Tree Plantation & Traditional Micro Irrigation

While living in Punjab ( Ludhiana) I frequently used to drive around the country side to witness the beauty of Punjab either green crops, plantations and canals. One typical photograph taken from media speaks a lot about the plantation success. To my thinking it is important to plat trees, but extremely important to ensure that they survive and grow. One of the most critical barrier as I see is the harsh months from March to time monsoon sets in. There is need to take care at-least once in a while so that survival rate is almost 100 percent or high.

During childhood , while on holidays to frequently I use to accompany my grandfather to his orchids. In his farm, I had noticed that an earthen pitcher , was placed next to trees & covered with some tile. Grandfather had explained me that the pot has tiny holes, where cotton thread wick were placed. When dry the water is to flow down the earth surrounding plants. thus the water used to be enough for 7 to 10 days. the Idea is explained in a sketch below:

“Self-Watering” Irrigation System

• An unglazed earthen pot has minute pores, permitting water to percolate to soil when it is dry . so, water supply is controlled
• When soil dries off , once again the water seeps into soil
• When installed in proximity to plants, the roots proliferate around the moist earthen jars, intercepting the water before it can move through the soil, resulting in almost 100% of applied irrigation water being absorbed by the plants.
• Evaporation loses are minimum. Even the soil may be mulched.

Benefits of this system?

• The earthen pots are buried into the soil and covered up till their necks which ensures that water is released into the soil, and not above. This reduces evaporation and unnecessary water run-offs.
• Besides reduced water requirements, earthen pot irrigation system offers a respite for frequent irrigation requirement in dry, hot climates.
• Risks of over-watering leading to root rotting & potential fungal infections eliminated or reduced. T
• Roots are encouraged deep down around the pitcher, which is desirable
• Earthen clay pots are bio-degradable & a very low-carbon footprint. also employment to the community
• Affordable, durable, easily accessible and available in various shapes & sizes to suit one’s

Tree Plantation Drive has generated enough momentum in all parts of the country . As a next step we may consider planting a pitcher or Indian Earthen pot , an age old Micro Irrigation Technique. If required, pitcher may be replaced by plastic bottle of sufficient capacity. In doing so , we would encourage reuse of plastic containers such as cooking oil and reduce waste.