IRRIGATION METHOD, IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING THE IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Abstract

Stress-adaptive irrigation and fertigation. The present invention relates to a subsurface irrigation system configured to operate in plant-responsive mode, and further configured to make certain adaptations in response to plant stress. Stress adaptations may include, for example, selectively increasing the pressure of the irrigation fluid source, heating or cooling the irrigation fluid, and / or injecting fertilizer and / or altering fertilizers in the irrigation fluid.

Description

Descriptive Report of the Invention Patent for IRRIGATION METHOD, IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING THE IRRIGATION SYSTEM. Background Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates generally to plant irrigation. More particularly, but not as a limitation, embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for stress-adaptive irrigation and fertigation. Description of the related technique

[0002] Several systems and methods for plant irrigation and fertigation are known. Irrigation refers to the controlled distribution of water; fertigation generally means the injection of fertilizer or other additive into an irrigation system. As used in this document, irrigation may include fertigation.

[0003] Various stress conditions are known to damage plants and reduce crop yields. Many irrigation systems and methods fail to adequately compensate for such stresses. Furthermore, known methods that merely alter an irrigation schedule in response to perceived stress, for example, increasing the irrigation duration in an above-ground sprinkler system, are generally not effective in subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) systems. Stress-adaptive irrigation systems and methods are needed. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the invention are directed to a subsurface irrigation system configured to operate in a plant-responsive mode and further configured to make certain adaptations in response to plant stress. Stress adaptations may include, for example, selectively increasing the pressure. Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, page 6 / 35 2 / 18 of the irrigation fluid source, heating or cooling the irrigation fluid and / or injecting fertilizers and / or non-fertilizers into the irrigation fluid. Alternative embodiments and their advantages will be described below. Brief description of the drawings.

[0005] Figure 1 is a flow diagram of a method for irrigation, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0006] Figure 2 is an assembly view of a distribution tube, illustrated in cross-section, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0007] Figure 3A is an assembly view of a distribution tube, illustrated in cross-section, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0008] Figure 3B is an assembly view of a distribution tube, illustrated in cross-section, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0009] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an irrigation system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0010] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an irrigation system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0011] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an irrigation system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0012] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram for the reservoir illustrated in Figure 5;

[0013] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram for the reservoir illustrated in Figure 6;

[0014] Figures 9A and 9B are a flow diagram of a method for using the system illustrated in Figures 5 or 6, according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0015] Figures 10A and 10B are a flow diagram of a method for using the system illustrated in Figures 5 or 6, according to Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, page 7 / 35 3 / 18 an embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0016] The embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. These embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. The drawings are not to scale. Certain features illustrated in the drawings may be exaggerated in size and other features may be omitted entirely for clarity.

[0017] The following sections begin with a review of some environmental factors that can be monitored in an effort to assess environmental stress. The description below begins with an overview of plant stress. This document then describes an irrigation method (with reference to Figure 1), exemplary microporous irrigation tubing (with reference to Figures 2, 3A and 3B), exemplary irrigation systems (with reference to Figures 4-8) and methods for using such systems (with reference to Figures 9A, 9B, 10A and 10B).

[0018] Section titles are used below for organizational convenience. The description of any claimed feature is not necessarily limited to any section of this descriptive report. Plant stress

[0019] Plant stressors result from non-ideal growing conditions that increase the plant's demands. Abiotic stressors (environmental stressors) are naturally occurring inanimate factors such as: intense sunlight, strong winds, extreme temperatures (hot or cold), drought, flooding, herbicides, pesticides, and poor soil conditions, for example, salinity, acidity, lack of nutrients (macro and micro), and heavy metals. Less well-known abiotic stressors generally occur on a smaller scale. They include: poor edaphic conditions such as rock content and pH levels, high radiation, compaction, and contamination. Any of these stressors can negatively influence the Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, page 8 / 35 4 / 18 Plant development and crop productivity. Abiotic stress is considered the most damaging factor to crop growth and productivity. Abiotic stressors are most harmful when they occur together, in combinations of abiotic stress factors, such as arid and desert climates.

[0020] Biotic stressors include disturbances of life such as fungi, bacteria, insects, and weeds. Viruses also cause biotic stress in plants. Fungi cause more diseases in plants than any other biotic stress factor. Microorganisms can cause plant wilt, leaf spots, root rot, or seed damage. Insects can cause serious physical damage to plants. Insects can also spread viruses and bacteria from infected plants to healthy plants. Weeds inhibit the growth of desirable plants by competing for space and nutrients.

[0021] A plant's first line of defense against abiotic and biotic stress lies in its roots. If the soil containing the plant provides sufficient water and nutrients in response to the plant's needs and is healthy and biologically diverse, the plant will have a greater chance of surviving stressful conditions above ground. The embodiments of the invention monitor plant stressors and provide appropriate intervention in the rhizosphere to minimize a variety of plant stressors. Exemplary method for irrigation

[0022] Figure 1 is a flow diagram of a method for irrigation, according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown here, the process begins in step 105 by performing subsurface irrigation through microporous piping treated with a hydrophilic polymer in a root-responsive mode, the root-responsive mode being characterized by the fact that a feed pressure Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, page 9 / 35 5 / 18 relatively low (to the piping) and a closed-end fluid passage. This irrigation method is extremely water-efficient and is the preferred irrigation method when plants are not under stress.

[0023] The process then determines a plant stress condition in step 110. Step 110 can be performed, for example, by comparing sensor data to a predetermined threshold, by visual inspection, and / or by performing plant tissue or soil analysis. For example, ambient temperature and / or soil temperature sensor readings can be compared to predetermined threshold values ​​to determine if an elevated temperature condition exists. Similarly, wind speed data from an anemometer can be compared to predetermined thresholds. Temperature and wind data are preferably integrated over time to model transpiration effects more accurately.As a further example of step 110, visual inspection, whether performed or assisted by humans, local imaging sensors, or active aerial systems, can reveal leaf discoloration, plant wilting, lodging (displacement of stems or roots), disease, pest infestation, the presence of weeds, or other evidence of present or emerging plant stressors. Data from subsurface salinity sensors can be compared to a known salt tolerance level for a given plant type. Soil analysis can reveal, for example, a lack of beneficial microbes in the oil or the presence of harmful fungi.

[0024] In step 115, the process selects a system-delivered treatment based on the plant's stress condition, the system-delivered treatment including a relatively high feed pressure and a recirculation fluid passage. In the case of temperature-related stress, for Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, page 10 / 35 6 / 18 For example, the treatment administered by the selected system may include cooling or heating the irrigation fluid and may also include the addition of a surfactant to the irrigation fluid. For wind stress not accompanied by temperature extremes, the process may select relatively high feed pressure and recirculation passage alone. When the plant stress condition has been determined in step 110 to be a soil condition and / or a mineral imbalance, the process may select an agrochemical additive to correct the irrigation fluid to correct the soil deficit or problem in step 115. Similarly, where biotic stressors are determined to be present, the process may select, for example, one or more biological alterations, root / soil activators, organic additives, or pesticides.

[0025] The relatively high feed pressure (preferred in all treatment cases) and the surfactant (when added) will tend to increase the rate of irrigation fluid emission from the pipe to the root. Recirculation passage (also preferred in all treatment cases) will facilitate a more homogeneous distribution (in terms of temperature and concentration change) of the irrigation fluid along the functional length of the subsurface pipe.

[0026] The process performs the system-administered treatment (described above) in step 120 and determines when to end the system-administered treatment in step 125. The system-administered treatment is intended to be temporary. The determination in step 125 may be based on a predetermined duration (e.g., based on the type of treatment), on a calculated duration (e.g., based on the severity of determined stressor(s)), or based on evidence of reduced stress (e.g., improvements in data, observations, or analyses relied upon in step 110). Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, page 11 / 35 7 / 18

[0027] As indicated by conditional step 135, if the system-administered treatment included a fluid change, then the process advances to step 140; otherwise, the process returns directly to step 105. Cleaning step 140 preferably includes feeding the irrigation fluid at a relatively high feed pressure and using the recirculation fluid path, but without adding any changes. An exception is that, when the system-administered treatment included the change with a surfactant, cleaning step 140 preferably includes the change with a thickening agent to neutralize the effects of the surfactant on fluid emission. Examples of microporous irrigation piping

[0028] Figures 2, 3A, and 3B are an assembly view of a distribution tube, illustrated in cross-section, according to alternative embodiments of the invention. As shown in Figure 2, a microporous membrane 205 is welded along regions 215 to a support 210 to form an irrigation tube with a lumen 220. The embodiments illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B each provide an irrigation tube without a support 210. Instead, in these examples, a microporous membrane 305 is rolled upon itself to form an irrigation distribution tube having a lumen 320. The embodiment in Figure 3A includes a flat seam weld 310 with a bead 315; the embodiment in Figure 3B includes a fin weld 325.

[0029] The 205, 305 microporous membrane can, for example, be manufactured from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET, polyester a / k / a) or other suitable material. As an example, the 205, 305 microporous membrane can be DuPont Tyvek™ or other nonwoven or spun fabric. Preferably, the 205, 305 microporous membrane is treated (entirely or selectively) with a hydrophilic polymer to increase its responsiveness to Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, p. 12 / 35 8 / 18 root exudate.

[0030] For the piping arrangement in Figure 2, the support 210 is preferably a less expensive material than the microporous membrane 205. The support 210 is also preferably much less porous (i.e., effectively non-porous) compared to the microporous membrane 205. For thermal compatibility, where the microporous membrane 205 is PE, the support 210 is preferably also made of PE; where the microporous membrane 205 is PP, the support 210 is preferably PP; and where the microporous membrane 205 is PET, the support 210 can be PET. The surface area of ​​the microporous membrane 205 and the surface area of ​​the support 210 do not need to be equal for any length of piping.

[0031] Other microporous irrigation pipe configurations and weld types are possible and may also be used in combination with one or more of the voltage adaptive systems and methods disclosed herein. In addition, some features or embodiments may be equally applicable to surface and subsurface microporous irrigation pipe applications. Exemplary systems

[0032] Exemplary systems for carrying out the above method, and its variants, are described below with reference to Figures 4-8.

[0033] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an irrigation and fertilization system according to one embodiment of the invention. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 4 may be applicable, for example, to a large commercial agricultural operation. As shown here, a distribution system 405 feeds a collector pipe 485 which is coupled to multiple microporous subsurface irrigation distribution pipes 493. Multiple plants 495 have roots 497 within a functional distance of the distribution pipes 493. The distribution pipes 493 may be constructed, for example, as described. Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, page 13 / 35 9 / 18 above with reference to Figures 2, 3A or 3B.

[0034] The 405 power supply system includes a reservoir (RES) 410 coupled to receive fluid from the well pump (W) 415, city water connection (CW) 420 and recirculation pump (RE) 425. Each of these inlets of reservoir 410 can be coupled by means of a valve (not shown). In the embodiment illustrated, reservoir 410 includes a heater (FIT) 430. Valves 440, 445 are coupled to the outlets of reservoir 410. An in-line cooler (CH) 435 is coupled to an outlet of valve 445.

[0035] Suitable recirculation pumps 425 are manufactured, for example, by Blue Torrent Pool Products, Floject, Flotec and other suppliers, according to application requirements. The heater 430 may be, for example, a glass-enclosed electric heating element, although geothermal or other heating modalities may also be applied according to the project choice. The in-line cooler 435 may be or include, for example, a TropiCool CB, Heatwave, GBB (Great Big Bopper from AquaCal) or other water source heat pump.

[0036] In the 405 feed system, the outlet of reservoir 410 is further coupled to filters (F) 450 and also coupled to tanks (T) 455, 460, 465 and 470 and to pressure regulator 480. Any of tanks 455, 460, 465, 470 could include a pump (not shown).

[0037] Pressure regulator 480 is preferably configured to deliver a relatively low pressure fluid flow from the 405 feed system to the manifold 485, for example, to a setting within the range of 0.5 - 5.0 PSI, for compatibility with microporous distribution tubing 493. An exemplary 480 regulator is the Model 3865 diaphragm regulator manufactured by Ziggity Systems, Inc. The desired pressure setting for such an adjustable pressure regulator may vary according to the properties of the tubing. Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, page 14 / 35 10 / 18 distribution 493. In alternative configurations, other pressure settings and / or other 480 regulators may be used.

[0038] In operation, reservoir 410 is selectively fed by well pump 415, municipal water connection 420 and / or recirculation pump 425. The fluid is selectively heated in reservoir 410 by means of heater 430; the fluid is selectively cooled at an outlet of reservoir 410 using in-line cooler 435 by means of the operation of valves 440, 445. In some modes of operation, the fluid in the feed system 405 is not heated or cooled. The flow through filters 450 may also be selective (e.g., by means of additional valves, not shown) according to the fluid change and recirculation state. Generally, each tank 455, 460, 465 and 470 may contain a single type of fluid correction. For example, tank 455 might contain a fertilizer, tank 460 might contain a surfactant, tank 465 might contain a thickening agent, and tank 470 might contain particles for a suspended load.The contents (or a portion) of each tank 455, 460, 465, and 470 can be selectively added to the irrigation fluid in the feed system 405, alone or in any combination, by operating a corresponding valve 475. The regulator 480 controls the irrigation fluid feed pressure to the collector pipe 485 and distribution pipes 493. During selective recirculation (i.e., according to the state of the recirculation pump 425), the irrigation fluid is returned to the feed system 405 through the recirculation passage 490.

[0039] The 405 feed system can be operated in alternative modes. For example, in a normal low-pressure plant responsive mode, heater 430 and cooler 435 can be inactive, valve 440 can be open, valves 445 and 475 can be closed, and regulator 480 can be adjusted to a pressure. Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, page 15 / 35 11 / 18 relatively low (e.g. 1.5 psi), and the recirculation pump 425 could be switched off. In treatment mode, the heater 430 or cooler 435 can be switched on, one or more valves 475 can be opened, the regulator 480 can be set to a relatively high pressure (e.g. 5.0 psi), and the recirculation pump 425 can be switched on.

[0040] Variations to the system illustrated in Figure 4 and described above are possible. For example, some embodiments do not require a well pump 415, municipal water connection 420, or recirculation pump 425. In alternative embodiments, the heater 430 may be placed in-line, external to the reservoir 410. The heater 430 may be combined with the cooler 435, for example, in a heat pump unit. The number and sequential placement of the filters 450 and tanks 455, 460, 465, and 470 may vary. In an automated or semi-automatic embodiment, the feed system 405 may include a controller; the controller may receive signals from one or more environmental sensors and the controller may send control signals to the recirculation pump 425, heater 430, in-line cooler 435, valves 440, 445, 475, and / or pressure regulator 480.

[0041] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an irrigation system according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown here, a feed system 500 feeds a collector tube 505 which is coupled to multiple microporous subsurface irrigation distribution tubes 493. Multiple plants 495 have roots 497 within a functional distance of the distribution tubes 493. The distribution tubes 493 can be constructed, for example, as described above with reference to Figures 2, 3A or 3B. Each of the distribution tubes is fluidly coupled to the baseboard 506. The sensors 508 can be or include, for example, soil temperature and / or salinity sensors. Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, page 16 / 35 12 / 18

[0042] The supply system 500 is configured so that a pressurized water source (W / S) 501 can be coupled in series to a diverter 502, a first pressure regulator 503 (which is set to a relatively low pressure output, for example 1.0 psi), a diverter 504 and the manifold 505. For some applications, the RDI APR-Z053 model may be suitable for the first pressure regulator 503.

[0043] The diverter 502 is also coupled to several injector valves 517 and a bypass valve 518. Each of the injector valves 517 is coupled in series to an inlet of a corresponding in-line injector 511. The in-line injectors 511 are preferably configured for precise addition of soluble fertilizer or other alterations. The outlets of the in-line injectors 511 are coupled to an outlet of the bypass valve 518 and to a first inlet of a reservoir 510. A first outlet of the reservoir 510 is coupled in series to a pump 512 and a cooler / heater 513. In alternative embodiments, the cooler / heater 513 may be a cooler or a heater, instead of a combined cooler / heater. An outlet of the cooler / heater 513 is coupled to a second inlet of the reservoir 510.A second outlet from reservoir 510 is serially coupled to a recirculation pump 519, a second pressure regulator 514 (which is set to a relatively high pressure output, e.g. 5.0 psi) and the diverter 504. For some applications, the RDI APR-M758 model may be suitable for the second pressure regulator 503. The skirting board 506 is coupled in series to the recirculation valve 509 and a third inlet to reservoir 510.

[0044] The 516 controller is an optional component, depending on the project choice. If included, the 516 controller can be configured to receive data from the 508 sensors and can control the Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, page 17 / 35 13 / 18 operation of any one or more of the components shown as part of the supply system 500 (except for directly controlling the pressurized water source 501). The recirculation pump 520 is also an optional component, based on application requirements. The recirculation pump 520 may be required, for example, if the reservoir 510 is located at a much higher elevation than the baseboard 506.

[0045] In a normal (and more water-efficient) mode, uncorrected irrigation fluid can be supplied by the feed system 500 to the collector pipe 505 at a relatively low pressure and with a termination point at the recirculation valve 509.

[0046] In the case of system-delivered treatment in response to plant stress, the feed system 500 can be configured to supply irrigation fluid to the collector pipe 505 at a relatively high pressure, with or without splicing of one or more in-line injectors 511, and with or without heating or cooling enabled by the cooler / heater 513. Operation during system-administered treatment preferably includes a recirculation path through an open recirculation valve 509 and with the aid of the recirculation pump 519 (and recirculation pump 520, if applicable).

[0047] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an irrigation system according to one embodiment of the invention. The irrigation system illustrated in Figure 6 is substantially similar to the irrigation system illustrated in Figure 5, except for minor differences between the feed system 600 and the feed system 500. In particular, the feed system 600 omits the pump 512, replaces the reservoir 510 with the reservoir 610, and couples the in-line cooler / heater. The feed system 600 requires that the selected in-line injectors 511 be able to provide flow. Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, page 18 / 35 14 / 18 sufficient for the selected cooler / heater 513. With this caveat, the supply system 600 can provide the same normal modes and treatment delivered by the system described above with reference to the supply system 500. As noted above, in alternative embodiments, the cooler / heater 513 can be a cooler or a heater, instead of a combined cooler / heater.

[0048] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram for the reservoir. 510 illustrated in Figure 5. The reservoir 510 includes thermally insulated walls 705, three inlets 710, 715, 720, two outlets 725, 730 and a drain 735. The fluid 740 is maintained below a predetermined fill line 745, for example, with the aid of a float switch (not shown). With reference to Figure 5: the inlet 710 may be from the outlets of the in-line injectors 511 and bypass valve 518; the inlet 715 may be from the cooler / heater 513; and the inlet 720 may be coupled to the recirculation valve 509. The outlet 725 may be to the pump 512 and the outlet 730 may be to the recirculation pump 519.

[0049] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram for the reservoir. 610 illustrated in Figure 6. Compared to reservoir 510, reservoir 610 excludes inlet 710 and outlet 725.

[0050] Figures 9A and 9B are a flow diagram of a method for using the system illustrated in Figures 5 or 6, according to an embodiment of the invention. Step 905 is to supply fluid from a pressurized water source 501 to the subsurface microporous irrigation tubing 493 by means of a first pressure regulator 503 at a relatively low set pressure, the tubing 493 being treated with a hydrophilic polymer, a fluid path through the tubing being terminated in a closed recirculation valve 509. Step 910 is to determine a stress condition of the Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, page 19 / 35 15 / 18 plant and select at least one change based on the plant stress condition. Step 915 is diverting fluid from the pressurized water source 501 to at least one injector 511 instead of the first pressure regulator 503, each of the at least one injector 511 being associated with at least one change. Step 920 consists of injecting each of at least one change using at least one injector 511, the outputs of at least one of the injectors being combined to produce a corrected irrigation fluid. Step 925 is the output of the corrected irrigation fluid to piping 493 via a second pressure regulator 514 at a relatively high opening pressure, the relatively high opening pressure being higher than the relatively low opening pressure.Step 930 is to open the recirculation valve 509 and activate at least one recirculation pump 519, 520, the fluid passage through the piping being converted by opening and activating a recirculation passage by fluidly coupling the second pressure regulator 514, the piping 493, the recirculation valve 509 and at least one recirculation pump 519, 520. Step 935 is to stop the injection, stop the output of the corrected irrigation fluid and couple the pressurized water source 501 to the recirculation path using a bypass valve 518. Step 940 is to wait for a predetermined time after finishing the injection and stopping the output of the altered irrigation fluid.Step 945 is closing the bypass valve 518, closing the recirculation valve 509, disabling at least one recirculation pump 519, 520, diverting fluid from the pressurized water source 501 to the piping 493 through the first pressure regulator 503 at the relatively low set pressure.

[0051] Consequently, in embodiments of the invention, the changes introduced during the treatments administered by the system are eliminated from the subsurface irrigation piping, Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, page 20 / 35 16 / 18 providing only uncorrected fluid at a relatively high pressure in the recirculation path for a predetermined time before returning to the relatively low pressure and closed root responsive mode.

[0052] Figures 10A and 10B are a flow diagram of a method for using the system illustrated in Figures 5 or 6, according to an embodiment of the invention. Step 1005 is to supply fluid from a pressurized water source 501 to the subsurface microporous irrigation tubing 493 via a first pressure regulator 503 at a relatively low opening pressure, the tubing 493 being treated with a hydrophilic polymer, a fluid passage through the tubing being terminated in a closed recirculation valve 509. Step 1010 is to determine a plant stress condition and select at least one alteration based on the plant stress condition, the at least one alteration including a surfactant. Step 1015 is diverting fluid from the pressurized water source 501 to at least one injector 511 instead of the first pressure regulator 503, each of at least one injector 511 being associated with a corresponding at least one change.Step 1020 consists of injecting at least each of the alterations using at least one injector 511, the outputs of at least one of the injectors being combined to produce an altered irrigation fluid. Step 1025 is the output of the corrected irrigation fluid to the piping 493 via a second pressure regulator 514 at a relatively high opening pressure, the relatively high opening pressure being higher than the relatively low opening pressure. Step 1030 is opening the recirculation valve 509 and activating at least one recirculation pump 519, 520, the fluid passage through the piping being converted by the opening and activation to a coupling recirculation passage. Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, page 21 / 35 Step 1035 involves stopping the injection of at least one alteration and re-injecting at least one thickening agent using at least one injector 511, the outputs of at least one injector being combined to produce a thickened irrigation fluid. Step 1040 involves the output of the thickened irrigation fluid to pipe 493 through the second pressure regulator 514 at a relatively high set pressure. Step 1045 involves waiting for a predetermined time after finishing the injection and ending the output of the altered irrigation fluid.Step 1050 is closing the bypass valve 518, closing the recirculation valve 509, disabling at least one recirculation pump 519, 520, diverting fluid from the pressurized water source 501 to the piping 493 through the first pressure regulator 503 at the relatively low set pressure.

[0053] Therefore, in embodiments of the invention, the effects of surfactants introduced during treatments administered by the system are, at least partially, counterbalanced from the subsurface irrigation piping, supplying water with a thickening agent at a relatively high pressure in the recirculation path for a predetermined time before returning to the relatively low pressure, closed-termination root response mode. Conclusion

[0054] Those skilled in the art may readily recognize that numerous variations and substitutions can be made to the invention, its use, and its configuration to achieve substantially the same results as those achieved by the embodiments described herein. For example, the features described with reference to different embodiments in this application can be combined in ways not expressly shown. Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, page 22 / 35 18 / 18 described. Consequently, there is no intention to limit the invention to the exemplary forms disclosed. Many variations, modifications, and alternative constructions are within the scope and spirit of the disclosed invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Irrigation method comprising the steps of: a) performing (105) subsurface irrigation by microporous tubing treated with a hydrophilic polymer in a root-responsive mode, wherein the root-responsive mode having a first feed pressure and a closed-end fluid passage; and b) determining (110) a plant stress condition; c) selecting (115) a system-delivered treatment based on the plant stress condition, the system-delivered treatment including a second feed pressure, wherein the second feed pressure is greater than the first feed pressure; d) performing (120) the system-delivered treatment; e) terminating (130) the system-delivered treatment; f) determining (135) whether the system-delivered treatment included fluid change; g) if the system-delivered treatment included fluid change, cleaning (140) the system;and if the treatment delivered by the system did not include fluid change, perform (105) subsurface irrigation through microporous tubing treated with a hydrophilic polymer in root responsive mode; characterized in that the method uses a recirculation fluid passage for the treatment delivered by the system.; 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the microporous tubing is manufactured from polyester material.

3. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that the microporous tubing is manufactured from polyethylene material. Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, page 24 / 35 2 / 6 4. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the microporous tubing is manufactured from polypropylene material.

5. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that the plant stress condition is abiotic.

6. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the plant stress condition is biotic.

7. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid change is a fertilizer.

8. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid alteration is an agrochemical additive.

9. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid changer is an organic additive.

10. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that cleaning the system includes circulating fluid without changing the fluid and at the second supply pressure for a predetermined period.

11. Irrigation system comprising: a pressurized water source (501); and subsurface microporous irrigation piping (493), characterized in that the irrigation system is configured to selectively couple the pressurized water source (501) to a header (505) of the subsurface microporous irrigation piping (493) by a first pass, a second pass, or a third pass; the first pass including a first pressure regulator (503) disposed between the pressurized water source (501) and the subsurface microporous irrigation piping (493), the first pressure regulator (503) being configured to deliver a first fluid pressure to the header (505);the second passage including at least one injector (511) and a second pressure regulator (514) disposed between the pressurized water source (501) and the subsurface microporous irrigation piping (493), each of at least one injector (511) configured to inject a change in the second passage, emitting at least one of the injectors (511) coupled to an inlet of the second pressure regulator (514), the second pressure regulator (514) being configured to emit a second fluid pressure to the header (505), the second fluid pressure being greater than the first fluid pressure; the third passage including a bypass valve (518) coupling the pressurized water source (501) to the inlet of the second pressure regulator (514) and bypassing at least one injector (511); a recirculation valve (509) coupled to a footboard (506) of the subsurface microporous irrigation pipe (493) and the inlet of the second pressure regulator (514);and a recirculation pump (519) coupled between the recirculation valve (509) and the second pressure regulator (514).; 12. Irrigation system, according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises a reservoir (510) disposed in the second passage and coupled between the outlets of at least one of the injectors (511) and the inlet of the second pressure regulator (514).

13. Method for using the irrigation system, as defined in claim 11, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) supplying (905) fluid from the pressurized water source (501) into the subsurface microporous irrigation tubing (493) by the first pressure regulator (503) at the first fluid pressure, a Petition 870230087644, dated 10 / 03 / 2023, page 26 / 35 4 / 6 fluid passage through the subsurface microporous irrigation tubing (493) being terminated at the recirculation valve (509); b) determining (910) a plant stress condition and selecting at least one change based on the plant stress condition; c) diverting (915) the fluid from the pressurized water source (501) into at least one injector (511) instead of the first pressure regulator (503), each of at least one injector (511) being associated with at least one of the corresponding changes;d) inject (920) at least each of the alterations using at least one of the injectors (511), the outputs of at least one of the injectors (511) being combined to produce an altered irrigation fluid; e) discharge (925) the altered irrigation fluid to the subsurface microporous irrigation pipe (493) by the second pressure regulator (514) at the second fluid pressure; f) open (930) the recirculation valve (509), and activate (930) the recirculation pump (519), the fluid passage through the subsurface microporous irrigation pipe (493) being converted by the opening (930) and activation (930) to a recirculation passage fluidically coupling the second pressure regulator (514), the subsurface microporous irrigation pipe (493), the recirculation valve (509), and the recirculation pump (519).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: g) terminating (935) the injection, terminating (935) the emission of the altered irrigation fluid, and coupling (935) the pressurized water source (501) to the recirculation passage using the bypass valve (518); h) waiting (940) for a predetermined period after terminating (935) the injection and terminating (935) the emission of the altered irrigation fluid. Petition 870230087644, dated 03 / 10 / 2023, page 27 / 35 5 / 6 ei) close (945) the bypass valve (518), close (945) the recirculation valve (509), deactivate (945) the recirculation pump (519), divert (945) the fluid from the pressurized water source (501) to the subsurface microporous irrigation pipe (493) through the first pressure regulator (503) at the first fluid pressure.

15. Method for using the irrigation system, as defined in claim 11, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) supplying (1005) fluid from the pressurized water source (501) to the subsurface microporous irrigation tubing (493) by the first pressure regulator (503) at the first fluid pressure, a fluid passage through the tubing being terminated at the recirculation valve (509); b) determining (1010) a plant stress condition and selecting at least one change based on the plant stress condition, at least one change including a surfactant; c) diverting (1015) the fluid from the pressurized water source (501) to at least one injector (511) instead of the first pressure regulator (503), each of at least one injector (511) being associated with at least one of the corresponding changes;d) inject (1020) at least each of the alterations using at least one of the injectors (511), the outputs of at least one of the injectors (511) being combined to produce an altered irrigation fluid; e) discharge (1025) the altered irrigation fluid into the subsurface microporous irrigation tubing (493) by the second pressure regulator (514) at the second fluid pressure; ef) open (1030) the recirculation valve (509), and activate the recirculation pump (519), the fluid passage through the tubing Petition 870230087644, of 03 / 10 / 2023, page. 28 / 35 6 / 6 subsurface microporous irrigation (493) being converted by opening (1030) and activation (1030) to a fluidically coupling recirculation passage by the second pressure regulator (514), the subsurface microporous irrigation tubing (493), the recirculation valve (509), and the recirculation pump (519).; 16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: g) finishing (1035) the injection of at least one alteration, and injecting again (1035) at least one thickening agent using at least one of the injectors (511), the outputs of at least one of the injectors (511) being combined to produce a thickened irrigation fluid; h) emitting (1040) the thickened irrigation fluid to the subsurface microporous irrigation pipe (493) through the second pressure regulator (514) at the second fluid pressure; i) waiting (1045) for a predetermined period after finishing the injection (1035) and finishing (1035) the emission of the altered irrigation fluid;ej) close (1050) the bypass valve (518), close (1050) the recirculation valve (509), deactivate (1050) the recirculation pump (519), divert (1050) the fluid from the pressurized water source (501) to the subsurface microporous irrigation pipe (493) through the first pressure regulator (503) at the first fluid pressure.;

Images