Background
Water problems in agriculture are challenges related to the availability, quality, and management of valuable water resources. These issues include drought, over irrigation, groundwater depletion and polution, as well as climate change impacts. They can hinder crop growth, reduce yields and impact global food security.
GROWSTREAM™ IS THE WORLD'S FIRST AND ONLY IRRIGATION AND FERTIGATION SYSTEM THAT ALLOWS PLANTS TO SELF-REGULATE THEIR OWN WATER DELIVERY.
- 30%+ more effective that conventional drip systems
- 50%+ more efficient than sprinklers
- 70%+ more efficient than pivot
- 90%+ more efficient than flood
- 50%+ less fertiliser
The Problem
Water is essential for agriculture, but it also poses many challenges and problems for farmers. Some of the common problems that farmers have with water are:
- Water scarcity: Water scarcity is the lack of sufficient water to meet the needs of agriculture and other sectors. Water scarcity can be caused by drought, climate change, overuse, pollution, and poor management of water resources. Water scarcity can affect crop growth, yield, quality, and food security.
- Water quality: Water quality is the degree to which water is suitable for a specific use, such as irrigation, drinking, or ecosystem health. Water quality can be affected by natural factors, such as salinity, acidity, and sediment, or human factors, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and industrial waste. Poor water quality can harm crops, soil, livestock, and human health.
- Water management: Water management is the planning, development, allocation, and regulation of water resources for various purposes, such as agriculture, industry, domestic use, and environmental protection. Water management can involve technical, economic, social, and institutional aspects, such as irrigation systems, water pricing, water rights, water governance, and water conflicts. Water management can be challenging due to the complexity, uncertainty, and variability of water systems, as well as the competing and conflicting interests of different water users and stakeholders.
Whilst these are some of the main challenges that farmers face with water, there may be others depending on the specific context and situation of each farmer. Water is a vital and valuable resource for agriculture, but it also requires careful and sustainable use and management.
The Solution
1
Root Signals
Underneath the exterior, plants have a highly active existence. They release various natural chemical signals into the root zone, known as the rhizosphere.
A significant role of these root exudates is to absorb water and nutrients. By emitting exudates that vary based on environmental factors like temperature, wind, and rain, plants can continually adjust and thrive by absorbing what they need from the surrounding soil.
GrowStream™ leverages knowledge of plant physiology and organic chemistry to establish a mutually beneficial connection between plant roots, soil, and water.
2
Growstream Responds To Plant Signals
The GrowStream™ Tube is made up of numerous micropores distributed evenly along its surface, eliminating the need for spaced emission openings.
When roots exude substances, the GrowStream™ Tube responds by opening its micropores in the corresponding area and interacts with the plants by releasing water and nutrients until they cease emitting these substances.
This system delivers water at a controlled rate that matches the absorption capacity of the roots, making it a precise irrigation system.
3
Advanced Irrigation & Fertigation
The water and nutrient requirements of plant roots are influenced by factors such as plant variety, growth stages, development, and weather conditions.
Due to plants regulating their own consumption, the irrigation flow rates vary.
The Growstream™ tube operates automatically 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at a low pressure of 2 psi = 0.14 bar, similar to an underground reservoir. The RDI patents provide scientific support for the Growstream™ technology and its delivery process based on plant exudates.
SIMPLE TO INSTALL
- The system is easy to install and operate
- No root intrusion, strangulation or scheduling required
- Low maintenance, durable and long life
LESS WATER & FERTILIZER
- 30%+ more effective than other drip
- 50%+ more efficient than sprinkler
- 70%+ more efficient than pivot
- 90%+ more efficient than flood
- 50%+ less fertiliser
BETTER RESULTS
- Increase yields - grow more with less
- Significantly reduce water consumption
- Eliminate or significantly reduce energy consumption
- Halve fertiliser requirements
- Optimise Plant Health
- Reduce or eliminate disease
- Regenerate Soils
- Sequester Carbon
NATURE-DRIVEN
The release of water from the system is self regulated by the plants themselves according to their own dynamic and specific requirements.
The system is agnostic and thus enables a variety of plant types to be irrigated in the same zone.
SUSTAINABLE
The system has the highest rate of water utilisation efficiency. Amount of water required is reduced to its minimum and being utilised to its maximum potential.
It can handle poor water quality, high salts and recycled water negating the need for additional treatment and providing access to previously unusable water resources.
URBAN SOLUTION
Mitigating the Urban Heat Island phenomenon through the preservation or expansion of green areas within urban environments and averts fertilizer runoff into storm drains and water sources.