U.S. patent application number 12/681305 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-23 for flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film.
Invention is credited to Carol Nicole Garcia De Alba Flores, Ian Jorge Garcia de Alba Flores, Poi Andre Garcia De Alba Flores.
Application Number | 20100239372 12/681305 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40336176 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100239372 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Garcia de Alba Flores; Ian Jorge ;
et al. |
September 23, 2010 |
FLOOD IRRIGATION SYSTEM BY CHANNELS USING PLASTIC FILM
Abstract
The invention refers to a flood or gravity irrigation system by
channels using plastic film that aims to make water consumption
more efficient and reduce the loss of water from filtration;
characterized by the use of plastic film with the width necessary
to form a transport channel for a flow of flood irrigation water
between furrows, and long enough to cover the length of the
furrows; said film includes along its entire length, distributed
equidistantly or not, a large amount of perforations and/or
frangible sections defined by tapering lines or by a succession of
small perforations or cuts that create different shapes, which can
be removed to create successive, alternating, or discontinuous
perforations in the film, through which water is distributed to the
root system of the crops, according to the type of crop and the
required amounts of water. Said plastic film is installed manually
or with a machine in the valleys made between the furrows, creating
a transport channel for irrigation water and with its side edges
buried in the sides of the furrow, completely covering the valleys
and part of the sides of the furrow.
Inventors: |
Garcia de Alba Flores; Ian
Jorge; (Jalisco, MX) ; Garcia De Alba Flores; Carol
Nicole; (Jalisco, MX) ; Garcia De Alba Flores; Poi
Andre; (Jalisco, MX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEINS & ASSOCIATES
2333 CAMINO DEL RIO SOUTH, SUITE 120
SAN DIEGO
CA
92108
US
|
Family ID: |
40336176 |
Appl. No.: |
12/681305 |
Filed: |
November 27, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
November 27, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/MX07/00143 |
371 Date: |
April 1, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
405/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 13/0275 20130101;
A01G 29/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/43 |
International
Class: |
E02B 11/00 20060101
E02B011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 2, 2007 |
MX |
MX/A/2007/012241 |
Claims
1. A flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film with
perforations and/or frangible sections defined by tapering lines or
by a succession of small perforations or cuts that upon being
removed define perforations, wherein said plastic film has the
necessary width to be installed in the furrows of the cultivated
land and form an open channel that covers the entire valleys and
part of the sides of the furrows, leaving the ridge of the furrow
exposed where the plants are grown, and through which the flow of
flood irrigation water is guided; where said perforations or
frangible sections that upon detaching create perforations and
permit the distribution of water with or without fertilizers,
herbicides, and/or other chemical products dissolved in it directly
to the root system of the plants; said perforations or frangible
strips, distributed equidistantly or not, and in successive,
alternating, or discontinuous patterns, and located at the center
of the cross section of the film, in areas close to the sides,
either alternating between the two positions or randomly, so that
water distribution is uniform, with the required amount depending
on the type of crop; said film is installed manually or with a
machine, in which the side edges of the plastic film are buried or
pressed into the sides of the furrows, with the edges of said film
being buried up to 2 cm to 5 cm to be secured in the ground.
2. The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in
accordance with claim 1, wherein the width of the plastic film is
dependent upon the distance that exists between furrows in each
plot, with enough space to create the shape of the channel that
will permit water to pass over the plastic film.
3. The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in
accordance with claim 1, wherein said perforations and/or frangible
sections that come off to create perforations, have a circular
shape with a diameter that ranges from 1 to 3.5 inches, preferably
2 inches.
4. The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in
accordance with claim 1, wherein the distance of separation between
said perforations and/or frangible sections that come off to create
perforations, is between 20 cm and 50 cm, with an optimal distance
between perforations of 30 cm.
5. The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in
accordance with claim 1, wherein the thickness of the film is in a
range of 50 gauges (12.5 microns) to 125 gauges (31.25 microns),
and preferably is 80 gauges (20 microns).
6. The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in
accordance with claim 1, wherein said machine for installing the
plastic film consists of an attachment that is mounted to a
tractor, where the rolls of plastic film are installed crosswise,
with a mechanism of side wheels that turn to unroll the film and a
mechanism of disks mounted laterally that press the side edges of
the plastic film against the furrow, burying the edges in the sides
of the furrows.
7. The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in
accordance with the claim 1, wherein said plastic film includes one
exterior exposed side and one side that faces the ground, both
black in color.
8. The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in
accordance with the claim 7, wherein said exterior side has a
reflective color for the reflection of light that keeps the light
spectrum in a range to ward off organisms that are harmful to crops
and stimulate the light fertilization of plants, with the opposite
side being black in color to prevent sun rays from passing through
to the soil, preventing the growth of weeds and stimulating an
increase in soil temperature.
9. The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in
accordance with claim 1, wherein at the end of each furrow, said
plastic film forms a small reservoir or containment barrier at the
ends of the furrows to allow water to be held and completely
absorbed.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is related to agriculture in general,
and in particular it is related to the methods and irrigation
systems for different agricultural crops. More specifically, it is
related to an innovative flood or gravity flow irrigation system by
channels using plastic film that seeks to make the consumption of
water more efficient and reduce the loss of water through
filtration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Currently, there are different agricultural irrigation
systems that have the main objective of bringing water to the soil
and mainly to the root system of cultivated plants, so that they
have the supply necessary for their growth and development. The
most well-known methods are gravity flow or flood irrigation,
sprinkler irrigation, and drip irrigation.
[0003] In the gravity flow or flood system, the water is moved by
gravity, meaning that the water flows down the slope of the furrows
and does not require extra energy to be moved. The quality of
irrigation depends on the systemization of the land from the
beginning, and therefore it is very important to have a good slope
in the plot to be irrigated, as well as create adequately designed
furrows, particularly related to their orientation and length.
[0004] The most traditional flood or gravity flow irrigation system
consists of sending the water through channels that guide the water
to the cultivated plots, where it is then supplied to the channels
perpendicular to the furrows which distribute the water to the
upper ends of the plot furrows. From there, the water is
distributed to the furrows, and then flows by gravity following the
slope of the land until it finally arrives at the end of each
furrow, soaking the troughs of the furrows on its way.
[0005] In one of the modalities of this system, a supply main
(hoses, PVC or aluminum pipes, etc.) located at the end of the
furrows is used, and nozzles, valves, and openings pour water onto
the furrows, a process which aims to avoid the loss of water on its
way to the plots.
[0006] In this system the water runs the entire length of the
furrows until their ends, thereby irrigating the entire surface. It
is an inexpensive system, however, the waste of water and the
non-uniformity of the soil irrigation does not permit an even
productivity throughout the land.
[0007] The aforementioned gravity flow or flood irrigation systems
represent the most inexpensive systems in terms of installation,
because they only require that the water be allowed to run down the
furrows. The problem is that there is non-uniformity of irrigation
for all of the crops; the first plants receive large amounts of
water and the plants toward the end of the rows receive almost
none. Another important problem presented by this system is that a
large amount of water used is because the channel must be filled up
to its far end. Furthermore, this type of irrigation must be
carried out several times during the agricultural cycle, which
increases the consumption, and consequently the high loss of water
from filtration.
[0008] Additionally, a non-uniform distribution of water throughout
the land has an even bigger impact when considering the use of
fertilizers and herbicides, etc.
[0009] Moreover, each irrigation application requires labor, which
in the end elevates the cost per farming hectare; and when there is
not a stream or river nearby, bringing water to the channels at the
beginning of each furrow represents a significant electric expense
since this is carried out using pumps.
[0010] Moistening the entire surface of the channel as well as the
ridge of the furrow promotes the growth of weeds, and the system
does not allow for a modification in soil temperature or the
retention of moisture for the plants, since the moisture is lost
easily to evaporation.
[0011] Another disadvantage of such a system is that it does not
stimulate the growth of the plant by reflecting light or prevent
the attack of organisms that are harmful to crops.
[0012] In the sprinkler irrigation system, the water is applied to
the soil in the form of rain, using devices to emit water called
sprinklers that generate a stream of water in the form of a spray.
The water comes out of pressurized sprinklers and it gets there
through a network of tubes with a complexity and length that depend
on the dimensions and configuration of the plot being irrigated.
One of the fundamental characteristics of this system is that a
pump system is required in order to develop the necessary elevated
pressure to get the water to the plots needing irrigation.
[0013] With sprinkler irrigation, it is expensive to acquire all of
the equipment necessary, and the level of evaporation is very high
(moisture is not retained) which is why it is necessary to irrigate
many times during the agricultural cycle, causing an excessive use
of water and electrical energy.
[0014] Other inconveniences of said irrigation system are that it
does not control the growth of weeds, change the temperature of the
soil, retain moisture for the plants, stimulate the growth of the
plant by reflecting light, or ward off aphids or other organisms
that are harmful to plants. The drip irrigation system does not
apply water to and entire area of soil, but rather only to a
specific area. Just like with sprinkler irrigation, the water is
circulated by pressure through a system of tubes extended over the
surface of the soil or buried in it, finally coming out of
irrigation emitters integrated in the tubes with little or no
pressure through openings which are generally small in size.
[0015] In these systems it is necessary to have a pump system which
provides pressure to move the water, as well as particular elements
of filtration and water treatment before the water is circulated
through the network of tubes. These are used to avoid blocks in the
emitters caused by the accumulation of salts, one of the most
frequent problems. These elements are installed at the exit of the
pumps in the designated end of irrigation. A precise design, a
large investment in equipment, and meticulous maintenance are
required, resulting in a costly process that can only be taken on
with crops of high commercial value.
[0016] When using drip irrigation, there is a risk that the
emitters can become blocked, and when this problem exists, that
area is left without water dosage, causing those plants to die;
such a problem is created when applying the irrigation with water
filtration and incorporating chemicals like fertilizers using these
systems. If an animal bites the tube, the entire furrow is left
without water as well as the entire area that depends on the flow
from that furrow or tube.
[0017] Other inconveniences of this system are that it requires
very costly equipment and a large amount of electrical energy.
Furthermore, it does not permit the growth of weeds, change the
temperature of the soil, retain moisture for the plants, or
stimulate the growth of the plant by reflecting light. It also does
not ward off aphids or other organisms that are harmful to
plants.
[0018] The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film
was developed in response to the inconveniences described above,
and to the fact that agricultural activity requires more and more
technological innovations to provide better profitability and
cost-benefit ratio, and moreover, the considerable conservation of
water for the risks to agricultural crops that permits a
sustainable management of resources using only the optimal volume
needed to produce crops.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The main objective of the present invention is to provide an
innovative flood irrigation system by channel using plastic film
that achieves an efficient use and management of water in the
optimal quantities for risks to the different agricultural crops
without the loss from evaporation or filtration, which is also easy
to install.
[0020] Another objective of the invention is to permit said flood
irrigation system by channel using plastic film to be economical in
terms of production, sale, and installation.
[0021] One more objective of the invention is to make said flood
irrigation system by channel using plastic film available, in order
to also permit an increase in the production of plants and fruits
per hectare in agricultural crops.
[0022] Another objective is to permit said flood irrigation system
by channel using plastic film to also reduce the consumption of
water used for irrigation by up to one third, compared to the
traditional form of flood irrigation.
[0023] Furthermore, another objective of the invention is to permit
said flood system of irrigation by channel using plastic film to
maintain moisture in the soil for a prolonged time, which offers an
atmosphere that is more favorable for growth and development of the
plants.
[0024] Another objective of the invention is to make available said
flood system of irrigation by channel using plastic film which will
also allow a modification in the temperature of the soil, creating
more favorable conditions for plant development.
[0025] Another objective of the flood system of irrigation by
channel using plastic film is to avoid soil erosion and degradation
and to conserve healthier soil.
[0026] Still another objective of the invention is to provide said
flood system of irrigation by channel using plastic film, which
will also permit the control of weed growth by preventing sunlight
from passing through the surface where the film is located, leaving
all soil nutrients for the cultivated plants.
[0027] Yet another objective of the invention is to make available
said flood system of irrigation by channel using plastic film,
which permits the application and distribution of fertilizers and
herbicides diluted in the water that passes through said channel
with plastic film, which implies significant savings and makes the
process more effective.
[0028] Still another objective of the invention is to permit said
flood irrigation system by channel using plastic film, to also
stimulate light fertilization of the plants and prevent the attack
of harmful organism (such as aphids) using reflective colors on the
plastic film which repel them, in cases where the film has
reflective colors.
[0029] Yet another objective of the invention is to make available
said flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, which
will also imply a significant savings on fertilizers, herbicides,
water, energy, and labor.
[0030] And all of these qualities and objectives will become
apparent upon carrying out a general and detailed description of
the present invention, and will be supported by the modalities
illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] In general, the flood irrigation system by channel using
plastic film, in accordance with the present invention, consists of
a plastic film wide enough to form a channel to transport water for
flood irrigation and long enough to cover part or all of the Length
of the furrows in cultivated plots. Along its entire length, said
film includes, distributed equidistantly or not, a large number of
perforations and/or frangible sections defined by tapering lines or
by a succession of small perforations or cuts that form diverse
shapes, which are removable to create successive, alternating, or
discontinuous perforations through which the water is distributed
to the root system of the crops, according to the type of crop and
the amount of water it requires. Said plastic film is installed in
the valleys formed by the furrows, generating a channel for
transporting irrigation water and having its lateral edges buried
in the sides or grooves of the furrow, completely covering the
valleys and part of the sides of the furrow, with the cultivated
plants on the ridge of the furrow.
[0032] The film should be buried along its edges in the sides of
the furrows and the amount that is buried depends upon the type of
soil; although it is preferably between 2 cm. and 5 cm., with an
optimal width on each side of 3 cm., which will assure that the
plastic does not become unburied and also that it will be easy to
remove at the end of the crop cycle.
[0033] The large amount of perforations and/or frangible sections
that are removable to create perforations through the film are
provided to distribute the water to the land directly to the root
system of the cultivated plants, so that the land is moistened
uniformly.
[0034] The large amount of perforations and/or frangible sections
that are removable to create perforations through the film can be
of several shapes including circles, polygons, irregulars, ovals,
or other diverse forms.
[0035] The large amount of perforations and/or frangible sections
that are removable to create perforations through the film have a
circular shape, with a diameter ranging between 1 and 3.5 inches,
preferably 2 inches; the distance of separation in this version
ranges from 20 cm and 50 cm. with an optimal distance between
perforations of 30 cm.; in the case of the frangible sections that
are removable to create perforations through the film, the farmer
defines the distance of separation between perforations. The
dimensions indicated are only one example that is presented with
the plastic film, so the dimensions can vary according to the
amount of water that is desired to flow through depending on the
type of soil, crop, and its water requirements.
[0036] The width of the plastic film is in accordance with the
distance between the furrows of each plot, with enough room to
create a shape for the channel the permits water to pass over the
plastic film.
[0037] The thickness of the film also depends on the land to which
it is applied, and can range from 50 gauges (12.5 microns) to 125
gauges (31.25 microns), having an optimal thickness of 80 gauges
(20 microns), although the thickness can vary according to the type
of texture and structure of the soil, and the volume of water to
transport, to avoid tearing. This results in a plastic film with
sufficient resistance and durability for different types of
terrain, or different films according to the type of terrain to
which it will be applied.
[0038] In the version wherein the plastic film includes frangible
sections that are removable to create perforations through the
film, once the film is installed, the farmers can remove the
frangible sections continuously, discontinuously, or in
alternation, according to the irrigation needs and the type of
crop, so that the required amount of water can be regulated.
[0039] The large amount of perforations and/or frangible sections
that come are removable to create perforations through the film
along the entire length of the plastic film can be made at the
center of the transverse section of the film, in areas close to the
sides, alternating between the two positions, or randomly. Although
in the preferred embodiment of the invention the perforations are
made in the center of the transverse section to allow the
distribution of water in equal parts between the adjacent furrows
to arrive to the root system of the plants in the adjacent
furrows.
[0040] Said plastic film is preferably manufactured from low
density linear polyethylene with different colored pigments,
according to the type of application that is required. Other
materials and diverse compositions can be used to generate the
plastic film, which can be biodegradable or long-term; but they
should preferably be resistant to sunlight, chemical fertilizers,
herbicides and chemicals used in agriculture, for a prolonged
period of time.
[0041] In one of the embodiments, the plastic film includes a white
color, aluminum, or another color that can reflect light from the
exposed exterior surface that faces the soil, and the opposite
surface that faces the soil is a black color that prevents sun rays
from passing through to the soil to avoid the growth of weeds and
cause an increase in soil temperature; at the same time it permits
the reflection of light so that it remains in a range that wards
off organisms that are harmful to crops while stimulating the fight
fertilization of the plants. As is known, the frequency of PAR
light waves (photosynthetically active radiation) is in the range
of 400 to 700 nanometers (nm) of the solar spectrum, which
stimulates the growth of the plant while at the same time helping
to control aphids, decreasing problems with viral infections.
[0042] The plastic film is preferably in place throughout the
entire agricultural crop cycle so that irrigation can take place
several times, and it is removed manually or with machinery to be
recycled.
[0043] The land is prepared making furrows with a slope that
permits the smooth transportation of water by gravity along the
entire length of the channel or valley of the furrow, distributing
the water from the highest end of the furrow.
[0044] The water may arrive at the furrows from rivers, streams,
lakes, deep wells, reservoirs, or any other body of water
available, using drains, open channels, tubes, and/or hoses.
[0045] Fertilizers and chemical products can be applied at the same
time, dissolved in the irrigation water.
[0046] Once the water passes through the openings, the moisture is
maintained in the soil for long periods of time since the film
keeps it this way.
[0047] Among other advantages presented by the use and application
of plastic film for the covering and shaping of the channels to
transport flood irrigation by gravity to the crops as has been
described, the following are mentioned:
[0048] The distributing of water to the root system of the crops is
adequate and reliable since the perforations never become blocked
and the water arrives to all the plants.
[0049] It is by means of a channel that the water flows and there
is no need to use pumps; by simply opening a waterway, the
irrigation channel is filled with water.
[0050] One irrigation application is enough to take the place of 3
or 4 of the prior water applications (depending on the crop); a
third less water is used.
[0051] The application of fertilizers, herbicides, etc., to the
crop is much less because it is uniform to all of the plants and
goes directly to the root zone. Fertilizers, herbicides, and other
chemical products can be dissolved in the water and are applied
using the same channel formed by the plastic film. The savings in
this case is considerable, because the application is much more
effective and reduces the quantities needed, resulting in savings
that can reach from 40% to 50%.
[0052] Electrical energy saving are very large; motors and pumps
are not needed to provide pressure for the application of water.
Electrical energy for pumps is only necessary in those cases where
water must be brought to the land, so the expense for electrical
energy is approximately one-third of what other systems
require.
[0053] It controls the growth of weeds by not allowing light to
pass through to the soil, leaving all soil nutrients for the
cultivated plants.
[0054] It modifies the temperature of the soil; depending on the
color of the plastic, the temperature can be modified according to
the needs of the land.
[0055] The plastic maintains the temperature of the soil, creating
a favorable environment for optimal development of the plants.
[0056] In cases where the plastic has reflective colors, the
irrigation can also be used to reflect sunlight at a certain
wavelength so as to ward off aphids and other organisms that are
harmful to plants; the reflection of the plastic aids in the light
fertilization of the plants.
[0057] The film can be installed manually or with a machine which
consists of an attachment mounted to a tractor where the rolls of
plastic film are mounted and then unrolled using a mechanism of
lateral disks or wheels that press the side edges of the plastic
film against the furrow, burying the edges in the furrow.
[0058] At the end of the furrow a small reservoir can be made with
the plastic film so that the water can be held and absorbed.
[0059] To better understand the characteristics of the invention,
drawings accompany the present description as an integral part of
it, that are illustrative but not limited as such, which are
described as follows:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0060] FIG. 1 shows a view of the plant from a portion of the
plastic film for the flood irrigation system by channels using
plastic film, which is installed in the valleys or channels between
furrows.
[0061] FIG. 2 shows a view of a plant in a portion of the plastic
film that includes frangible sections that come off to create
perforations.
[0062] FIG. 3 shows a conventional perspective of the plastic film
for a flood irrigation system by channels in the furrows of the
cultivated plots, illustrating its installation using a machine
installed on a tractor.
[0063] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of a cultivated plot with the
plastic film installed in the valleys or channels between furrows
for the distribution of water to the root system.
[0064] For a better understanding of the invention, a detailed
description of some of its modalities will be made, shown in the
drawing attached to the present description that are illustrative
but not limited as such.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0065] The details characteristic of the flood irrigation system by
channels with plastic film are clearly illustrated in the following
description and in the included illustrative drawings which use
reference symbols to indicate the parts.
[0066] FIG. 1 shows a view of a plant from a portion of plastic
film for the flood irrigation system by channel with plastic film
that is installed in the valleys or channels between furrows, in
one of the preferred modalities. in said figure, the plastic film 1
has the necessary width to form a channel to transport flood
irrigation water and the necessary length to cover part or all of
the length of the furrows in the cultivated plot; said plastic film
1 in this embodiment includes along its entire length, distributed
equidistantly or not, a large amount of circular perforations 2
through which water is distributed to the root system of the crops,
according to the type of crop and the required amounts of water;
said perforations 2 in this embodiment have a diameter "d" that
ranges from 1 to 3.5 inches, preferably 2 inches; the distance of
separation "s" in this embodiment ranges from 20 cm. to 50 cm. with
an optimal distance between perforations of 30 cm.; the width "a"
of the plastic film is in accordance with the space that exists
between the furrows of each plot, with enough space to create the
shape of the channel that permits the flow of water over the
plastic film. The thickness of the film also depends on the land to
which it is applied, and can range from 50 gauges (12.5 microns) to
125 gauges (31.25 microns), having an optimal thickness of 80
gauges (20 microns), although the thickness can vary according to
the type of texture and structure of the soil, and the volume of
water to transport, to avoid tearing. This results in a plastic
film with sufficient resistance and durability for different types
of terrain, or different films according to the type of terrain to
which it will be applied.
[0067] The perforations can have different shapes, such as
polygons, irregulars, ovals, or other diverse forms.
[0068] FIG. 2 shows a plant from a portion of plastic film which
includes frangible sections that come off to create perforations in
another of its modalities. In said figure, instead of perforations,
the plastic film 1 includes frangible circular sections 3 defined
by a succession of small perforations or cuts 4, which come off to
create successive, alternating, or discontinuous perforations
through which water is distributed to the root system of the crops,
according to the type of crop and the required amounts of water;
said plastic film 1 is installed in the valleys formed between the
furrows, making a channel to transport irrigation water.
[0069] The large amount of frangible sections are removable, as
desired, to generate perforations in the film through which water
is distributed to the land directly to the root system of
cultivated plants, so that the soil is moistened uniformly.
[0070] FIG. 3 shows a conventional perspective of the plastic film
for the flood system of irrigation by channels in the furrows of
the cultivated plots, illustrating the installation of the film
with a machine installed on a tractor. In said figure, it can be
observed that the plastic film 1 is installed in the valleys 5
between the furrows 6 forming a channel to transport irrigation
water 7 and with its lateral edges 8 buried in the sides of the
furrows 6 covering the entire valleys and part of the sides of the
furrow 6, with the cultivated plants an the ridge of the furrow
6.
[0071] The film 1 should be buried along its edges 8 in the sides
of the furrows 6 and the width that is buried is in accordance with
the type of soil; although this preferably ranges from 2 cm to 5
cm. and 3 cm on each side is optimal, and ensures that the plastic
does not become unburied and that it is easy to remove at the end
of the crop cycle.
[0072] In the same FIG. 3 it can be observed that the plastic film
1 is installed with a machine that consists of an attachment 9 that
is mounted to a tractor 10, where the rolls 11 of plastic film are
mounted and unrolled using a mechanism of wheels 12 that turn to
unroll the film and a mechanism of lateral disks 13 that press the
side edges of the plastic film 1 against the furrow, burying the
edges in the sides of the furrows 6.
[0073] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of a cultivated plot with the
plastic film installed in the valleys or channels between furrows,
for the distribution of water to the root system. In said figure,
the plastic film 1 is installed in the valleys 5 between the
furrows 6 to form a channel 7 which guides the flow of water 14 for
flood irrigation by gravity, with its side edges 8 buried in the
sides of the furrows 6, completely covering the valleys 5 and part
of the sides of the furrows 6, with the cultivated plants 15 on the
ridge of the furrows 6.
[0074] In this way, the flow of water 14 is distributed through the
perforations (not shown), creating a bulb of moisture 16 that
covers a large part of the root system 17 of the plants 15.
[0075] The invention has been sufficiently described so that a
person with average knowledge of the subject can reproduce and
obtain the results that we mention with the present invention.
However, any person skilled in the technical field that the present
invention involves may be capable of making modifications not
described in the present application. However, if in the
application of these modifications in a determined structure or in
the manufacturing process of that structure, the material contained
in the following claims is required, said structures should be
considered part of the invention.
* * * * *