Multi-chamber line and system for plant irrigation and fertigation and associated methods
View Patent ↗A line, system, and method are provided for delivering a plurality of fluids to a target plant array at a plurality of pressures. The line comprises a plurality of tubes at least portions of which are hydrophilic. The tubes are connected together to form a co-extensive, multi-chambered delivery system. Each tube is connectable at a proximal end to a source of fluid, preferably comprising at least two different fluids. By having a unitary system positioned in the soil, redundancy of equipment, labor, and systems can be reduced, with the instant system able to perform the functions of multiple systems.
1. A method for delivering a plurality of fluids to a plant comprising:
positioning a line comprising a first and a second elongated tube longitudinally affixed together in a plant support medium, the first tube having a hydrophilic portion adjacent a plant material planting site, the second tube having a plurality of apertures therethrough for releasing fluid therefrom, and comprising a third elongated tube affixed to the second tube, the third tube comprising means for delivering a third fluid to the plant material, and further comprising, prior to positioning the line, forming the line by affixing the first, the second, and the third tube together so as to substantially form a triangle in axial cross-section, wherein the first, the second, and the third tubes each comprises a substantially triangular structure in axial cross-section, and the line is formed by abutting the first, the second, and the third tubes together to form a substantially triangular structure in axial cross-section;
planting a plurality of plant material adjacent the line in the plant material planting site; and
channeling a first fluid into the first tube and a second fluid into the second tube, the second fluid released from the apertures in the second tube when under sufficient pressure, the first fluid released from the first tube when acted upon by exudate from roots of the plant material.