Wick Irrigation for plants - Minimize water use, maximize long term plant survival on remote sites.

Wick Irrigation. How to minimize water use for plant crops, minimize weeds, and maximize long term survival on remote sites by David A. Bainbridge (Restoration Ecologist).
Advantages of using wicks (nylon ropes), such as low cost, durability, very low water use, no moving parts, less animal damage, promoting root extensions.
Capillary (no control valve needed) or gravity fed wicks (with higher flow rates) may need adjustable clamp for adjusting the flow rate (lower early in the plant's life, and less constricted as the plant grows). Some plants can have capillary wicks such as oregano, and some will need the higher gravity flow wicks.
How to test and compare your wicks. David shows various test setups including successful desert field tests at the Salton Sea and shares the results using several plants. And also shows what works, and what doesn't work using various tests. A few other similar methods such as capillary mats beneath container plants that are used in some nurseries, and product being sold commercially are also compared with the wick irrigation method.
What types of tools and hardware to get, and where to get them (mostly can purchase at your hardware store). What size containers, such as jugs and bottles to use. How to drive the wicks into the soil, depending on what type of soil you have.
Make sure the wicks are washed before use.
Thanks to Laurie, John Rieger, Pam Beare, Ross Virginia. And Scott Murray farm adviser. Mike Evans at the Tree of Life Nursery for test plots.
To learn more about Gardening with Less Water, you can get the book and support us using amzn.to/3tW7Xs0
And check out A Guide for Desert and Dryland Restoration 2007 amzn.to/3bzG56L

[@MurrayMD]

I have a water wicking system for a set of pockets on a vertical planter, and that nylon sleeve with the hose clamp seems like a great way to regulate the water flow. Thanks for that, and all the best in your future endeavors!

[@SpeedoKeto]

Really helpful talk, thanks for posting!

[@user-vf9tk3oq9j]

thanks I studied pitcher irrigation and got very good results

[@lilmissbeats]

Very interesting! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and research!

[@lucasblizzard7261]

Seep well water wicking is what I dreamed up that brought me here

[@unmeaninglessly143]

1:54 i was searching for this. Thanks!

[@binhminh417]

Thank you!

[@Mr3c2b1a]

Fantastic, well researched too

[@Road2]

Thank you!

[@williammaurer9450]

Nice job! Great idea, go for it! I've been thinking about a wick ladder to raise water instead of pumping it. Thoughts?

[@NinjaRastaMon]

This is a great study thanks. I was thinking of a similar setup so far lacking a valve or regulator knowing I need gravity feed. The clamp is great, hoping its enough control to prevent too much. You could also try a Thinking of applying it just as top irrigation for no till organic top dressed gardens or pots, needing to mimic rain direction, nature. Would a ring or spiral on the top work, or would it be better to run thinner but multiple lines? How long can the flex tubes run from the supply tank and are they able to run along the ground to a pot or remain at top soil level? Setting up ideal flow rates for container size. Could also put a shim in the clamp or use two flat brackets with screws for a better pinch. Adjusting and measuring the bucket over time is the fun part I guess. Thanks for the help getting started, hope to see more or contribute

[@pallettime]

I live in brisbane Australia its very hit here in summer, any tips on keeping the water from going stagnant? I use a bucket with cotton wicking coming through the pot with dirt into the bucket of water

[@amoreyjones565]

Can nutrients be wicked from the container?

[@nts9]

Good ideas, I’m working on developing a water saving method, you might find my latest video useful, it includes wicking.