Sub-surface irrigation method and apparatus

Abstract

A sub-surface irrigation method and apparatus includes a moisture control unit comprising a vessel having a float control chamber in which is mounted a float responsive valve for controlling the communication of water into the float chamber with passages for communicating the water to a surrounding reservoir, and vent means for venting the float chamber to atomospheric pressure to prevent vapor lock therein. The moisture control unit is connected to a source of water and located beneath the earth's surface in close proximity to plants to which moisture is to be supplied by a network of capillary channels for communicating the moisture at least in part by capillary action to moisture pits or traps spaced laterally from a moisture control unit and either adjacent to or below plants to which moisture is supplied. An impervious cover encloses the moisture control unit to prevent the intrusion of plant roots into the unit. In accordance with the method a moisture control unit is implanted in the soil beneath the earth's surface in close proximity to plants to which moisture is to be supplied, a plurality of moisture supply channels are established between the moisture control unit and moisture traps or pits located adjacent the roots of the plants.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.