigation pipe including:
a water conduit at a water conduit pressure; and
a plurality of drip irrigation outlets, each communicating with said water conduit and providing a water output at a pressure below said water conduit pressure,
said water conduit comprising:
at least one first layer formed of a biodegradable material, said biodegradable material being mixed with a biodegradability delayer which provides a desired delay prior to failure of the water conduit but permits eventual degradation of said biodegradable material under predetermined conditions; and
at least one second layer formed of a non-biodegradable, UV degradable material.
2. A delayed degradability drip irrigation pipe according to claim 1 and wherein said biodegradability delayer comprises a bacterial growth delayer.
3. A delayed degradability drip irrigation pipe according to claim 1 and wherein said biodegradability delayer comprises a generally non-biodegradable material which is mixed with said biodegradable material.
4. A delayed degradability drip irrigation pipe according to claim 1 and wherein said at least one second layer also includes an oxo-biodegradable material.