Autonomous water and nutritional anti‐stress device to solve a plant irrigation problem based on harvested rainwater: A Tunisian case study*

Abstract

AbstractWater consumption has increased significantly around the world in recent years, whereas existing water resources are becoming rarer. Even in tropical areas, where the rains offer an average of 2600 mm of water yearly, the soil water source can reduce gradually throughout the dry season and limit the growth of vegetation. Different irrigation methods have been developed to meet plants’ water needs for productivity. These methods depend closely on mobilization of the water source and its permanent control. In this paper, we have proposed an autonomous water and nutritional anti‐stress device for plants based on the recovery of rainwater. It is a new concept inspired by irrigation in antique clay pots. It is designed to ensure regular cyclical storage and transfer to the plant of an almost constant daily flow of mobilized rainwater. These waters are also enriched with nutrients during their journey to the plant. This delayed water storage and transfer process will compensate for the lack of water necessary for the survival of the plant in dry periods. The device was tested in a reduced environment and has given good results in decreasing water stress and increasing the level of nutrition for plants.