Fluid and nutrient delivery irrigation system and associated methods

A method for efficiently delivering a solution to a plant comprising:

• positioning a delivery portion of microporous solution-channeling device comprising a hydrophilic material adjacent a root system of a plant, the solution-channeling device having a lumen therethrough for channeling a solution, the solution-channeling device further having a porosity at least at the delivery portion adapted for permitting a flow of an aqueous solution therethrough when acted upon by at least one of a surfactant root exudate and negative root pressure;
• regulating a pressure of the solution upstream of an inlet of the tubing;
• introducing the regulated-pressure solution into the tubing inlet;
• and
• channeling the solution from the tubing inlet to the delivery portion.

A method for creating a water- and nutrient-delivery system for a plant comprising:

• joining lateral ends of a sheet comprising a hydrophilic material to form a tube having a lumen therethrough;
• positioning a delivery portion of the tube in a plant growth medium;
• planting a plant in the growth medium, a root system of the plant adjacent the tube delivery portion;
• positioning an inlet of the tube in fluid communication with a source of a solution;
• and
• regulating a pressure of the solution upstream of the tube inlet.

A method for creating a water- and nutrient-delivery system for a plant comprising:

• introducing an alcohol solution of a hydrophilic polymer to a microporous hydrophobic sheet;
• joining lateral ends of the sheet to form a tube;
• positioning a delivery portion of the tube in a plant growth medium;
• planting a plant in the growth medium, a root system of the plant adjacent the tube delivery portion;
• introducing a solution into the tube lumen;
• and
• regulating a pressure of the solution upstream of an inlet into the tube lumen.

A method for creating a water- and nutrient-delivery system for a plant comprising:

• making a tube hydrophilic, the tube having a lumen therethrough and comprising a microporous polyethylene material comprising fine, high-density polyethylene fibers;
• positioning a delivery portion of the tube in a plant growth medium;
• planting a plant in the growth medium, a root system of the plant adjacent the tube delivery portion;
• introducing a solution into the tube lumen via an inlet thereinto;
• and
• regulating a pressure of the solution upstream of the tube inlet.

A method for providing a nurturing solution to a plant comprising:

• creating a substantially planar, microporous film comprising a hydrophilic polymer;
• joining opposed sides of the film to form a tube having a lumen therethrough;
• positioning a delivery portion of the tube in a plant growth medium;
• planting a plant in the growth medium, a root system of the plant adjacent the tube delivery portion;
• introducing a solution into the tube lumen;
• and
• regulating a pressure of the solution upstream of an inlet into the tube lumen.