Capillarigation is an irrigation system that capitalizes on the capillary principle. It uses capillary wicks instead of drippers used in drip irrigation system.
In capillarigation, a stable supply of water is provided within the plants’ root zone, making water (as well as the nutrients mixed with it) always available to the plants.
“To come up with cost- and water-efficient way of irrigating plants is our main goal in this project,” says PhilRice Scientist Dr. Ricardo F. Orge.
Dr. Orge explains unlike in drip irrigation system where there is still possibility of under/overirrigation as a result of miscalculation, capillarigation eliminates the possibility of water loss due to leaks and filtration.
Initial field tests on capillarigation have thus far shown promising results. Identified favorable features include very low operating pressure, no water filtration needed, automatic subsurface application of water, and less supervision once installed.
If you would like to exchange notes with Dr. Orge, you may send him an email: prri@mail.philrice.gov.ph.
