Irrigation by electrophoretic lifting of subsoil moisture - at rates proportional to potential differentials of buried electrode networks

摘要

Dry soils are irrigated by raising sub-surface moisture in response to an electrical potential between positive electrodes near the soil surface and negative electrodes in the damp subsoil regions. Pref. the electrodes are in the form of a grid and the potential difference is approx. a few mV to about a volt. Opt. the moisture is raised through vertical capillary tubes having a potential difference between their ends, the positive pole being uppermost. The flow rate is readily controlled by adjusting the potential difference. Esp. suitable for irrigation of non-rocky terrain, e.g. sandy deserts with subsurface damp strate.