Irrigation system and method

Abstract

An irrigation system and method for plants are disclosed. The irrigation system comprises a plant container containing a planting medium, a water reservoir, and a water transmitting member configured to transfer water from the reservoir toward the planting medium. In one aspect, a deformable element is operatively associated with the water transmitting member and is configured to undergo dimensional change in response to moisture conditions associated with the planting medium, thereby regulating water flow through the water transmitting member. In another aspect, a control element is operatively associated with the water transmitting member and is configured to dynamically regulate and meter the flow of water delivered to the planting medium based on a moisture level within the planting medium and / or an external actuation force independent of the moisture level. Methods for irrigating plants using the deformable element and the control element are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND METHOD TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The disclosed subject matter generally relates to systems and methods for controlled and metered plant irrigation.

[0003] BACKGROUND ART

[0004] The following references may be considered to be relevant as background art to the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0005] - US 20130272791

[0006] - US 5,148,985

[0007] - CN 101848634

[0008] It will be appreciated that acknowledgement of the above references is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0009] GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosed subject matter, an irrigation system for plants is provided. The irrigation system comprises a plant container containing a planting medium, a water reservoir, a water transmitting member configured to transfer water from the reservoir toward the planting medium, and a deformable element operatively associated with the water transmitting member. The deformable element is configured to undergo dimensional change in response to moisture conditions associated with the planting medium and thereby regulate water flow through the water transmitting member.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, an irrigation system for plants is provided comprising a plant container containing a planting medium, a water reservoir, a water transmitting member configured to transfer water from the reservoir toward the planting medium, and a control element operatively associated with the water transmitting member. The control element is configured to dynamically regulate and meter the flow of water delivered to the planting medium.In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method for irrigating plants is provided. The method comprises providing a plant container comprising a planting medium and a water reservoir, transferring water from the water reservoir toward the planting medium via a water transmitting member, and regulating water flow through the water transmitting member using a deformable element operatively associated with the water transmitting member. The deformable element undergoes dimensional change in response to moisture conditions associated with the planting medium, thereby regulating the transfer of water to the planting medium.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for irrigating plants is provided in which water is transferred from a water reservoir toward a planting medium via a water transmitting member and dynamically regulated and metered using a control element operatively associated with the water transmitting member. Regulation and metering of water flow may be performed based on one or more of a moisture level within the planting medium and an external actuation force independent of the moisture level within the planting medium.

[0013] Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations can be applied to systems and methods according to the aspects of the present disclosure, separately or in various combinations thereof:

[0014] • The water transmitting member may comprise a conduit, a capillary medium, or a combination thereof.

[0015] • The deformable element may undergo dimensional change including expansion, contraction, bending, displacement, or combinations thereof.

[0016] • Regulation of water flow may be achieved by external compression of a conduit, internal expansion within a conduit, compression of a capillary medium, or selective separation and reconnection of fluid-transfer segments.

[0017] • The water transmitting member may comprise at least two fluid-transfer segments, and regulation of water flow may comprise selectively separating and reconnecting the segments to arrest or restore water transfer.

[0018] • A guide structure may be provided to maintain alignment of fluid-transfer segments during separation and reconnection.

[0019] • The deformable element may be positioned outside the planting medium and operatively coupled to the planting medium via a moisture sensing arrangement extending into the planting medium.• Ventilation may be provided to facilitate dehydration and rehydration of the deformable element.

[0020] • The deformable element may be at least partially enclosed within a housing configured to guide deformation of the deformable element.

[0021] • The water transmitting member may be normally open under low-moisture conditions and restricted under high-moisture conditions.

[0022] • Regulation of water flow may be achieved without electrical power or electronic control.

[0023] • The deformable element may be configured to repeatedly deform and recover in response to cyclic moisture changes during use.

[0024] • The water reservoir may be positioned such that a lower water level of the reservoir is below a top surface of the planting medium within the plant container.

[0025] • The water reservoir may be external to and extend alongside the plant container, or may be at least partially embedded in the planting medium and comprise an annular or ringshaped reservoir surrounding an upper region of the plant container.

[0026] • Water transfer from the reservoir toward the planting medium may be assisted by gravity in combination with capillary action.

[0027] • The control element may dynamically regulate and meter water flow based on a moisture level within the planting medium and / or an external actuation force independent of the moisture level within the planting medium.

[0028] • Metering may include controlled modulation of flow rate, partial restriction, staged opening, intermittent flow, or repeated opening and closing cycles.

[0029] • The systems and methods may be configured to operate autonomously or with manual or remote intervention, and such intervention may be analog or digital.

[0030] It will be appreciated that further aspects and various embodiments and features pertaining to these or other aspects of the present subject matter are discussed in the description and illustrated in the drawings and will become apparent hereinafter. Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with one another, without limitation. In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0031] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating an preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, non-limiting examples of embodiments will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like elements are labeled similarly, and in which:

[0033] FIG. A with variations Al, All. A12, A2, A2-1, A2-2 are a schematic illustration of the system in accordance with one example of the disclosed subject matter, showing various embodiments thereof.

[0034] FIG. B is a schematic illustration of the system in accordance with another example of the disclosed subject matter.

[0035] FIGs. C1-C3 shows yet another schematic illustration of variations of the disclosed subject matter.

[0036] FIGs. D1-D2 show a top schematic view and a side schematic view, respectively, of yet an example of the disclosed subject matter

[0037] All drawings are schematic and may not be drawn to scale. Parts assigned a reference number in one figure may be assumed to represent the same parts in other figures, even if the reference number is omitted for brevity, unless they are specifically labeled with a different reference number.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] The following description provides exemplary methods, processes, systems, techniques, instruction sequences, and applications. It is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure but serves to illustrate exemplary embodiments. Specific details are included to aid in the understanding of various embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced with or without these details. Not all possible examples of methods, processes, protocols, or structures etc. are shown in detail. Furthermore, the operations described are not restricted to any particular order or sequence unless explicitly stated.The features and advantages of the invention are described and illustrated by reference to exemplary embodiments, which are to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are considered an integral part of this written description. However, the disclosure is not limited to these exemplary embodiments, as they demonstrate some potential non-limiting combinations of features. These features may exist independently or in various combinations with other features.

[0040] The disclosed system comprises a plant container with soil or another planting medium, a water reservoir for supplying water to the plant container or its contents, and an irrigation system in fluid communication between the plant container and the reservoir.

[0041] In such configurations, regulation of water flow is achieved by the structure and operation of the control element itself, irrespective of the moisture content of the planting medium.

[0042] In some examples of the disclosed subject matter, the control element is further configured to meter the flow of water delivered to the planting medium. Metering, as used herein, refers to controlled modulation of the amount and / or rate of water transferred over time, including by partial restriction, staged opening, intermittent flow, or variable flow resistance.

[0043] Such metering may be achieved by mechanical, material-based, or structural interaction between the control element and the water transmitting member, and does not require electronic measurement or active feedback. In certain embodiments, metering is effected passively in response to moisture conditions associated with the planting medium and / or in response to an externally applied actuation force, thereby enabling controlled dosing of water without reliance on powered components.

[0044] Metering may be continuous or discrete and may include repeated opening and closing cycles or partial flow restriction configured to deliver water in controlled increments.

[0045] In accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter, regulation of irrigation flow is achieved by a control element that is a deformable element configured to undergo dimensional change in response to moisture conditions associated with the planting medium. The deformable element cooperates with a water transmitting member to selectively restrict or permitwater flow from the reservoir to the planting medium. The deformable element is configured to regulate flow by mechanical interaction with the water transmitting member, including by external compression, internal expansion, displacement of flow interfaces, or separation and reconnection of fluid-transfer segments. In some embodiments, the water transmitting member comprises two or more fluid-transfer segments, and the deformable element regulates flow by selectively separating and reconnecting said segments, thereby arresting flow without compressing a continuous fluid path.

[0046] In the segmented fluid-path embodiments, irrigation flow is regulated by selectively separating and reconnecting discrete fluid-transfer segments using a moisture-responsive swellable element, thereby arresting or enabling water transfer by breaking or restoring fluid continuity rather than by constricting a continuous flow path.

[0047] In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter, the irrigation system is not limited to regulation based on environmental sensing, such as moisture levels in the planting medium. Rather, the disclosed irrigation system comprises a control element that is operable to regulate fluid flow independently of environmental moisture conditions, including by mechanical actuation, manual intervention, or other externally applied forces.

[0048] The irrigation system includes a control element configured to meter and regulate water flow from the reservoir to the plant container. This regulation can be responsive to soil moisture levels or activated autonomously by external forces, such as manual or remote actuation. The control element may be designed as a modular component, allowing users to configure the system for autonomous regulation, manual actuation, or a combination thereof, depending on plant care requirements.

[0049] In one example of the disclosed subject matter the irrigation system is configured to be responsive to the moisture levels in the plant container, thus facilitating the watering and metering the watering as required, including arresting the flow of water into the plant container. The irrigation system in accordance with the disclosed subject matter may include a water transmitting member provided with a mechanism configured to arrest the flow. The water transmitting member can be for example a watering pipe, capillary medium, or combination thereof.The system can further comprise a moisture sensing arrangement associated with the irrigation system. The moisture sensing arrangement can in accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter be configured to extend into the medium in the plant container. In some examples, the moisture sensing element extends at the vicinity of the plant roots in the plant container. The moisture sensing arrangement can be in communication with the moisture sensitive substance or deformable element of the irrigation system or the actuator of the irrigation system. Thus, the system is configured in accordance to such examples to be responsive to the level of moisture in the plant housing content.

[0050] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter flow arresting mechanism can be for example a deformable element associated with the water transmitting member, configured to deform such as to open the fluid passage in the transmitting member or at least partially arrest it.

[0051] Deformation of the deformable element may include expansion, contraction, bending, or displacement, depending on material properties and mechanical constraints.

[0052] The deformable element may regulate flow by mechanical interaction with the water transmitting member, including by (i) applying external compression to a conduit, (ii) expanding at least partially within a conduit, (iii) compressing a capillary medium, and / or (iv) displacing or repositioning one or more fluid-transfer segments to arrest or restore fluid communication.

[0053] The deformable element can be external to the water transmitting member and thus for example apply pressure thereto to at least partially arrest the flow or remove pressure to open the passage for the flow. In accordance with another example, the deformable element can extend within the water transmitting member, e.g. extend within a watering pipe. In accordance with this example, the deformation of the element can be at least partial expansion to substantially slow or arrest the flow as desired or in response to the soil requirements, or the deformation can be at least partial shrinking to allow the water flow through the water transmitting member. It will be appreciated that the deformable element can partially extend external to the water transmitting element.

[0054] As used herein, a “swellable” element refers to a sub-category of deformable elements, in which dimensional change occurs at least in part through volumetric expansion and contractionin response to moisture, and does not limit the broader class of deformable elements that may undergo deformation by bending, displacement, compression, or other mechanical transformation.

[0055] In some examples, the control element comprises a deformable element as described above; in other examples, the control element comprises a mechanically actuated element not responsive to moisture.

[0056] The water reservoir, in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, is positioned external to the plant container however it will be appreciated that the reservoir may be part of or inserted into the plant container. In accordance with one example, the plant container - reservoir configurations is that of system described for example in PCT / IL2022 / 050272 by the applicant.

[0057] The arrangement of the plant container and the water reservoir ensures that at least a portion of the water contained within the reservoir is below the top surface of the contents, such as soil, within the plant container, as will be further discussed herein. This configuration allows for controlled water transfer e.g. to the soil, using mechanisms such as capillary action (e.g. wickbased systems), and / or moisture-sensitive elements, and / or rely on hydrostatic pressure.

[0058] The irrigation system can be provided with a deformable moisture sensitive substance like gel, hydrogels, crystal gel, ceramic media, fiber based (e.g. textile), electromagnetic substance, electro-conducting substance or other material or combinations capable of similar function can be used. The moisture sensitive substance is configured to deform in response to the moisture in the content such as soil and can be configured to deform through the moisture sensing arrangement (e.g. expand) or restore it shape (e.g. contract) rapidly due to the absence of moisture in the soil.

[0059] The watering in accordance with the disclosed subject matter can be through a pipe connecting the water reservoir and the plant container, through a capillary action like a watering medium (e.g. wick) or a combination thereof. It will be appreciated that the irrigation system is positioned in accordance with one example outside the plant container. In accordance with another example the irrigation system is positioned within the plant container. The system can function completely autonomously or be provided with various automating arrangements (analog or digital). The system may comprise various valves, plungers, filters and the like to facilitate its functioning.The irrigation system is further provided with ventilation. The ventilation may be passive (one or more openings) or active (e.g., via air flow channels).

[0060] The regulation of fluid transmission by the control element described herein in an example of the disclosed subject matter is not inherently tied to sensed environmental conditions, such as soil moisture levels. Instead, the control element can function autonomously, activated by external forces, such as manual intervention (e.g., a person pressing a button) or other mechanical triggers. This independence allows the mechanism itself to enable and halt fluid transmission, irrespective of the environmental conditions (e.g. moisture or lack of it in the plant content / soil). However, in the case of an analog control element, such as a deformable or moisture-sensitive component, its operation is inherently tied to environmental conditions, relying on physical changes in response to those conditions (e.g., soil moisture) to regulate fluid flow. It will be appreciated that the control element can also be a combination, thus allowing both the controlled regulation and the autonomous, moisture-based regulation.

[0061] Attention is now drawn to the figures providing schematic illustrations of some of the variations of the disclosed subject matter and their exemplary arrangements.

[0062] Fig. A:

[0063] Variation Al : the schematic illustration of the main system component shows the water reservoir 10 is external to the plant container 20 and extends parallel thereto and are in fluid communication (interconnected) through a pipe 30 extending at the bottom portion of the reservoir and the container. The arrangement is provided with the irrigation system 40 extending at the interconnection such that the moisture sensing arrangement 42 extends within the plant container and the control element, such as moisture sensitive element 45, (e.g.. deformable material etc.), is provided adjacent the interconnecting tube and is configured upon deforming, indicative of sufficient moisture / watering in the plant container, to compress the tube, thus arresting the fluid flow (e.g. moving in the direction of the arrow a). Thus a deformable element dynamically regulates water flow by responding to soil moisture levels. The system is provided with ventilation that ensures proper dehydration and rehydration cycles.

[0064] A valve (not shown) can optionally be included in the pipe to provide additional control over water delivery from the reservoir to the plant container.Such an arrangement offers control and flexibility in regulating water flow. It will be appreciated that the system can include further features, including openings for ventilation of the system, housing for the moisture sensitive element, actuators, valves, fdters etc. to ensure proper functioning of the system.

[0065] Sub Figure Al-1 shows a variation of the arrangement in which the watering pipe is externally deformed by an external control element 45. Sub Figure Al-2 illustrates the control element generally identified as 45 being disposed within the water transmitting pipe configured to expand thus arresting the flow and contract to allow fluid flow.

[0066] The deformable element may compress the water transmitting member directly or via an intermediate mechanical housing to arrest or release water flow dynamically (not shown).

[0067] Fig. A2: In this example, the water reservoir 100 is external to the plant container 200 and parallel thereto, and the containers are in fluid communication (interconnected) through a water transfer mechanism 130 which uses a capillary medium such as a wick element 135, which can function at least in the following two configurations:

[0068] (a) A2-1 or 2-2: A continuous capillary medium such as wick 135 disposed within a housing closed to external environmental factors that the moisture sensitive element (e.g. deformable through swelling) is configured to pinch when deforming using the moisture sensing element 137 disposed in the plant container 200 indicating the content has sufficient moisture and thus expand / swell to halt water flow and upon dehydration of the moisture sensing element and of the deformable element (e.g. contracting of the moisture sensitive element) releasing the grip over the wick to allow the fluid to flow from the reservoir to the plant container. In this example the deformable element compresses the wick using a mechanical housing, a plunger or applies pressure directly.

[0069] (b) A2-3: Two connected water transfer medium segments (e.g., wicks or capillary elements) may be mechanically separated by the deformable element. This separation is achieved by raising or displacing portions of the segments (e.g., flaps) to arrest flow creating a switchlike function. With the system being provided with ventilation, when the deformable element deforms, e.g. contracts or the swellable element dehydrates), the watertransferring segments are brought back together and the water flows from the reservoir to the plant container. In such embodiments, arresting of flow is achieved by selective separation of the fluid-transfer segments rather than by compression of a continuous fluid path. When the swellable element changes dimension in response to moisture conditions, the segments are displaced between a separated state and a contacting state to stop and resume water transfer.

[0070] (c) In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the water transmitting member comprises at least two discrete fluid-transfer segments arranged along a fluid path between the water reservoir and the planting medium.

[0071] (d) The fluid-transfer segments are positioned such that fluid continuity between the segments is selectively established or interrupted at an interface region. In a connected state, the segments are in fluid communication, enabling water transfer from the reservoir toward the planting medium, for example by capillary action. In a disconnected state, the segments are physically separated at the interface region, thereby interrupting fluid continuity and arresting water transfer.

[0072] A moisture-responsive control element is operatively associated with at least one of the fluidtransfer segments or with a structure acting on the segments. The swellable element is configured to undergo dimensional change in response to moisture conditions associated with the planting medium.

[0073] For example, expansion of the control element causes relative displacement of the fluid-transfer segments, such that the segments are moved out of fluid communication with one another. Contraction of the control element (e.g. swealable element) permits the segments to move back into fluid communication, thereby restoring water transfer.

[0074] In these embodiments, regulation of irrigation flow is achieved by selectively separating and reconnecting the fluid-transfer segments, rather than by constricting or compressing a continuous fluid path. Accordingly, flow control is effected by breaking and restoring fluid continuity at the interface region between the segments.The fluid-transfer segments may comprise capillary elements, wick portions, porous media, or combinations thereof. The interface region may be defined by a housing, guide structure, or mechanical support configured to maintain alignment of the segments and enable repeatable separation and reconnection.

[0075] Ventilation may be provided to facilitate dehydration and rehydration of the swellable element, thereby supporting reliable cyclic expansion and contraction during operation of the irrigation system.

[0076] Variation Fig. B:

[0077] It will be appreciated that while in the previous examples the irrigation system was external to the plant container, it can be contained in the plant container in its entirety (e.g. as seen in schematic illustration of Fig. B), configured with an arrangement to expose the moisture sensitive element to the ambient air (e.g. for ventilation). The water flow can be as in the examples discussed in variations A, through the fluid communication facilitated through tubing, through capillary medium, or any other suitable method (shown schematically in broken lines). The irrigation system can be disposed along the fluid delivery element (e.g. pipe or along the wick) extending into the plant housing and controlling the irrigation flow in to the content of the plant housing.

[0078] In this example, the moisture-sensitive element is ventilated using one or more passive openings or active air channels to ensure proper dehydration and rehydration cycles within the enclosed system. Ventilation openings may be strategically positioned to align with airflows or environmental factors, while active ventilation may include fans or air pumps integrated into the irrigation system.

[0079] Variation Fig. C:

[0080] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the reservoir and the plant container are arranged such that a lower water level (Hl) of the reservoir is positioned below a top surface level (H3) of the planting medium. This relationship (H1<H3) supports controlled water transfer while enabling the swellable element to regulate flow through the water transmitting member in a stable and repeatable manner across different reservoir placements.In the examples illustrated in Fig. C, the arrangement of the water reservoir relative to the plant container in accordance with the disclosed subject matter is schematically illustrated. The water reservoir is placed substantially parallel and alongside the plant container such that the lower water line (Hl) of the reservoir is positioned below the top, soil line (H3). Thus lower water line Hl is in accordance with this aspect positioned below the soil surface H3 and can extend in some examples (1) below the bottom soil plane (H2) (e.g. Fig. Cl), (2)parallel to bottom plane of the container (H1=H2) (e.g. Fig. C2) and (C3) parallel and above the plant container however with the bottom portion thereof extending below the top plane of the content of the plant container. Thus, in all these configurations H1<H3. The discussed herein examples of the watering variations in Figs A and B can be applied herein with respect to any of the examples C1-C3.

[0081] Variation Fig. D:

[0082] A reservoir 300 is provided in the form of a torus over the plant container 320 and can be embedded at least partially into the soil S (e.g. as discussed with respect to the principles of Variation C). The irrigation control system 350 extends from the reservoir and into the plant container and is in fluid communication between the plant container content and reservoir. In accordance with this example, the irrigation can be through a pipe or water transferring medium, a wick extending from the reservoir, through the control element 350, to deliver water W to the soil S extending thereby. The water reservoir is configured such that the bottom portion of the water system remains below the top plane of the soil. The irrigation system in accordance with the disclosed subject matter can be provided within the water containing reservoir controlling the fluid flow into the reservoir or at the opening into the soil, controlling the flow into the soil medium.

[0083] The disclosed subject matter allows for an adaptable mechanisms. The system supports both pipebased and wick -based water transfer mechanisms, with options for continuous or segmented wicks and integrated valves for enhanced flow control. The system can extend outside the plant container and the soil with only the moisture sensing element being provided therewithin. Alternatively, the system can be partially or fully included within the plant container ( and the soil) and according to some examples provided with the arrangements allowing the ventilation of the water sensitive element and the mechanical arrangement for actuating the dynamic water flow through the water tube / pipe or wick system.Multiple variations ensure flexibility to suit different plant setups, spatial constraints, and environmental conditions.

[0084] While various aspects and embodiments are being disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments, various additions, modifications, and substitutions may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosed invention and are being contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.

[0085] In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed subject matter may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Additionally, numerous variations in the methods and processes described herein may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. One skilled in the art will further appreciate that the embodiments may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and components, depending on specific environments and operational requirements, without departing from the principles described herein.

[0086] The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered illustrative and not restrictive. The claims appended should be construed broadly to include other variants and embodiments of the disclosure, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An irrigation system for plants, comprising:a plant container comprising a planting medium;a water reservoir;a water transmitting member configured to transfer water from the reservoir toward the planting medium; anda deformable element operatively associated with the water transmitting member,wherein the deformable element is configured to undergo dimensional change in response to moisture conditions associated with the planting medium and thereby regulate water flow through the water transmitting member.

2. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the water reservoir is positioned such that a lower water level of the reservoir is below a top surface of the planting medium within the plant container.

3. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the water transmitting member comprises at least two fluid-transfer segments, and wherein the deformable element is configured to regulate water flow by selectively separating and reconnecting the at least two fluid-transfer segments.

4. The irrigation system of claim 1 , wherein the water transmitting member comprises a conduit, and wherein the deformable element is configured to apply external compression to the conduit to restrict water flow.

5. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the deformable element extends at least partially within a conduit and is configured to expand within the conduit to restrict water flow.

6. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the water transmitting member comprises a capillary medium.

7. The irrigation system of claim 6, wherein the deformable element is configured to compress the capillary medium to arrest water transfer.

8. The irrigation system of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a moisture sensing arrangement extending into the planting medium and configured to communicate moisture conditions to the deformable element.

9. The irrigation system of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising ventilation configured to facilitate dehydration and rehydration of the deformable element.

10. The irrigation system of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the reservoir is external to and extends alongside the plant container.

11. The irrigation system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the reservoir is at least partially embedded in the planting medium and comprises a toroidal reservoir surrounding an upper region of the plant container.

12. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the dimensional change of the deformable element comprises at least one of expansion, contraction, bending, or displacement.

13. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the deformable element is positioned outside the planting medium and is operatively coupled to the planting medium via the moisture sensing arrangement.

14. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the deformable element is at least partially enclosed within a housing configured to guide deformation of the deformable element.

15. The irrigation system of claim 1 , wherein the water transmitting member is normally open in a low-moisture condition and restricted in a high-moisture condition.

16. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein regulation of water flow is achieved without electrical power or electronic control.

17. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the deformable element is configured to repeatedly deform and recover in response to cyclic moisture changes during use.

18. The irrigation system of claim 3, wherein the fluid-transfer segments comprise capillary elements.

19. The irrigation system of claim 3, further comprising a guide structure configured to maintain alignment of the fluid-transfer segments during separation and reconnection.

20. The irrigation system of claim 3, wherein separation of the fluid-transfer segments substantially prevents water transfer and reconnection substantially restores water transfer.

21. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the water transmitting member comprises a combination of a conduit and a capillary medium.

22. The irrigation system of claim 1, wherein water transfer from the reservoir toward the planting medium is assisted by gravity in combination with capillary action.

23. An irrigation system for plants, comprising:a plant container comprising a planting medium;a water reservoir;a water transmitting member configured to transfer water from the reservoir toward the planting medium; anda control element operatively associated with the water transmitting member,wherein the control element is configured to dynamically regulate and meter the flow of water based on one or more of:a) a moisture level within the planting medium; orb) an external actuation force independent of the moisture level within the planting medium.

24. The irrigation system of claim 23, wherein the water reservoir is positioned such that at least a portion of the water contained therein is below a top surface of the planting medium.

25. The irrigation system of claim 23, wherein the irrigation system is configured to operate autonomously or with manual or remote intervention.

26. The irrigation system of claim 23, wherein the intervention is analog or digital.

27. A method for irrigating plants, comprising:providing a plant container comprising a planting medium;providing a water reservoir;transferring water from the water reservoir toward the planting medium via a water transmitting member; andregulating water flow through the water transmitting member by a deformable element operatively associated with the water transmitting member,wherein the deformable element undergoes dimensional change in response to moisture conditions associated with the planting medium.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the water reservoir is positioned such that a lower water level of the reservoir is below a top surface of the planting medium within the plant container.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the water transmitting member comprises at least two fluidtransfer segments, and wherein regulating water flow comprises selectively separating and reconnecting the fluid-transfer segments using the deformable element.

30. A method for irrigating plants, comprising:providing a plant container comprising a planting medium;providing a water reservoir;transferring water from the water reservoir toward the planting medium via a water transmitting member; anddynamically regulating and metering water flow through the water transmitting member using a control element operatively associated with the water transmitting member,wherein regulating and metering water flow is performed based on one or more of:a) a moisture level within the planting medium; orb) an external actuation force independent of the moisture level within the planting medium.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the water reservoir is positioned such that at least a portion of the water contained therein is below a top surface of the planting medium.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein the method is performed autonomously.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein the intervention is analog or digital.

34. The method of claim 30, wherein metering water flow comprises controlled modulation of flow rate, partial restriction, staged opening, intermittent flow, or repeated opening and closing cycles.

Images