Arid and semi-arid regions cover 66% of the African dryland, (Cornelius et. Al., 2024). Due to low rainfall and high poverty levels, an affordable climate -smart irrigation system is essential for crop production, particularly for growing vegetables and fruits for household consumption. The capillary wick irrigation system offers a simple yet effective solution. This method uses a wettable fabric to transport from a reservoir directly to the roots of plants. It is a versatile irrigation system that can be used in both hydroponic and soil-based crop production.
Components of a Capillary Wick System
- Reservoir: To hold water or the nutrient solution (in the case of hydroponics).
- Growing media: Can include soil or inert media for plant support.
- Water/nutrient solution: Provides essential hydration and nutrients to the plants.
- Wicks: These convey water or nutrient solution from the reservoir to the growing media (and plant roots) via capillary action. Wicks can be made of materials such the canvas, blanket, lantern fabric or woven cotton.
- Plants: The primary recipients of water and nutrients delivered through the system.
The Capillary Wick System Models and Applications
The capillary wick system is versatile and can be applied in various agricultural settings:
- Hydroponics: Ideal for shallow-rooted crops such as vegetables. A stirring mechanism may be required to aerate the nutrient solution and maintain uniformity.
- Microgreens production: Suitable for growing nutrients dense microgreens efficiently.
- Underground capillary wick system: Wicks are placed below the soil surface emerging from a water reservoir, to supply water directly to the plants roots contained in a media enclosed by a polythene lining. This minimizes evapotranspiration and is commonly used for vegetables, shallow- to medium-rooted fruit crops and fodder.
- Growing trees: Integrated into systems like the Groasis Waterboxx for efficient tree cultivation.
- Container plants: Used in potted plants and vertical gardens, providing a consistent water supply in compact spaces.
Advantages of Capillary Wick System
- Water Efficiency: Transports only the necessary amount of water or nutrients solution directly to the plant roots, minimizing waste.
- Affordability and Simplicity: Easy to set up and maintain, using locally available and inexpensive materials.
- Versatility: Accommodates a wide range of crops and growing mediums, making it adaptable to various agricultural needs.
Disadvantages
- Initial monitoring: Requires consistent checking at the start to ensure the self-wicking process is functioning Waterbucks properly.
Conclusion
The efficiency, simplicity and affordability of the capillary wick irrigation system models sheds light to the ability of curbing hunger and malnutrition among small holder farmers in the arid and semi-arid regions of Africa.
Reference
- Cornelius O., Yvonne W.G., Simangele S. & Margaret A.A. (2024). Nature-based solutions for Water Resource Management in Africa’s Arid and Semi-arid Lands (ASALs): A systematic review of existing interventions.
- IUCN. Kenya (ASAL) https://iucn.org/our-work/topic/ecosystem-restoration/restoration-initiative/projects/kenya-asal
- KIPPRA. (2022). Reducing Multiple deprivations in arid counties in Kenya.
- Mercy Achieng. (2023). PlantVillage Commissions Agricultural Transformation of Kenya’s Marsabit Drylands through Irrigation Technology.
- https://unacademy.com/content/neet-ug/study-material/biology/wick-system/