Arable Irrigation Cover

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Imagine a future where the success of farmers and their crops is not dependant on the weather. A future where Arable farmers can sufficiently and effectively irrigate crops through long harsh drought forecasted in New Zealand’s future. Imagine, large scale arable soil covers that have not only the potential to reduce water consumption but also the potential to completely eradicate inefficient irrigational systems currently in place.

 

The advanced arable soil cover would allow for sufficient crop irrigation, free of environmental factors, by creating a system that irrigates soil and maintains soil moisture levels through lowering surface evaporation. An irrigational system imbedded within the cover itself is what allows for effective irrigation. Most crops receive water and nutrients through their roots so there is no need to water the crop’s leaves and intern lose precious water to surface evaporation. The cover decreases the loss of soil nutrients and water to evaporation by reflecting the sun's radiation off the surface of the soil cover. Furthermore, soil sensors located on the underside of the cover allow farmers to monitor soil moisture levels and adjust irrigation accordingly, thus improving the efficiency of irrigation. Ultimately the arable irrigation cover will allows farmers to sufficiently water crops through harsh drought while keeping water consumption to a minimum.  

These covers can be commercially produced with ease and fitted to crop soils fairly simply. Made with sustainable and flexible materials, these covers will be easily maintainable and environmentally friendly. Materials involved in the covers makeup will also be porous as to let rain water through, thus preventing water stagnation and the breeding of diseases or pests that could pose a potential threat to the crop itself.

 

Characteristics

1. Porous material.

2. Soil moisture sensors.

3. Reflective surface.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Darryn Wells