Drip irrigation pipes (see diagram 1) deliver water to the sides and middle of the specially designed three-layered Ebb & Flow System (see diagram 2). This water is then evenly and rapidly distributed by mass flow and capillary action throughout the system using the mat's central layer of non-woven geotextile.
The bottom impervious layer contains the water to avoid leakage, whilst the top layer of ground mat both protects the geotextile and minimises loss of water to the air.
Diagram 1
Diagram 2
When pots or trays are placed on the mat, the downward pressure brings water through the ground cover and into contact with the pots, causing water to rise into contact with media at the bottom and side vents. Capillary action then takes the water to the root zone of plants. The top surface of media remains dry for all or most of the time, inhibiting growth of weeds and algae.
When irrigation is turned off, drainage begins, and pots are rapidly returned to a favourable air filled porosity. The pots do not sit in a puddle of water in between irrigations.
The Nursery System is suitable for plants contained in plug trays or pots up to 20 litres (16" pots) capacity.
